What is the closest town to Uluru?

Uluru is the ultimate Oz travel rite of passage. The great red monolith, situated right in the heart of this rugged land, is one of the world’s most impressive natural landmarks, a sprawling sandstone rock that leaps out of the desert earth below!

The closest town to Uluru is Yulara, a small township that comprises mostly of the famed Ayers Rock Resort, an Indigenous-owned hotel that provides accommodation and amenities needed when visiting the national parks.

The next large town is Alice Springs, which is famous in its own right for its wealth of Indigenous arts and culture. Alice Springs offers everything you can expect in a large town, as well as being a great jumping point for visiting the wondrous Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Once you get to the national park, expect to enjoy these unforgettable experiences:

Uluru at any time of day

Uluru, being one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural landmarks, is pretty stunning at any time of the day. However, it’s setting out for a dawn or dusk viewing that really transfixes the imagination.

In the hours before sunrise and sunset it appears as if the rock becomes alive, with the rising and setting sun engulfing it in all shades of pinks, blues, golds, reds and oranges.

It is simply sublime to arrive at these times of day and watch the way the sun dances upon the giant expanse. It is one of nature’s most dazzling light shows that simply can’t be overlooked even though you will certainly be marvelling at it in the day, too!

Uluru base walk

Uluru is big – really big. And for this reason, it makes for the perfect place to circumnavigate and take in the fascinating nature that lives around the rock’s base.

Be prepared, of course, as the base walk is around 10 km and takes around three and a half hours to complete, but it is totally worth it, as you will experience some of the national park’s most delightful flora and fauna along the way.

The Valley of the Winds walk

Situated amongst Kata Tjuta’s Mars-esque domes, the Valley of the Winds walk is a truly immersive experience, offering unbelievable views from different vantage points along the track.

There are numerous walking options, so you can take one of the shorter ones if you don’t feel like taking on the epic four hour trek – either way you should prepare to be enthralled.

Related article: How far is the walk around Uluru?

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