Uluru is one of the most recognisable places in Australia. Seeing it change colour at sunset is on many travel lists. It is also a deeply sacred place for its Traditional Owners, the Aṉangu.
A visit goes better when you understand a little about the people and the law behind the land. Most of what visitors are asked to do is simple. It mostly comes down to listening, staying on the tracks and thinking before you take a photo.
Why Uluru matters to Aṉangu
Aṉangu families have cared for this country for thousands of years. The foundation of Aṉangu culture is Tjukurpa. Park information describes it as the creation period when ancestral beings created the world. It also provides the rules for behaviour, for living together and for caring for each other and the land.
Tjukurpa is described as relating to the past, present and future at the same time. It is not just a set of old stories. It guides how the park is cared for today. Keeping that in mind changes how you see the rock and the walks around it.
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for both its natural and cultural values. That double listing reflects how closely the land and culture are tied together. Visitors are there as guests on Aṉangu country. A respectful attitude goes a long way.
The climb is closed for good
Climbing Uluru was not generally permitted under Tjukurpa. Even so, visitors started climbing in the late 1930s. A chain was installed on the first section of the climb in 1964. For decades many tourists climbed while Aṉangu asked them not to.
The park was handed back to Aṉangu in 1985. According to the official Uluru climb closure history, signs at the base of the climb in the 1990s asked visitors not to climb. In November 2017 the Board of Management voted unanimously to close it. The climb closed permanently from 26 October 2019, the 34th anniversary of Handback.
Climbing now breaches the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The park says penalties will be issued to visitors who try. Former Board chairman Sammy Wilson said closing the climb was a cause for celebration. He also said that Aṉangu welcome tourists.
How the park is managed
When the title deed was returned in 1985, Aṉangu leased the land back to the Australian Government for 99 years. Since then the park has been jointly managed by Aṉangu and Parks Australia. The Board of Management has 12 members. A majority must be Indigenous people nominated by the Aṉangu Traditional Owners.
This joint management is why visitor rules mix cultural protocols with national park law. Signs, maps and track closures all come from that partnership. Following them is the easiest way to show respect. It also keeps you safe in a harsh desert setting.
Taking photos with care
Photography is one of the areas where visitors most often get things wrong. Some sites around Uluru and Kata Tjuta are culturally sensitive. Aṉangu ask that these are not photographed, because images of them are not appropriate to view elsewhere. The park explains the details on its photography and cultural protocols page.
Sensitive sites are marked with signs, and park maps show where photos are not allowed. In these areas you can still photograph plants, animals and people. Just keep rock formations out of the frame. A tree, a bush or a sand dune can block a sacred site from view.
For the north east face of Uluru, Aṉangu ask photographers to take only wide shots from a distance. The page suggests one to two hours before sunset as a good time, when shadows hide the sacred details. Always ask permission before photographing or filming Aṉangu people. Drones are prohibited in the park and penalties apply.
Plans to share photos for money need a permit. The park says commercial use of photos or video needs a media permit. That includes influencers, bloggers, artists and content creators. If you post travel content as part of your work, sort this out before you go.
Simple courtesy while you are there
Everyday manners matter on country. The park suggests greeting Aṉangu with a friendly “palya”. Some Aṉangu may find constant eye contact uncomfortable. A silent pause usually means someone is listening or thinking, not ignoring you.
- Stay on marked tracks and paths.
- Do not enter or photograph restricted areas, including ceremonial sites, burial grounds and homes.
- Do not climb rock formations or boulders.
- Do not feed wild animals.
- Leave the park before closing time, as camping is not allowed inside.
Planning your visit
A park pass is needed to enter, and children under 18 are free. The Cultural Centre is a good first stop and entry is free. It sits a short drive from the base of Uluru. A cultural presentation runs there each day.
The heat is serious for much of the year. The visitor guide advises finishing walks by 11 am in hot weather. Carry and drink at least one litre of water per person per hour. Summer temperatures can go above 40 degrees.
The full Uluru Base Walk is about 10.6 kilometres and takes around three and a half hours. It is a gentler way to experience the rock than any climb ever was. Check signs and track closures before you set off. Walking with another person is advised at all times.
Making the most of the trip
Uluru suits travellers who want more than a beach and a pool. If you are working through choosing a holiday destination, it offers culture, walking and big open skies. The night sky is famous, though you will need to view it from outside the park after closing time.
A slower trip also gives you a proper break from screens and deadlines. Time in a quiet desert can help with balancing work and life. Early starts and long walks make a welcome change from a desk. Plan some rest time too, as the desert heat can be tiring.
Uluru also works well for groups. Walks and cultural tours give friends or colleagues something to share. That makes a nice change from typical team building activities in a city venue. It is a very different trip from a Bali wedding or resort holiday.
Frequently asked questions
Can you still climb Uluru?
No, the climb closed permanently from 26 October 2019. Climbing now breaches the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The park says penalties will be issued to anyone who tries. The Base Walk is a good way to see the rock up close instead.
Can I take photos of Uluru?
Yes, but not at culturally sensitive sites marked by signs and on park maps. For the north east face, Aṉangu ask for wide shots from a distance. Always ask before photographing Aṉangu people. Commercial use of images needs a media permit.
Can I fly a drone at Uluru?
No, drones and other remote controlled devices are prohibited in the park. This is enforced under national environment law. Penalties apply for unauthorised use. Leave the drone at your accommodation.
What is the best time of day to walk?
Early morning is best for much of the year. In hot weather the park advises finishing walks by 11 am. Avoid walking in the hottest part of the afternoon. Carry plenty of water and walk with someone else.
Park rules, opening hours and fees can change. Check the official Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park website for current information before you travel.