Red Centre questions, answered plainly

465 km by road, which Parks Australia puts at about five and a half hours. The Northern Territory Government and older signage give different figures for different runs — 450 km is Watarrka, not Uluṟu — so use 465 for this drive and check a current map before planning fuel.

Not for the classic loop. Every road inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is sealed, and the Stuart, Lasseter and Luritja highways are sealed throughout, so a two-wheel-drive is fine. A 4WD matters on the Mereenie Loop and the Great Central Road, both of which are unsealed and both of which need permits.

No. There is no camping of any kind inside the national park. The nearest option is the campground at Yulara, just outside the boundary, and there are station stays further out along the Lasseter Highway.

Yes for Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa, and it is bought online in advance. Watarrka runs a separate Northern Territory pass. The two systems do not cover each other, which is the single most common confusion — see the guide on passes for what each one includes.

May to September, when daytime maximums sit between 20 and 30 degrees and rain is uncommon. October and November are hot but manageable if you walk early. December to March is the storm season: spectacular country, unforgiving walking.

No. The climb closed permanently on 26 October 2019 at the request of Aṉangu Traditional Owners. Climbing now breaches the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, which makes it an offence rather than a matter of etiquette.

For most people, yes — but it is a separate park with a separate pass, and the rim walk is graded 4 with a heat rule that closes entry after 9am when 36 degrees is forecast. If that walk is not for you, the canyon floor has three easier alternatives.