The Outback and Central Australia, Uluru and Alice Springs
Essential to Remember
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is the sacred Aboriginal rock in the center of Australia. Height 348 m, length 9.4 km. Climbing has been prohibited since 2019 out of respect for the Anangu. Allow 2 days on site: walk around the rock, sunset, Kata Tjuta.
When we talk about the center of Australia, we immediately think of ULURU but it’s not just that!
I stayed 2 weeks in the surrounding area and I can tell you that Uluru is the destination that attracts visitors but it is not the place visitors remember the most in the center of Australia!
I will first give the means to get there!
Most readers who will read this article will take the plane but there are other alternatives!
You can get there by car via Adelaide and visit this less-visited region of Australia or get there by train!
Did you know?
Uluru changes color 3 times a day: orange at sunrise, intense red at noon, deep red at sunset. This phenomenon is due to the oxidation of the iron present in the rock and the angle of incidence of the sun.
More details on means of transport in Australia!
 What is the center of Australia like?
The center of Australia has magnificent spots! I will tell you about those I enjoyed during my trip:
My experience
I did the “base walk” (10 km around Uluru) at sunrise: 3 hours of walking in absolute silence, the rock changing color with every step. It is my most beautiful Australian hike, and yet the simplest.
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Uluru,
Uluru is an impressive rock several hundred meters high in the middle of nowhere; this is precisely why it is revered by the Aboriginal people! Aboriginal beliefs said that one had to climb it to become a man! You can also climb it but it is recommended not to because it is a sacred site! It is even said that there is a curse for Westerners who climb it and/or who have taken earth from the rock!
If you want to climb it, that will be your choice but out of respect for the Aboriginal people, I did not do it! There is also a very strong wind, at your own risk!
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Uluru base walk | 3h30 (10 km) |
| Uluru sunset | 1h |
| Kata Tjuta sunrise | 2h |
| Field of Light (night) | 2h |
| Helicopter flight | 1h |
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King canyon,
It is not the Grand Canyon but it is a very pleasant place for a hike in the middle of Australia lasting one day which consists of walking around the canyon and it is also possible to take a dip because in one part of the canyon, there is a water hole where you can swim! The water is very cold compared to the outside temperature!
Advantages
- Aboriginal sacred site (UNESCO Heritage)
- Unique desert landscapes
- Legendary sunset
- Kata Tjuta 30 minutes by car
- Observable desert wildlife
Disadvantages
- Very remote (flight from Sydney/Melbourne)
- Expensive hotels (single resort allowed)
- Extreme heat in summer (45°C)
- Many desert flies
- No possible ascent
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The Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
They are often called the Olgas, the little sister of Uluru because they are clusters of small Ulurus! The hikes offered here are more interesting than those offered at Uluru with prettier landscapes!
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The West MacDonnell,
Located west of Alice Springs, this region is a national park full of very beautiful landscapes! There is also a hike of about a hundred kilometers to do over a few days! This national park is very popular with hikers in central Australia. It is also appreciated by families because it has water points and camping areas where families can go for weekends and relax!
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Alice Springs,
During my trip to Australia, we arrived in this city on ANZAC Day, the day of commemoration of the fighters of the former world wars, I can tell you it is a spectacle not to be missed! It is a bit like the celebration of the Armistice ceremony for us!
The classic trap to avoid
Never attempt the ascent of Uluru (forbidden since October 2019). This ban respects the sacredness of the site for the Anangu. Also respect the prohibition to photograph certain areas: clearly indicated signs.
By the way, in Australia, there are many Anzac memorials in all cities! It was at this place that the celebration took place in Alice Springs!
To delve deeper into the topic, the guide on West Coast budget offers additional practical advice. You will also find interesting leads in our article on Perth the city, and if you are preparing the next part of the trip, the one on finding accommodation is just right.
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How to get to Uluru?
Direct flight from Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane to Ayers Rock (AYQ). 3-4 hours flight.
How many days at Uluru?
Minimum 2 days: 1 for Uluru, 1 for Kata Tjuta.
Can you still climb Uluru?
No, climbing has been strictly prohibited since October 26, 2019, out of respect for the Anangu.
