Are Uluru and Kata Tjuta the same?

Australia’s Red Centre has some of the most famous Australian landmarks.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta are two separate landmarks in the Northern Territory. Both landmarks reside in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park which sits between Darwin and Adelaide.

Both landmarks have been around for more than 30,000 years and are important sites to the Anangu people. However, these landmarks did start forming about 550 million years ago!

One of the main differences between the two sites is Uluru is a very large sandstone while Kata Tjuta is a collection of large domes. Both landmarks are worth seeing during your travels in Australia’s Red Centre.

Uluru

Uluru is one of Australia’s major attractions and is the largest sandstone monolith in the world sitting at almost 350 metres high! Uluru has been a sacred place for the Anangu people for thousands of years.

Walking around Uluru is a three to four hour trek but certainly worth it! You will want to finish walking around Uluru around 11 AM, therefore you ideally want to start the walk at about 7 AM.

Along the walk, you will come across all different sites which have a sign with further explanation. You will come across rock art, a waterfall, and a waterhole. Please be aware some of these sites are sensitive so no photos or videos can be taken.

Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta consists of 36 large red domes that cover over 20 square kilometres and are as tall as 546 metres high! The Anangu people see Kata Tjuta as an important men’s business site.

There are a few different walking tracks to allow you to explore these giant domes. You can explore and find Walpa Gorge which is a narrow creek valley that sits between two of the largest domes. At Walpa Gorge there are plants and wildlife to see.

But the longest walk in the area is the Valley of the Winds Walk which is full of breathtaking views.

You can visit both Uluru and Kata Tjuta on a tour! Start the tour by watching the beautiful sunrise over Uluru. Then you make your way towards Uluru while hearing more about the 20,000 years of history. Of course, you will make your way towards Kata Tjuta and walk through Walpa Gorge.

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.