Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa are sacred to Aṉangu, the Traditional Owners, whose Tjukurpa (law, knowledge and Culture) runs through every rock face, cave and waterhole here. The park is jointly managed by Aṉangu and Parks Australia since Handback in 1985 and is a World Heritage site for both nature and culture. The climb was closed for good on 26 October 2019, because Tjukurpa does not permit it; Aṉangu marked the day as a cause for celebration. Visitors walk around the base, join free ranger-guided walks and learn the stories at the Cultural Centre instead.
Step 2 of 8Next: Visiting rules↓Visiting rules
Visiting with respect
- Do not climb Uluṟu: it is closed under Tjukurpa and attempting it brings penalties under federal law.
- Where signs mark a sensitive site, put the camera away and keep walking; photos of flora, fauna and people there are fine, the rock formations are not.
- Stay on marked tracks and take nothing from the land.
Hours and rules can change for festivals and services. Check the official site on the day.
Step 3 of 8Next: Getting there↓The route, stop by stop
The whole route first. Tap any stop and the map zooms to just that place.
Route
Stops
Ayers Rock Resort, Yulara → Uluṟu: Mala walk, Kuniya walk to Muṯitjulu Waterhole, base walk → Cultural Centre → Kata Tjuṯa: Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge · Directions in Google Maps ↗
- 1Free coach from Ayers Rock Airport for resort hotel guests, meeting every commercial flight, 10-15 minutes Map ↗
- 2Uluru Hop On Hop Off bus from the resort (Uluru Return AUD 54; 1-day pass AUD 140, 2-day AUD 170). The resort shuttle does not enter the park Map ↗
- 3On the hop-on hop-off route near Uluṟu; open 07:00-17:45 daily Map ↗
- 4One return transfer to Kata Tjuṯa is included in the 1-day and 2-day hop-on hop-off passes Map ↗
Travel legs add up to about ₹10,200 per person.
Step 4 of 8Next: Cost↓What it costs
A do-it-yourself budget for the visit: local transport and any entry fee. Donations and guided tours are extra.
What to book ahead
Where to stay and eat
Stay
Everyone sleeps at Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara, the only accommodation near the park, and prices reflect that. The cheapest beds are at the Outback Lodge: from AUD 42 in a 20-bed dorm or AUD 54 in a 4-bed dorm (about ₹2,500-3,250), with a shared kitchen. Ayers Rock Campground tent sites start at AUD 30 a night (about ₹1,800). Private lodge rooms start around AUD 240 (₹14,400). All are low-season 'from' rates that rise with demand.
Food
There is very little cheap food out here. The Outback Lodge's communal kitchen lets you cook, and the Cultural Centre has a café. The resort's restaurants and bars are the only other choices, so bring snacks and carry at least one litre of water per person per hour of walking.
Questions people ask
How many days do you need for Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park?
2 days · 1 night, starting from Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ), Yulara.
What is the best time for Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park?
May to September is the cool season and the easiest time to walk. From October to April summer heat often passes 30°C and can go above 40°C: the park strongly advises no walking after 11:00 in summer, and the Valley of the Winds walk closes beyond Karu Lookout from 11:00 on days forecast at 36°C or more.
How much does Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park cost?
From about ₹12,500 per person doing it yourself, with the travel legs adding up to roughly ₹10,200.
What needs to be booked in advance?
Park pass (must book): Adults AUD 38 for 3 days or AUD 50 annual; under-18s free. Buy online at book.parksaustralia.gov.au before you board any bus, or at the entry station. Bus fares do not include it. Hop-on hop-off bus (must book): Without a car this is the only scheduled way into the park. Timetables change by month: confirm your bus and time with the operator before you travel. Free ranger-guided Mala walk: No booking: meet at the Mala walk car park at 08:00 (October-April) or 10:00 (May-September). About 2 km return, 1.5 hours, wheelchair accessible. Park closing time (must book): The park is open every day but closes each evening, from 19:30 in winter to 21:00 in midsummer; you must be out by closing time.
Where do pilgrims stay?
Everyone sleeps at Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara, the only accommodation near the park, and prices reflect that. The cheapest beds are at the Outback Lodge: from AUD 42 in a 20-bed dorm or AUD 54 in a 4-bed dorm (about ₹2,500-3,250), with a shared kitchen. Ayers Rock Campground tent sites start at AUD 30 a night (about ₹1,800). Private lodge rooms start around AUD 240 (₹14,400). All are low-season 'from' rates that rise with demand.
What about food?
There is very little cheap food out here. The Outback Lodge's communal kitchen lets you cook, and the Cultural Centre has a café. The resort's restaurants and bars are the only other choices, so bring snacks and carry at least one litre of water per person per hour of walking.
Sources and last check
Checked 11 October 2026. Fees, hours and rules change, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
- uluru.gov.au OfficialPark pass AUD 38 (3 days) / AUD 50 annual, under-18 free, buy online or at entry station
- uluru.gov.au OfficialMonthly park hours, open every day, Cultural Centre 07:00-17:45
- uluru.gov.au OfficialClimb closed 26 Oct 2019, Tjukurpa reasons, Handback 1985, penalties under EPBC Act, 'cause for celebration' quote
- uluru.gov.au OfficialSensitive-site photography ban, north-east face Kaṉtju Gorge to Kuniya Piti, wide shots only, drone ban, media permit for bloggers
- uluru.gov.au OfficialHat, sunscreen, sturdy shoes; 1 litre water per hour; no walking after 11:00 in summer; summer temperatures
- uluru.gov.au OfficialValley of the Winds closes beyond Karu Lookout from 11:00 at 36°C+
- uluru.gov.au OfficialFree Mala walk, 08:00 Oct-Apr / 10:00 May-Sep, 2 km, 1.5 h, wheelchair accessible
- ayersrockresort.com.auHop On Hop Off 1-day AUD 140, Uluru Return AUD 54, park ticket not included, Kata Tjuta transfer included
- ayersrockresort.com.auHop On Hop Off 2-day pass from AUD 170 with one Kata Tjuta transfer
- ayersrockresort.com.auFree airport transfers for resort hotel guests meeting all commercial flights; resort shuttle does not enter the park
- ayersrockresort.com.auDorm beds from AUD 42 (20-bed) / AUD 54 (4-bed), private rooms from AUD 240, communal kitchen
- ayersrockresort.com.auTent-only sites from AUD 30, unpowered from AUD 55
More sacred places and routes
Costs are indicative ballparks for doing it yourself and change with season and demand. Always check live fares, rates and opening rules before you book. Trip Under is not a travel agency: we sell nothing, take no commission, and every booking link goes straight to the provider. Photographs come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences; see credits.
By Gokul · Updated 11 October 2026 ·