Climbing Uluru on an Ayers Rock Tour
Ayers Rock Tour - Adventure Climbs and Scenic Outback Excursions
Located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Ayers Rock rises some 348 metres from it's flat desert-like surroundings! This is a great outback adventure - the area is perfect for hiking and exploring as well as learning about aboriginal culture.
Guided Ayers Rock tours can be arranged, including scenic flight-seeing trips around Uluru and nearby
Kata Tjuta.
Our page includes information on climbing Ayers Rock, walking tours, where to stay and when to go!
Climbing Ayers Rock
To climb Ayers Rock (Uluru), you must be physically fit. We've seen all sorts of age groups enjoy this climb, from 12 years of age through 55 years. A chain link guides you up Uluru through some of the steepest sections, although the last ascent must be made without the help of anything to grab on to.
Take your time and stay on the designated path! Plan your steps carefully as there are some very narrow sections close to the top and it tends to be windy as well.
There are many places along the climb where you can let others pass, allowing you to catch your breath and enjoy the spectacular scenery!
Take plenty of water with you - you'll need it! For the two of us - we consumed 5 litres in under 3 hours. Also make sure to take proper footwear for the climb, like hiking boots or running shoes. We've noticed some trying to climb in sandals, only to have to turn around and call it quits.
The climb is closed between the hours of 10am - 4pm. During the summer months, the temperature can be unbearable - reaching highs of 48 degrees Celcius.
If temperatures are forcast to exceed 36 degrees - the climb is closed by 8am. So it's advisable to start your climb by 7am as it takes about 3 hours to go up and return back down.
Walking Tours Around Ayers Rock
There's a 9 kilometre walking trail that circles the base of Uluru, where you can explore caves and aboriginal paintings. A self-guided walk is easy to do - Information and maps can be obtained from the local ranger station.
It takes about 5 hours to complete the trail. Walking around here on an Ayers Rock tour you can learn about aboriginal life, and enjoy outstanding close-up views of the Rock!
A word of caution: There are many sacred sites around the base of Ayers Rock that are "off-limits" not only to aboriginals but also to the general public. Do not enter these areas - they are clearly marked and fenced-off, and should be avoided!
Short walks (guided and self-guided) can be taken as well. These walks range from 1 - 2.5 hours in length and start at various areas around Uluru.
- Kuniya Walk - Southern side of Uluru offers breath-taking views
- Liru Walk - Learn how local Aboriginal people use the land to survive
- Mala Walk - View the Kantju Gorge (a sacred waterhole) and learn about the regions geology and flora
Ayers Rock Tour - Where to Stay
The village of Yulara is where you'll stay when visiting Ayers rock. This town-like resort provides all accommodation as well as food, medical, postal and banking services in the area.
It's location is just outside the National Park entrance - about 20 kilometres from Ayers Rock and 54 kilometres from The Olgas. All services in Yulara are within easy walking distance, and organized tours can be arranged from a number of different agencies.
Yulara offers a variety of accommodation choices to choose from - something for every budget!
Here are some places that we recommend:
If you have camping gear, the Ayers Rock Campground is the cheapest option and it also has a swimming pool.
The Outback Pioneer Lodge has bunk-bed style cabins with shared bathrooms and is reasonably priced at around $30 a night for shared single occupancy.
The Lost Camel Hotel (formerly Spinifex) is the latest addition to Yulara, with air-conditioned rooms and en-suite facilities.
Sails in the Desert Hotel - Combine your Ayers Rock tour with a touch of luxury! This 5 star property has all the comforts and amenities one would expect.
Ayers Rock Tour - Best Time to Go
An Ayers Rock tour can be enjoyed at any time of year. The best time to go is from March through November! It can still be quite hot during this time - but not unbearable! Temperatures can range from 20 - 35 degrees Celcius! During these months, all outdoor activities are more enjoyable whether hiking, cycling or climbing.
If extreme heat without a cloud in the sky is what your looking for, then try December through February. Look for temperatures to top out around 40 - 44 degrees Celcius!
Distance and Travel Times
Access to Ayers Rock is easy, either by land or air. If driving from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock - it's only 450 kilometres along a smooth sealed highway. The drive can be completed in about 4 hours, and there's lots of interesting sights to see along the way like Erldunda and Curtain Springs!
By air, you can fly direct to Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ). There's daily service from Perth, Sydney, Cairns and Alice Springs. There are direct flights from Melbourne as well, but not daily.
Distance / Travel to Ayers Rock
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