Plan Your Uluru Base Walk
Walking routes around Uluru after the climb closed: park pass, trail etiquette, and how to pace a desert day.
Walking routes around Uluru after the climb closed: park pass, trail etiquette, and how to pace a desert day.
Here is what most hikers arrange for Uluru (Ayers Rock). Fees, shuttle rules, and seasonal closures change, so confirm details on parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru before you go.
A 3-day park pass is required for every visitor and covers Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Climbing has been closed since 2019 out of respect for Anangu traditional owners.
The base walk can close in extreme heat. Carry water, start early, and follow photography restrictions at sacred sites.
12 hours • rim walk • scenic canyon viewpoints
4 days • Uluru & Kata Tjuta • Kings Canyon rim walk
5 hours • sunrise viewing • walk at Walpa Gorge
The permanent climb ban shifts the experience to ground-level tracks and culture.
Sunrise and sunset platforms remain highlights for non-hikers too.
The same pass covers the domes and Valley of the Winds walks.
Trails often close above set temperatures. Start at dawn.
Sacred sites along the base are clearly marked.
It is the only full-service hub next to the park.
Conditions change. Confirm trail status, weather, and access rules on parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru before you go.
Circumnavigation of Uluru on marked paths.
Shorter interpretive segment often guided.
Permanent waterhole near the rock.
Exhibits and talks before you walk.
Designated viewing areas off the rock.
Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.
Light installation • desert night experience • unique photo moments
Gorge cruises • sandstone cliffs • wildlife spotting
Harbour cruises • sunsets • Top End waterfront views
Can I climb Uluru?
No. Climbing has been closed permanently since October 2019.
Do I need a guide for the base walk?
No, but cultural talks add important context.
How long is the full base walk?
Plan several hours for the full loop at an easy pace.
Is the walk open year-round?
Weather and heat closures apply, especially in summer.
Does the pass include Kata Tjuta?
Yes, the standard park pass covers both.
What should I wear?
Covered shoes, sun protection, and light layers.
Uluru is a sandstone monolith in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in Australia's Northern Territory, sacred to Anangu traditional owners and jointly managed with Parks Australia.
This hike-oriented page centers on walking the base, heat safety, and cultural guidelines rather than general tourist packages.
