Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Things to Do Tips by Hewer Top 5 Page for this destination

Ayers Rock Sunset

Viewing the sunset at Ayers Rock is the most popular activity for visitors to the region.

There are two viewing areas, one for cars and small vans and one for buses. The viewing area for cars is a little closer.

Most people arrive about thirty minutes prior to sunset. Try to arrive early so that you can get a good vantage point.

Finally, don`t be disappointed if there is no dazzling change of colours. I lived at Ayers Rock for three years and I only saw about ten or so `postcard` sunsets. I took this photograph in September, 1997 with a disposable camera. I wish I'd had decent equipment!

The first fine day after some rainfall usually has a good sunset. Enjoy!

Olgas Sunset

The Olgas, known as Kata Tjuta to the traditional owners of the park, are located about 45 kilometers west of Uluru.

Sunset at the Olgas is definitely worthwhile if you are spending more than one night in the area (sadly, a one night stay is common). There are less people around so it is more low-key than sunset at Ayers Rock, which often involves more than one thousand people in two small areas.

The Olgas are less famous than their monolithic counterpart but certainly exude their own charm and the sunset there is spectacular.

Directions: Only a small number of guided tours include a sunset at the Olgas. Most tours include an afternoon tour there and then head to Uluru. You can hire a car or try one of the links below.

Other Contact: www.uluruexpress.com.au

Website: http://www.aatkings.com

To Climb or not to Climb......?

This could almost qualify as `Must Not See` activity. The traditional owners of the National Park, the Anangu, ask visitors not to climb Uluru.

The decision of whether or not to climb is entirely up to you. There are plenty of great activities in the National Park that do not involve climbing, among them walking around Uluru and walking through the Valley of the Kings at Kata Tjuta.

Having said that, I climbed Ayers Rock four times (once for each year I lived there) - 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

Directions: Make sure you climb at the designated place! There is one way up and down. There is a chain, as well as painted white lines on top of the monolith to guide you.

The climb takes about 90 minutes return.