Uluru and Kata Tjuta Sunrise and Sunsets

An Uluru sunset or sunrise is hard to beat, leaving an impression that will last a lifetime. From soft blues and pink hues at dawn, to vivid yellows and glowing oranges, you simply must book a sunrise or sunset tour (or both!) when visiting Ayers Rock (Uluru).

Sunrise & Sunset Times

Below lists the approximate seasonal sunrise and sunset times at Uluru. Check the actual times before your trip, and consult the national park opening and closing times on the Parks Australia website.

Sunrise Viewing Areas in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

There are two dedicated sunrise viewing areas inside the national park:

1. Talinguru Nyakunytjaku

This is the main Uluru sunrise viewing spot, complete with walking tracks, platforms and shelters. Enjoy one of the short walks here after you experience an unforgettable sunrise. The distance from Yulara Visitor Centre is 25 kilometres.

2. Kata Tjuta dune viewing area

The dune viewing area has panoramic views of Kata Tjuta, with Uluru on the horizon. Bring a tripod for the best photos, as the lookout platform can be bustling with people. The Traditional Owners ask you to keep at least three domes in frame as you photograph Kata Tjuta from here, to avoid revealing sacred places in the area. The distance from Yulara Visitor Centre is 35 kilometres.

Sunset Viewing Areas in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park

There are four designated viewing spots to experience the glowing red transformation of Uluru or Kata Tjuta: 

Uluru car and coach sunset viewing area

There are 2 viewing areas on opposite sides of the road, one designated to cars, and the other to coaches. If you’ve got your own vehicle, this is the place to head for your Instagram-worthy sunset photos with Uluru. Arrive early, open up the boot, get out the camp chairs and enjoy. For the avid photographers, the best spot for your tripod is at the very end of the car park. The distance from Yulara Visitor Centre is 14.5 kilometres.

This is where guided coach tours will bring you for sunset and, if you’re lucky, provide you with drinks and snacks. If you’d prefer to a moment of solitude, take the one-kilometre return walk along the dune. The distance from Yulara Visitor Centre is 13.5 kilometres.

Kata Tjuta sunset viewing area

View the domes of Kata Tjuta up close and experience their changing hues, from pink to luminous red. Pack a picnic dinner and soak in the desert landscape while you eat. The distance from Yulara Visitor Centre is 51 kilometres, so allow plenty of time.

Kata Tjuta dune viewing area

Less busy at sunset than sunrise, this viewing area has panoramic views of the domes of Kata Tjuta on the horizon, with a grassy valley in the foreground. The sun doesn’t hit the domes directly at sunset, providing a more atmospheric outlook. The distance from Yulara Visitor Centre is 35 kilometres.

Sunrise and Sunset Self-drive

Allow ample time to drive from your accommodation to the various Uluru and Kata Tjuta lookout points. Ayers Rock Resort (Yulara) to the Uluru Cultural Centre is a 20-minute drive, and you’ll need time to clear the park entrance and head to the lookout. See above for the distance of each viewing area from Yulara.

Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park has seasonal opening and closing times: ranging from 5.00am to 9.00pm in summer, to 6.30am to 7.30pm in winter. Check the Parks Australia website for up-to-date times. To gain access to the National Park there is an entrance fee of $38 per adult for a 3-day pass, children under 18 are free. To make your entrance smoother, pre purchase the pass online here.