William Gosse an explorer of the outback in the 1860s was the first white man to see and visit Uluru as it was then called.  To Gosse it was the most wondrous sight he had ever seen. Little did he know that it was the most sacred on the continent of Australia to the Aboriginal people, for over 40,000 years. It is now a twice listed world heritage site, registered because of its cultural significance and its geological formation.

Every student in Australia should have the opportunity to visit Uluru during their school years.  Every Australian should visit Uluru to see for themselves what a remarkable attraction that will remain the visit of their lifetime.

Our company first visited the region in 1962 and has carried over one million passengers to Uluru during its 50 years plus of visiting the Central Australia region.

Austour is now a significant tour operator bring people from all over the world, catering for everyone’s needs from the tent adventurer to the premium, gold class, discerning and platinum traveller.  Check out our range of school tours, coach tours and our special small group touring programs.

More about Uluru

We, the traditional landowners of Uuru-Kata Tjuta National Park are Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people. We speak our own language and teach it to our children. In our language we call ourselves Anangu (pronounced arn-ug-oo) and we would like you to use that word too.

This land was created by the creation ancestors. In their travels they left marks in the land and made laws for us to keep and live by. We hope that during your visit you will learn about some of our ancestors and culture.

Uluru, Kata Tjuta and the land around them have always been very special places. Now this is recognised by their listing as a World Heritage Area for both the cultural and natural values. We think you will be inspired by the natural beauty and power of our land.

• Tjukurpa (pronounced chook-orr-pa) is the foundation of our culture. Just as a house needs to stand on strong foundations so our way of life stands on Tjukurpa. It has many deep, complex meanings.

Tjukurpa refers to the creation period when ancestral beings created the world. From this came our religious heritage, explaining our existence and guiding our daily life. Like religions anywhere in the world, Tjukurpa provides answers to important questions, the rules for behaviour and for living together. It is the law for caring for one another and for the land that supports us.

Tjukurpa tells of the relationships between people, plants, animals and the physical features of the land. It refers to the time when ancestral beings created the world as we know it. Knowledge of how these relationships came to be, what they mean and how they must be carried on is explained in Tjukurpa.

Tjukurpa refers to the past, the present and the future at the same time. This knowledge never changes, it always stays the same.

• The Cultural Centre: is a great introduction to Anangu culture in a very special cultural and natural environment. It is an opportunity to add depth to your experience here. In particular, you will learn about Tjukurpa, the traditional law guiding the Anangu and the foundation of our culture.

“When the visitors come from all over the world, they can learn from us – our strong stories about Tjukurpa and our culture. They can learn about these because the Rangers and Board of management have formed a management system that keeps Anangu Tjukurpa and culture strong.” Traditional Owner.

Uluru Walks

Walking reveals the natural beauty and rich culture of Uluru. You will be following the footsteps of the ancestral beings that shaped the landscape. By choosing to walk around Uluru instead of climbing you will be respecting Tjukurpa and Anangu wishes.

Uluru Base Walk: In the morning it is recommended to start and finish at the Mala carpark. It would be better if you begin by first joining the Ranger guided Mala Walk and continuing on afterwards. In the afternoon it is good to start from Kuninya carpark.

Escape the crowds and take the meandering journey through acacia woodlands and grassed claypans. Discover the diverse plants, animals and geological features of the park. From Kuniya Piti follow the snake-like grooves at the base of the rock which show Kuniya’s journey to Mutitjulu Waterhole. Encounter bloodwoods, native grasses and many waterways. The base walk is the best way to fully appreciate the natural and cultural beauty of Uluru.

Mala Walk to Kantju Gorge: This is where the Mala people camped when they first arrived at Uluru back in the beginning. There are many fine examples of Anangu rock art along this walk and you can experience the sheer vertical walls and profound peacefulness of Kantju Gorge.

 Liru Walk: This walk will take you between the Cultural Centre and the base of the rock. The track winds through stands of wanari (mulga) and after rain, often displays of colourful flowers.

Sunset & Sunrise

Bus Sunset & Dune Walk Viewing

 A great sunrise spot – stay in the car park to view Uluru as a silhouette or take the short, sandy walk to the top of the dune to see Uluru, Kata Tjuta and all the way to the horizon. This area is accessible to everyone until 4.00 pm each then it is reserved for bus/coach sunset parking.

Kata Tjuta Viewing

 A spectacular panoramic view of Kata Tjuta with Uluru far away on the right. Sun on the rocks at sunrise – silhouette at sunset. Brilliant, quiet, serene.