Kata Tjuta-Uluru, nestled in Australia’s Red Centre, is a must-see destination for international tourists and Australian locals alike.

Recognized as one of the country's most iconic landmarks, its unique features and rich cultural significance make it truly extraordinary. Discover some fascinating insights about Uluru before planning your journey to this remarkable monolith.

1. Uluru surpasses the Eiffel Tower in height

Standing 348 meters tall above the surrounding plain, Uluru is higher than several of the world's renowned structures. It outmatches the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Chrysler Building in New York, and even the Great Pyramid of Giza.

2. A 3.5-hour walk to circumnavigate Uluru’s base

Uluru stretches 3.6 km in length and 1.9 km in width, with an impressive total circumference of 9.4 km. Walking the base trail is a journey through varied and striking landscapes, best tackled early in the day before the desert heat intensifies.

3. Uluru extends deep below the surface

What you see of Uluru is only part of the story—most of its enormous mass is hidden underground. Over millions of years, erosion wore away the softer surrounding rock, leaving this incredible structure behind. Beneath the surface, Uluru is thought to extend at least 2.5 km.

4. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park belongs to its traditional owners

The Anangu people, the traditional custodians of the area, were officially recognized in 1985. They lease the land back to the Australian government and collaborate with Parks Australia to oversee and protect this cherished site.

5. The dual name of Uluru

First sighted by European explorer William Gosse in 1873, Uluru was named Ayers Rock of the then Chief Secretary of South Australia. In 1993, it became Ayers Rock / Uluru, with the Aboriginal name placed first in 2002. Nowadays, it is predominantly referred to as Uluru.

6. Kata Tjuta-Uluru’s dual UNESCO World Heritage status

Uluru was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for its unique geological features. Later, in 1994, its cultural significance to the Aboriginal people earned it a second listing. Only a select few sites worldwide hold dual recognition for both cultural and natural importance.

7. Aboriginal ties to Uluru date back 30,000 years

Evidence suggests that Aboriginal communities have inhabited the Uluru region for over 30,000 years. Visitors can admire ancient rock art during a walk around the base, with some artworks estimated to be as old as 5,000 years.

Uluru remains a sacred site for the Anangu people, with certain areas off-limits for photography or video recording.

8. Annual rainfall at Uluru averages 300mm

Though located in the desert, Uluru receives approximately 300mm of rainfall annually. Rain transforms the rock into a cascade of waterfalls and invigorates the surrounding desert landscape.

9. A thriving ecosystem around Uluru-Kata Tjuta

Uluru’s ecosystem boasts over 400 plant species, many of which are integral to the Anangu way of life for food, medicine, and tools. The area is also home to diverse wildlife, including dingoes, red kangaroos, and the spinifex hopping mouse.

10. Climbing Uluru is no longer permitted

Out of respect for the Anangu people’s wishes, climbing Uluru has been discouraged for decades and was officially prohibited in October 2019. Since then, the chain guides once used by climbers have been permanently removed.

11. Yet royalty once scaled Uluru

Despite its cultural significance, Uluru was climbed by Prince Charles and Princess Diana during their visit to the Red Centre in 1983.