Page last updated: 12 September2024
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is renowned for its cultural significance to the Anangu people and its popularity as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It attracts tourists for its stunning sunrises, sunsets, and Indigenous heritage experiences.
How many people visit Uluru each year?
Over 190,288 tourists visited Uluru from January to September 2023.
- In 2019, Uluru welcomed 406,821 visitors. When the pandemic started in 2020 and after the Uluru climb closed in late 2019, this number dropped by 77% to 93,221.
- By 2021, Uluru experienced an increase in tourists with 127,981 visitors.
- Inbound tourist visits recovered to 222,118 visitors in 2022, However, this was still 45% less than in 2019 (pre-pandemic).
How much do tourists spend in Uluru every year?
- Kakadu and Uluru-Kata Tjuta national parks are estimated to generate over $320 million annually for regional economies, though specific tourism revenue for Uluru-Kata Tjuta alone is unavailable.
Which regions visit Uluru the most?
In 2023, the majority of tourists visiting Uluru were domestic travellers from Australia, with only a small percentage from international visitors.
- Victoria was the top source of visitors to Uluru, accounting for 23% of the market share with a total of 51,087 visits. New South Wales also contributed significantly, with 45,534 tourists.
- Queensland accounted for 19% of market share with 42,202 visits.
- Northern and Southern Australia made 26,654 and 19,990 visits, respectively.
Australia Travel Resources
How many people visited Uluru in 2023?
- Uluru welcomed 190,288 visitors from January to September 2023.
How long do visitors stay in Uluru?
- In 2023, tourists spent an average of 3.31 days visiting and exploring the wonders of Uluru and other nearby national parks.
Economic Impact – Uluru Tourism Statistics
In 2023, Uluru’s tourism experienced a decline, largely driven by the closure of the Uluru climb in October 2019 and the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, both of which significantly impacted visitor numbers and the local economy.
- Tourism Employment: Tourism accounted for 28% of employment in Lasseter (the region surrounding Uluru-Kata Tjuta) in 2023.
- Visitor Decline: The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park saw a significant drop in visitor numbers, from over 400,000 in 2019 to just 164,678 in 2023, largely due to the impact of the pandemic.
- Economic Loss: In 2023, the Central Australian tourism sector was approximately $200 million short of pre-COVID visitor expenditure levels.
- Flight Reductions: Limited flight availability to the region has hampered tourism recovery, with less than half the pre-pandemic flights servicing Uluru.
- Challenges for Growth: Increased competition from international travel, high flight costs, and fewer flight services are affecting tourist growth in the area.
- Government and Industry Efforts: Authorities are urging airlines to increase services, while local operators work to boost demand and attract both domestic and international tourists.
What are Uluru’s peak tourist months?
In 2019, here are the peak tourist months in Uluru.
- Uluru had its highest visitor count with 57,017 tourists in July, driven by school holidays in Australia and favourable winter weather, making it a prime time for domestic and international visitors.
- With 43,624 visitors, August remained a popular month due to cooler temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities, and continued school holidays in some Australian states.
- A total of 42,437 tourists visited Uluru in April, spurred by the Easter holiday break and Anzac Day, both significant travel periods for Australians.
- The park welcomed 41,912 visitors in June, benefiting from the winter season, which is considered ideal for exploring the region’s outdoor attractions.
- With 41,784 visitors, October was a high-traffic month, largely due to the final opportunity for climbers to ascend Uluru before the climb was permanently closed on October 26.
How popular is Uluru as a tourist destination?
- According to Time Out magazine, Uluru ranks as the second most relaxing tourist destination in the world.
- Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia’s spiritual heartland, was recognised as one of the world’s top three must-see destinations for 2020 by Lonely Planet.
What activities can you do in Uluru?
- Sunset Viewing (82%): Watching the sunset at Uluru is a popular activity, as the rock’s colours change dramatically, attracting most visitors to the park’s viewing spots.
- Bush Walking (72%): Exploring Uluru’s walking trails allows visitors to experience the area’s natural beauty and wildlife up close, making bushwalking a favourite activity.
- Sunrise Viewing (69%): Catching the sunrise over Uluru is a must, with the first light creating a mesmerising display as the rock and sky change colours.
- Photography (52%): Uluru provides stunning photo opportunities, from the shifting colours of the rock to the vast desert landscapes, making it a photographer’s paradise.
- Rock Art Viewing (41%): Visitors can explore ancient Indigenous rock art, offering a unique insight into the cultural heritage of the Anangu people along certain trails.
Australia Travel Statistics
References
- DCCEEW: Tourism Key Figures and Statistics