Is Uluru better at sunrise or sunset?

Uluru is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks and is a location you cannot miss out on visiting when travelling the land down under.

Generally, on the top of a backpacker’s bucket list, Uluru and all its surroundings are truly breathtaking to anybody lucky enough to be in its presence. You can visit Uluru at almost any time of the day, however, it is often described to be at its best during the sunrise and the sunset!

Uluru is known for changing colours depending on the time of the day

The normal colour of Uluru is a stunning bright red, clay colour due to the iron minerals inside the rock rusting over thousands of years. Although Uluru is known for being bright red, that is not the only vibrant colour that Uluru displays. Depending on the position of the sun and the light that is reflecting at the time, the rock has been known to turn all sorts of colours including orange, yellow, purple, pink and more. The contrast of the sunset, the sand and the rock are absolutely stunning and a definite must see!

How was this magnificent structure formed?

Approximately 500 million years ago the area surrounds Uluru became covered by the sea. During this, the mud and sand fell to the bottom of the sea and turned to rock, which resulted in the creation of Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. They were to lay at the bottom of the sea undiscovered for 100 million years to follow. When the sea disappeared 400 million years ago, the earth tectonic plates moved and caused these landmarks to tilt. For the last 300 million years the soft rocks surrounding the landmarks eroded and disappeared, leaving the unbelievable structures of Uluru and Kata Tjuta similar to how they are today.

Who are the traditional landowners of Uluru?

Before Australia was colonised in the late 1700s, Uluru was inhabited by the Indigenous Australians, the Anangu people for over 30,000 years. They are a number of tribes that have joined forces to ensure that their history and culture is honoured and that Uluru national park is managed respectfully in line with the wishes of the elders and those who are spiritually connected to the land of Uluru. The Anangu people have an extremely strong connection to Uluru and the land that surrounds it, due to this, for thousands of years they have lived by the sacred laws and practises of the Tjukurpa. When visiting Uluru, be sure to take a guided tour where you can learn all about the unique culture of the first Australians.

Related article: The Incredible Changing Colours of Ayers Rock at Sunrise and Sunset

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.