The rock formation of Haasts Bluff was named by Ernest Giles, after the German geologist and explorer Julius von Haast. The bluff has been made famous over the years by a number of artists, including Albert Namatjira, as its almost-vertical faces seem to absorb the light of the sun and generate a flood of colours at different times of the day.

Last century the area of land around Haasts Bluff was a pastoral lease, run by European immigrants. In 1937 the land was officially recognised by the government as being Aboriginal Tribal land, and ownership of the lease, as well as hundreds of square kilometres of adjoining land reverted to the local aborigines.

Today, Haasts Bluff is an Aboriginal Settlement, and the rock formation of the same name lies within the tribal land. Visitors are welcome at the Bluff itself, and no permits are necessary to enter the aboriginal land. However, as a mark of respect for the sacredness of the site visitors are not allowed to enter the settlement.

Haasts Bluff lies approximately 35 kilometres south east of Papunya, and 220 kilometres west of Alice Springs.

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