Yalara

Yalara, commonly spelled Yulara, is a purpose-built service town in the Northern Territory of Australia. It lies in the MacDonnell Region on traditional Anangu lands, about 18 to 20 kilometers by road from Uluru, and serves as the main gateway to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

History and governance: The town was established in the 1980s to support tourism to Uluru. The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is jointly managed by Parks Australia and the Anangu people under a 1985 agreement, reflecting a collaborative approach to park management and visitor access.

Economy and amenities: The local economy is centered on tourism and hospitality. Yulara hosts the Ayers Rock Resort, a collection of hotels, restaurants, a conference center, and other visitor services. The town includes Yulara Airport (IATA code AYQ) and road connections via the Stuart Highway to Alice Springs and the Lasseter Highway to Uluru, facilitating travel for guests and staff.

Demographics and environment: Population fluctuates with tourism, generally in the low thousands. The town is designed to provide essential services for residents and visitors while prioritizing environmental sustainability suited to its desert setting. The climate is arid, with hot summers, mild winters, and most rainfall occurring during summer thunderstorms.

Name note: The spelling Yalara appears in some sources; the locally used name is Yulara.