Plan Your Uluru Base Walk

Walking routes around Uluru after the climb closed: park pass, trail etiquette, and how to pace a desert day.

Climbing Base loop Pass
Closed since 2019 ~10.6 km full circuit Required park pass
Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Hikes, guides & access

Plan access and guided options for Uluru Base Walk. Use the official park or climb site for permits, fees, and safety rules. Use a trusted partner for guided hikes, transfers, and day tours with mobile tickets. Confirm altitude, weather, and inclusions before you book.

Official

Park pass info

Best for Uluru-Kata Tjuta park passes, cultural guidelines, and track status.

Climbing Uluru is closed; base walks and the Cultural Centre are the visit.

Partners

Guided hikes & day tours

Useful for guided hikes, transfers, glacier or cable-car packages, and flexible cancellation on many GetYourGuide listings.

Wear proper boots; mountain weather changes quickly.

Tips

Which option fits you?

Choose the official site for permits and park rules. Choose a partner tour when you want logistics handled (pickup, guide, timed entry) on a short trip.

Start early; summit and high trails fill by mid-morning in peak season.

Best curated experiences

Hand-picked Uluru Base Walk hikes and day tours on GetYourGuide. Prices and availability update on the partner site; confirm altitude, duration, and inclusions before you book.

4.7 (200+)

Kings Canyon: Full-Day Tour from Ayers Rock Resort

12 hours • rim walk • scenic canyon viewpoints

from $229 per person Book with
4.8 (50+)

Uluru: 4-Day Rock to Rock Adventure Tour

4 days • Uluru & Kata Tjuta • Kings Canyon rim walk

from $531 per person Book with
4.8 (300+)

Yulara: Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta Day Trip by Bus

5 hours • sunrise viewing • walk at Walpa Gorge

from $132 per person Book with

2000+ reviews on GetYourGuide for Uluru & the Red Centre

4.8

Why this angle works

check

Walking, not climbing

The permanent climb ban shifts the experience to ground-level tracks and culture.

check

Changing light on the rock

Sunrise and sunset platforms remain highlights for non-hikers too.

check

Kata Tjuta add-on

The same pass covers the domes and Valley of the Winds walks.

Safety & prep

Heat kills plans

Trails often close above set temperatures. Start at dawn.

Respect no-photo zones

Sacred sites along the base are clearly marked.

Base in Yulara

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.

The route

01

Full base walk

Circumnavigation of Uluru on marked paths.

02

Mala walk

Shorter interpretive segment often guided.

03

Mutitjulu Waterhole

Permanent waterhole near the rock.

04

Cultural Centre

Exhibits and talks before you walk.

05

Sunrise / sunset dunes

Designated viewing areas off the rock.

06

Kata Tjuta walks

Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge.

Other attractions near Uluru & Central Australia

4.8 (1,000+)

Field of Light (Uluru)

Light installation • desert night experience • unique photo moments

from $45 per person Find tickets
4.8 (800+)

Katherine Gorge (Nitmiluk)

Gorge cruises • sandstone cliffs • wildlife spotting

from $213 per person Find tickets
4.7 (2,000+)

Darwin Harbour

Harbour cruises • sunsets • Top End waterfront views

from $93 per person Find tickets

Getting to Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
  • Most visitors stay in Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort), the closest accommodation hub with easy access to the park’s trailheads and viewing areas.
  • Fly into Ayers Rock Airport (Connellan Airport) near Yulara, or drive from Alice Springs via the Stuart and Lasseter Highways,plan for long distances and remote conditions.
  • Plan your walks for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day, and carry plenty of water and sun protection.
  • A park entry fee applies for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Check current conditions and cultural area restrictions before you set out.

FAQ

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.

About Uluru (Ayers Rock)

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.

Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Back to Top