THIS WALK IS NOW CLOSED.

Iconic, surreal, majestic, imposing, striking, spiritual, magical. Everyone's impression is different, which might be one reason why no description is included in any Uluru promotional material of this wonderful sandstone monolith.

Lookouts
Heritage Sites
Picnic Facilities
Toilets
Scrambling or Climbing
No Dogs Permitted
Arid or Desert
849m
Maximum Elevation
322m
Total Climb

Getting there:

Travel into the National Park from Yulara and head to the Mala car park (signposted) at the base of Uluru.

Maps:

Uluru and Kata Tjuta Visitor Guide

Route/Trail notes:

There is a clearly signed starting point to commence the climb. Starting the ascent, you scramble approximately 100 metres to a chain that will help you up the first 400m (a 136m climb). This part of the climb is the steepest, and it's advisable to stay on this path only, as there are several sections off to the side that fall away, all the way to the ground.

The chain ends at a large flat area, perfect for resting. From this point you follow a series of lines to the summit, but with no chain. As the climb starts to level out, there are a number of small, but reasonably steep ridges that the 'arrowed' path will guide you through.

At the top is a marker about a metre high, and an amazing 360 degree view, particularly towards Kata Tjuta/The Olgas.

Permits/Costs:

Admission to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park costs $25 per adult (2019) and provides a three or more day pass. Passes are non-transferable and are scanned/checked at the Ranger Station.

Other References/Comments:

The climb of Uluru has been closed since 26th October 2019.

You can do the Uluru Base Walk (12km) or take the short access tracks to the Mutitjulu Waterhole and Kantju Gorge, which are at the base of the rock.

https://hikingtheworld.blog/2014/04/23/uluru-base-walk/

https://hikingtheworld.blog/2014/04/22/uluru-climb/

 

Comments

Shame this walk is closed. it was an amazing experience. Extremely windy at the top.

Warlock Bride on 25 Oct, 2019

I negotiated with my daughter to only finish the chain part but which is nearly the height of Ayers Rock, anyway. I’ve done the complete walk, 2 other times.

Scardykats on 22 Oct, 2019

it was challenging in parts but not as bad as a lot of people make out especially the media :( i am glad we did it for the sake of doing it before the closure :) did it with my kids 27y & 26y great views though :D especially to the Olga's we did it respectfully i feel and a shame more people can't experience it now :( walking around the base was ok sparse bush but not worth the distance to go to the rock if you can't climb it anymore :(

vlad on 8 Sep, 2019

The climb was very steep in parts but the chain helps you all the way. So worth it when you get to the top. The view is amazing!

Sally on 10 Jul, 2019

Well, what a splendid climb. Could we be the 15th and last people to tick this walk on Aussie Bushwalking, as the walk closes on 26th October 2019? We were so lucky, as on a three day stop over at Uluru, this morning was the only time the walk was open, due to high winds.

F.A.B. on 2 Jun, 2019

Been on my bucket list for a while and figured I'd do it before it gets closed permanently on October 26. I know there is some contention about whether you should climb it or not given the cultural significance but I validated it in my mind by treating the climb and the land with a high level of respect and following the rules stipulated at the base of the rock (much like I do with every mountain I climb). You can only get access to climb Uluru in summer months between 7-8am and only then if the wind isn't forecast to exceed whatever the rangers threshold for high wind is. I rang up beforehand and was led to believe it was closed more often than it was open due to wind and temp, but hard to know if they were just saying that as a deterrent. The climb itself is a bit like a less intense version of Mt Beerwah with a fairly steep rocky incline at the very beginning. The view from the top is excellent, you can see miles in every direction. Is a shame they are closing it, was definitely the highlight of the trip.

Vonsnrub on 26 Feb, 2019

Summited on a Central Australia excursion in grade 9 at Maclean High School

Angus Small on 1 Jun, 2013

As per the notes on the Aussie Bushwalking Page ( I added the climb )

Its a tiring climb up Uluru, stick to the recommended track only, take water with you, and avoid the cliff edges. If you have reasonable fitness, you should be fine.

Pending the amount of tourist's there on the day, you could reach the summit in approx 1 hour. Take your camera to capture many great photo's !

DrummerJeff on 1 Aug, 2011

Well worth it.
Tried very hard to consider the local owners wishes.
I respect their feelings while also it is just a rock.
Difficult dynamic, not sure which view is right, maybe both?

drewmac on Sep, 2008

20 minutes to the top. Probably too many tourists to enjoy this place.

Anonymous on 18 Sep, 2007

I did this climb twice while living/working at Ayers Rock Resort. The views are spectacular.

Aussie Weekend Warrior on 2000

Climbed Uluru back in 94 on a road trip , at that stage there was still the book to sign on top of Ayers Rock

J on 17 Apr, 1994

When you first see Uluru from the coach it’s fantastic to see the sheer size of it.

Adam on Jul, 1992

Where

Click here to load this map.

Nearby Walks

Done this walk?

This walk has been ticked 34 times

Aussie Bushwalking can keep track of your bushwalks.

Login/signup to tick this walk off.

Tick walks to keep track of where you've been. You must Login to tick walks. Accounts are 100% free so sign up if you don't have one.