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Staying safe

Always wear a hat and sunscreen in the park. Photo: Tourism NT

Always wear a hat and sunscreen in the park. Photo: Tourism NT

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is a beautiful but harsh environment. By taking a few simple steps, you can keep yourself and your family safe while exploring the park.

In case of emergency

Call 000 to contact emergency services. From mobile phones you can either ring 000 or 112.

There are emergency radios situated on most walks in the park. These can be used to alert our rangers if you get into trouble.

Wild animals in the park

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is home to many interesting animals. These animal residents rarely pose any threat to humans, but there are a couple you need to take care around.

King brown snake

The king brown snake, or liru, is a large venomous snake. Like most snakes, it tends to avoid human contact and will usually only bite if disturbed.

If you see a snake in the park, keep your distance.

Dingo

The dingo is a native canine closely related to the common dog. They usually avoid humans but may also be curious and watch people from a distance.

Dingos are wild animals with sharp teeth, so never try to touch or feed them.

Injured wildlife

If you see an injured animal in the park, please notify Cultural Centre staff either in person or by phoning 08 8956 1128.

Extreme heat

Temperatures in the park regularly reach 30°C or more and can exceed 40°C during summer.

Heat exhaustion, dehydration and hyponatremia (low sodium levels in the blood) are very real dangers here.

To avoid heat-related issues while walking in the park:

  • Walk only in the cooler parts of the day, avoiding the hottest period between 2.30 pm and 6.30 pm. In summer we strongly recommend not walking after 11.00 am.
  • Wear a broad-brimmed hat, sunscreen and sturdy walking shoes.
  • Carry and drink at least one litre of water per person per hour.
  • Don’t consume sports drinks, diet cordials or caffeinated drinks – these can all contribute to dehydration.
  • Consider using an electrolyte product (such as Hydralyte or Gastrolyte) to replace lost fluids.
  • Familiarise yourself with the symptoms of heatstroke and heat-related illness (see below).
  • Eat regular meals, take frequent breaks and eat plenty of healthy snacks, even if you don’t feel hungry.
  • Walk with another person at all times.
  • Obey all safety directions, notices and warning signs, including any directions from park rangers.
  • Stay on marked tracks at all times.
  • Do not walk on any tracks that are closed due to the heat.
  • If you have any concerns about your health or fitness, avoid physical activity (including walking) in extreme heat.

Please familiarise yourself with the symptoms of heat stress, heatstroke and hyponatremia before walking in the national park.

Heat stress and heat stroke

Heat stress occurs when the body can’t cool itself fast enough to maintain a healthy temperature. Heatstroke is an extreme form of heat stress and can be life-threatening.

Potential symptoms are:

  • thirst, dry mouth or dry lips
  • cold or clammy sweating
  • painful muscle spasms
  • headache
  • irritability
  • confusion
  • dizziness
  • nausea
  • high body temperature (over 38.5°C)
  • altered mental state
  • confusion, disorientation or rapid development of unconsciousness
  • dry skin
  • dry, swollen tongue
  • rapid, strong pulse at first, becoming weaker
  • fits, seizures or coma.

Hyponatremia

Hyponatremia is caused by an imbalance of sodium electrolytes in the body, which leads to an inability to regulate water.

Potential symptoms are:

  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting
  • lethargy or irritability
  • absent or reduced reflexes
  • confusion
  • seizures.

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