Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - Parco nazionale Uluru-Kata Tjuta

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is located in the Northern Territory, and more precisely in the Red Center ofAustralia, away from the main Australian capitals, all located on the coast.

To know

Kata Tjuta National Park is perhaps the most famous icon ofAustralia. Who does not know the monolith red in the center of this continent called Uluru (Ayers Rock). The expectations for this visit are always very high, and when you approach the park it is automatic to wonder if all this distance traveled, not only from Italy, but also within theAustralia, it will then be paid back adequately.

What is certain is that the park is one of the few places in Australia included in the heritage list of theUNESCO. The visit is therefore normally on the list of places to see for any trip to this continent. Although most tourists only spend 1 day in this remote part, it is suggested to plan at least 2 days. This will allow you to see Uluru at sunset and sunrise, with its magnificent colors, as well as visit Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) with its beautiful valley of the winds.

History of the park

Human presence on this site dates back to over 10,000 years ago (some books report as far back as 20,000 years ago). Obviously there is talk of an aboriginal presence that still resides here with the Anangu. A few years ago, however, there was an agreement between Parks Australia and the Anangu for a 99-year lease of the park. The money received is then invested in community and cultural projects for the aboriginal populations.

The white man only approached this part of Australia at the end of the 19th century and the explorers of the time, including Ernest Giles and William Gosse, renamed the sites recalling the names of the queen Olga of Wurttemberg (Kata Tjuta) and the Prime Minister ofSouth Australia, Henry Ayers (Uluru). Since then the white presence increased, but not significantly, until 1950, when a small airport was also built. Those were also the first times when the two cultures, white and aboriginal, began to clash.

In 1970 the construction of the Yulara Resort began, still today the only center for tourist reception. If on the one hand this greatly increased the tourist influx, now reaching 50,000 people a year, on the other hand it helped to reorganize the area in a more liveable way for both cultures.

As you can read in the Information Center, the park was recognized as aboriginal property only in 1985, after many struggles not only legal but also media, with the signing of the lease agreement in Parks Australia for 99 years.

Geographical notes

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is located exactly in the middle of theAustralia and it is one of the sites that, geographically, is among the most isolated in the world. Uluru, the red monolith, can be compared to a large desert iceberg, in fact 5-6 km of this rock resides underground and is not visible.For those who are not rewarded by the spectacle of Uluru, which may be below expectations, a visit to Kata Tjuta, the second place of interest of the park, characterized by 36 heads (rock formations up to 540 meters high) and a variety of landscapes, including the beautiful Valley of the Winds, which truly leaves you speechless.

Flora and fauna

The park, at first glance, can be a big arid desert. In fact, there are many animals that reside in this area, starting with kangaroos reds, from dingoes and other animals of the marsupial family. There is obviously no shortage of snakes to which you must always pay close attention. Visit the Information Center, right at the entrance to the center there are some interesting murals that tell the evolution of the park over the millennia with mention of the animals that inhabit it. The inside of the center also contains photos and and some specimens.

The plants in this part ofAustralia they are typical of the outback, that is fat and linked to desert areas. The mulga is a typical plant of central Australia, with a very hard trunk, used for the creation of tools by the aborigines. Eucalyptus trees are also present, although not extremely common.

If you are lucky enough to arrive after a rain you will immediately notice how little water can suddenly wake the desert. Green wins over brown and red. Plants grow at an unthinkable speed. It is as if nature suddenly wants to exploit that little water to concentrate a year of life in a few days, maybe a week.

When to go

Heat and humidity are an important factor to consider visiting the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. While Uluru never closes, unless you want to do some climbing (not recommended), Kata Tjuta closes the valley of the winds in case the temperature rises above 36 degrees after 11am.

Clearly you don't come to Australia just for this park so all that remains is to be prepared for the conditions of the period you visit this continent, which can be, depending on the months, completely different, and sometimes even surprising. Summarizing in a nutshell:

• From November to March, temperatures can soar as high as 45 degrees during the day, and there can also be rainy days, although periods of years without rain are not uncommon. During these months the visits are concentrated in the very busy morning (dawn) and in the late afternoon.
• from June to September the temperatures during the day are only very pleasant, around 20 degrees perfect for visiting and walking the sites. Beware that nights can be very cold, even below zero, and even during the day there may be that cool wind that requires a sweater. If you are camping, bring the right equipment for the night.
• in the other months the temperatures are more moderate

How to get

The nearest inhabited center is Alice Springs at approximately 470 km. Petrol stations are present along the route, approximately every 100 km.

By plane

The airport is approximately 5 km from the Yulara Resort. The only scheduled airline to fly to Uluru is Qantas, with daily flights from Alice Springs or from other cities with a stopover in Alice Springs. There are other charter flights but these are organized by large tour operators.

By bus

Greyhound Australia [1] is the only official bus company that connects Alice Springs with Uluru, in about 5 hours. There is no direct link to Adelaide.

By car

Be prepared for long distances, water and always check the fuel level. It is not unusual to encounter even a single car in a 100 km journey. The petrol stations are located at a distance of 50-100 km, but it is better to stop in excess, than in default, avoiding running out of gas in the desert, with 40-50 degrees in the sun. Alice Springs at the petrol station Erldunda (2 hours); from here state 4, Lasseter Hway, will take you directly to the park (3 hours). Obviously no traffic, only 2 years ago the speed limits were introduced today at 110 km. It is easy to pass this limit, given the absence of traffic and the road always straight, but it is not recommended as the police frequently install speed control lasers.

If you've decided to rent a car in Alice Springs, make sure it's unlimited mileage. Besides the usual companies like Avis, Budget and Europcar, it is also recommended to check with Outback Auto Rentals [2]^{[link not working]}, a local supplier, and AutoEurope [3], one of the rare operators that rent with unlimited mileage. Beware that they tend to invoice km over 100 / day, do write unlimited mileage on the contract, so as not to have any nasty surprises later (check your credit card anyway and get the phone number, in case you can at least call back).

Furthermore, car insurance does not normally cover if you travel off-road, even dirt, with a 2WD and if you travel at night, however not recommended due to the massive presence of animals on the roads. Before leaving, therefore, count the hours (at least 5 hours before sunset). Also remember that the Northern Territory it has a different time from other states.

Permits / Rates

The park is open from 5.00 to 21.00 between December and February, this period is shortened according to the hours of sunshine in the day, while the cultural center is open from 7 to 18.

There are two types of permits / tickets:

• Standard 3 Day Pass for $ 25.00
• Annual Individual Ticket for $ 32.50, to be considered only when you want to stay more than three days

Admission is free for children under 16.

How to get around

Download a map [4] of the park. The car is the essential means of getting around the park (to rent for Alice Springs or Yulara Resort, at the Information Center). it is also possible to do it by bike, especially if you only want to visit Uluru, but the distances are enormous. Between Yulara Resort (where you will sleep) and Kata Tjuta there are 55 km and no petrol station, so be sure of the level of petrol before proceeding with the journey. There are two bus companies in the park for transportation between Yulara Resort, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and while it's an expensive option, it's still the only alternative to a car.

• Camp Ground, Yulara Resort, ☎ 61 (08) 8957 7001. $ 7 / hour or $ 20 full day. Bike rental, you can use it inside the resort or to go to Uluru. Kata Tjuta is located at 55Km. Remember to bring lots of water with you. 
• Uluru Express, ☎ 61 (08) 8956 2152. 35$-50$. Bus to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. 
• Uluru-Kata Tjuta Park Shuttle, ☎ 61 (08) 8956 2171. 30$-80$. Similar conditions and travel to Uluru Express. 

Inside the Yulara Resort there is a minibus for free transport between the campsite, restaurants and shopping center (every 15 minutes). A free bus will take you from the airport to the resort.

What see

• Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Center. Leave the visit of the center when the day gets warmer, especially if you come in January-February. Don't miss it though, because here you will find murals that will give you a better understanding of Aboriginal history and culture. The interior of the center offers an exhibition on today's customs with a description of the plants in the area and how the Aborigines manage to live with the products local.
• Uluru (Ayers Rock)[5]. The expectation grows with the approach to this large monolith. The red desert makes more and more space for this immense rock and suddenly you find it in front of you after a few curves and small hills that hide it in the last kilometers. Forget about the journey made to get here and start enjoying it in silence, whenever you can, because the horde of tourists can be irritating at times (but aren't you one of the many tourists too?). Approaching Ayers Rock, you will find that it is not that unique piece you imagined, there are small canyons and unexpected lakes (pools). Take your time and walk around the monolith (10km in about 3-4 hours, easy). Don't miss the sunset and possibly the sunrise too. The downside of both moments is the mass of tourists and buses who would do anything to have an open space to take a picture, prepare breakfast in the morning and toast the evening with the sun going down behind the rock. It can be exaggerated. Don't ask yourself whether or not it is right to climb; know that the aborigines do not agree, as a sacred place, and even if the land is leased to the white man, with his laws, it does not seem right to proceed. One wonders why the authorities

Australians do not block it entirely instead of trying to persuade tourists

• Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)[6]. Located about 55 km from Yulara this site is definitely not second to Uluru, indeed, many visitors find it even more interesting. It is certainly more varied, with 36 rocky peaks (Kata Tjuta means many heads in aboriginal) up to 546 meters high. When Ernest Giles he discovered Kata Tjuta in 1872, reported in his manuscript that Uluru is more ancient and sublime but the Olgas are magnificent and grotesque. Indeed, it is intriguing to think how these two formations, once belonging to the same mountain range, can be so different. A few kilometers from the Olgas, stop at the viewpoint, much less crowded than Uluru, you will have the opportunity to take beautiful photos with an interesting desert landscape. Arriving at the car park, don't miss the inevitable walk in the valley of the winds, magnificent, for some the most beautiful part of the park. If the day is hot, start it very early as you risk finding it closed if the temperature rises above 36 degrees at 11am.

What to do

The main recreational activities are related to walking in the sites listed above. In particular, the following paths are suggested:

• Uluru base (10 km, 3-4 hours, easy): it is a path that follows the perimeter of Uluru. You will be able to see every hidden corner up close.
• Kuniya Walk and Mutitjulu Waterhole in Uluru (1 km, 45 minutes, easy): leave the car at the Kuniya car park. From here, follow the simple route that will take you to the waterhole. Very beautiful in the early morning, with the sun creating interesting shadows for your best photos.
• Valley of the winds (7.4 km, 3 hours, medium difficulty): here you will walk in spectacular canyons with breathtaking views, especially in the second part of the route. The most beautiful walk in the park.

Other activities are organized by the Yulara Resort [7]. Here you can opt for a camel ride, or a Harley, or even a helicopter. The choice is vast, but you pay a certain margin due to the seat.

Shopping

• Uluru Information & Cultural Center. 8 am-5pm. The shop at the exit of the information and cultural center offers an excellent choice of Aboriginal paintings and products with an amazing value for money. If you were thinking of buying an Aboriginal keepsake, this is one of the best shops in the Northern Territory. 

Where to eat

For food, drink and sleep, there is not much choice in Uluru. There is only one resort, the "Yulara Resort"[8]. Inside, you can opt for the low-budget solution, or for super-luxury.

• Sounds of Silence. 155$. To do or not to do, this is the question many travelers ask themselves. The experience is very touristy of course, but this is a resort and you are a tourist, so no surprises. The experience is not culinary, nothing exceptional, but the environment in which it is organized, with a view of Uluru as the sun goes down. The choice is very personal. 
• Pioneer BBQ and Bar, ☎ 61 1300 134 044. 15$-25$. Attention!! Meat is served until 9pm. DIY BBQ at this resort. Inspired by Ikea, you will pay at the cashier for the dish you want and you will be given the meat that you will have to cook yourself on the barbecue. This restaurant located right next to the campsite, it is therefore the ideal solution for conscientious travelers, in case you don't want to cook on your own. Live music accompanies the evening. Bring the key of the resort where you are (or the camping cards) with you, otherwise you will not need alcohol. 

Where to drink

• Outback Pioneer Hotel. Live western style music, tables and benches in front of the stage. A nice counter offering typical Outback beers (NT suggested). An evening with nothing exceptional but what this resort offers. Bring the key of the resort where you are (or the camping cards) with you, otherwise you will not need alcohol. 

Where stay

An alternative solution to the Yulara resort is the Curtin Springs station which is located 85km from Uluru. A unique experience, in the middle of the desert, but you will miss the sunrise and sunset at the monolith.

• Ayers Rock Campground, ☎ 61 (08) 8957 7001, @[email protected]. 20 $ (tent) / 150 $ (6 person bungalow). The least expensive alternative to sleeping in Uluru. If you intend to camp during the months of June-September, be prepared with a heavy sleeping bag, because the temperature can drop even below 0 at night. The bungalow is perfect for 4 people, for 6 it is a bit tight with a small double room and another small room with 4 dorm style beds (or catacomb for how tight they are). 
• Outback Pioneer Hotel, ☎ 61 1300 134 044. from $ 200. 2-star (lodge) or 3-star apartments and rooms. 
• Curtin Springs Station, Lasseter Hwy ((85Km from Uluru)), ☎ 61 (08) 89562906, @[email protected]. 65$-150$. Probably the best value accommodation in the Uluru area. It is located 85km from the monolith, which means that it is still convenient for a day visit but you will miss the sunrise and sunset, as it is absolutely not recommended to travel at night in the outback. Great food in the restaurant, it is an excellent alternative if you still thought you would miss the sunset or sunrise. 

Safety

No problem with theft or crime, of course. Just beware of possible snakes even if they are very rare in the resort. If you are camping, remember to always close the tent, so as not to find surprises at night.

How to keep in touch

You will have the cell phone signal in Uluru, with all operators. On the road to Uluru, the signal is completely absent (if not in rare areas) except for Telstra, the only truly national coverage operator. If you plan to venture out in a 4x4 for several days, especially on off-the-beaten-track tracks, consider renting a satellite phone.

Excursions

Other projects

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