If you’re backpacking Australia, chances are Uluru is already high on your bucket list… but what actually is it, and why does everyone say it’s so special?
Let’s break it down.
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So… what is Uluru?
Uluru (previously known as Ayers Rock) is a massive sandstone monolith rising out of the heart of Australia’s Red Centre, inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory. Standing about 348 metres high and stretching nearly 10 km around, it’s one of the most recognisable natural landmarks in the world. But Uluru isn’t just big, it’s ancient. Like, over 550 million years old ancient. Why is Uluru so important? Uluru is incredibly sacred to the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land. Every cave, waterhole and rock face around Uluru is connected to Tjukurpa - the Anangu law, spirituality and creation stories that have been passed down for tens of thousands of years. Because of this deep cultural significance, climbing Uluru is no longer allowed. Instead, visitors are encouraged to experience the rock respectfully, through walks, storytelling and cultural learning and honestly, that’s where the real magic is.
What Can Backpackers Do at Uluru?
Plenty! And no, you don’t need a huge budget to enjoy it.- Sunrise & sunset views - Uluru famously changes colour throughout the day, glowing fiery red, orange and purple as the sun moves. It’s unreal, and easily one of the most iconic sights in Australia.
- Base walk - A 10 km walk around the base lets you see rock art, waterholes and sacred sites up close, including places like Mutitjulu Waterhole and the Mala Walk, where you’ll learn about the cultural stories connected to the rock.
- Cultural tours - Learn directly from Anangu guides about bush tucker, storytelling and desert survival, and gain a deeper understanding of the land and its traditions.
- Stargazing - With zero light pollution, the night sky here is next-level. Sleeping under the stars in the Outback is an experience most backpackers never forget.
- Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) - A nearby group of giant rock domes that are just as impressive and often less crowded. Walking through the valleys offers a completely different, but equally powerful, outback landscape.
- Kings Canyon - Many backpackers also visit Watarrka National Park, home to Kings Canyon. The famous Rim Walk takes you along towering sandstone cliffs with views over the Lost City rock formations and down into the lush Garden of Eden, showing off a totally different side of the Red Centre.
When’s the Best Time to Visit?
The best time to visit Uluru is between May and September, when daytime temperatures are cooler and ideal for walking. Sunrise and sunset are must-do moments year-round, as the rock shifts through deep reds, oranges and purples depending on the light.Best Way to Experience Uluru
For most travellers, the best way to experience Uluru is on a multi-day camping tour through the Red Centre. These trips are designed to pack in the region’s biggest highlights while keeping things simple, social and affordable. Typically, you’ll explore Uluru, Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Kings Canyon over a few days, with guided walks, sunrise and sunset viewing, and time to learn about Anangu culture and ancient rock art along the way. Highlights often include walking around the base of Uluru, hiking through the valleys of Kata Tjuta, and tackling the famous Kings Canyon Rim Walk, where you’ll see the Lost City rock formations and the lush Garden of Eden below. Accommodation is usually swag camping or permanent eco safari tents, giving travellers the chance to sleep under the stars or enjoy a more comfortable but still immersive outback stay. With meals, transport and expert guides included, it’s a stress-free way to experience the Outback without needing your own vehicle. Most tours offer flexible start and finish points from Alice Springs or Yulara (Ayers Rock Airport), making it easy to fit Uluru into your wider Australia itinerary.
