ATTRACTIONS YULARA NT

The Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park is jointly managed by the traditional land owners Anangu people and Parks Australia. It is a world heritage listed park featuring the world famous monolith Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas).

Enjoy the handcrafted work direct from the desert country of Central Australia. The beautifully displayed gallery gives you the perfect opportunity to meet, understand the culture and purchase works from the artists, knowing that all funds are return to the Anangu people. There's no better reason or place to buy art work than at the base of Uluru / Ayers Rock. Maruku Arts and Crafts was established in 1984 by and for Aboriginal people in response to a growing need for effective co-ordination of marketing and support services to Aboriginal craftspeople living within the Central Desert Lands. Maruku Retail Gallery, 'Punuku Ngurra' is located at the Cultural Centre within Uluru Kata -Tjuta National Park, providing a service to some 800 craftsperson's living in communities and homelands. Items are sold through the Maruku Retail Gallery and wholesale to shops and galleries throughout the world and through prestige exhibitions. To enjoy Maruku Retails Gallery you must enter Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park. An entry fee of AUD25.00, per person over the age of 16 years, for a consecutive three day pass is required.

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is a great starting point for visitors to the park. The centre offers information about activities and the park as well as an introduction into Anangu culture. Because of the deep spiritual nature of the area and what is contained within the Cultural Centre, please do not photograph or video inside the building or precinct. This is to respect the wishes of the traditional owners, and protect Anangu's cultural and intellectual property. This award-winning Cultural Centre, a stunning example of contemporary Australian architecture. Dynamic displays, video and artwork explain this world heritage landscape from the perspective of the traditional owners, Anangu. Learn about Tjukurpa, creation stories and laws, which explain the spiritual meanings of the surrounding landscapes. To enjoy the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre you must enter Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. A park entry fee of AUD25.00 for a 3-day pass applies.

Located 462 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to the world-famous Uluru/Ayers Rock and the 32 weathered rock domes known as Kata Tjuta/The Olgas. The sight of these extraordinary ancient natural wonders glowing and appearing to change colour at sunrise or sunset is an unforgettable natural show. Explore Uluru/Ayers Rock by taking to the skies in a helicopter, or up close from the walking track at its base, or climb onto the back of a camel to circumnavigate it. Learn more about the local flora, fauna, bush tucker, ancient paintings and the Dreamtime stories of this Anangu sacred site on an Aboriginal tour. The Anangu people are Uluru's traditional custodians and have lived in the area for at least 22,000 years. Stop in at the Cultural Centre to purchase their distinctive art, or watch craft demonstrations. Ancient and monumental, Kata Tjuta/The Olgas soars above the desert. Challenge yourself to the 7.4-kilometre Valley of the Winds walk for spectacular views over the desert plains. Ayers Rock Resort, the park's sole accommodation option, offers a choice of apartments, a luxury wilderness camp, hotel, backpacker rooms or campground accommodation.

Mulgara Gallery opens a rare window into the unique world of Australian and Indigenous arts and crafts. Located in the foyer of Sails in the Desert Hotel at Ayers Rock Resort in the Northern Territory, Mulgara Gallery offers a superb selection of Australian hand-crafted glassware, pottery, textiles, metal and leather work. The gallery features renowned artists such as Chris Pantano, whose glass work has won numerous awards and received national and international recognition. There is an extensive range of Central Australian indigenous art representing different regional styles, including Central Desert dot painting from Papunya and Mt Allen, colourful body art from Utopia and artefacts such as didjeridus, rainsticks and other tribal instruments. This fine collection of Australian Opal and coloured diamond jeweller is inspired by the colours and textures of the arid land and the fossils of inland sea. Every month, Mulgara Gallery has an 'artists and craftsperson in residence' program, including popular indigenous artist, Maureen Nampitjinpa Hudson, who exhibits and sells her work worldwide. This program provides a unique opportunity to meet and watch these talented artists at work.