A trip to the “red centre” of Australia’s Northern Territory wouldn’t be complete without a stop at Uluru, near Alice Springs.
At around 348 metres high and 9.4 km around, this iconic monolith is the largest sandstone monolith in the world, set in the vibrant cultural landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park!
Uluru is a great place to learn about traditional Anangu culture, enjoy incredible desert sunrises and participate in one of the many activities and experiences available in this rich cultural landscape in the heart of the Northern Territory.
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Our guide to the best places in Uluru
Climbing Uluru was once one of Australia’s most popular tourist attractions, but due to its cultural significance, it has rightly stopped at the end of 2019. Uluru was also once called Ayers Rock, but it’s been returned to its original name.
But don’t worry; there’s still so much to see in Uluru and many ways to enjoy this iconic monolith!
For just $38 for three days, you’ll have access to the entire national park, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunrises, learn about local history at the cultural centre, experience this cultural landmark up close with a walk around the base of Uluru, and explore the often overlooked Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the diversity of flora and fauna in the deserted Walpa Gorge.
The park offers over 100 activities and excursions for the perfect outback holiday, but with so much choice, it can be hard to know where to start!
So here’s a list of the top ten things to do in Uluru!
See Uluru at sunrise
The first thing to do in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is to admire the sunrise, which illuminates the rock in its iconic red colours. Make sure you get to the park early, allow at least 30-40 minutes to drive, and position yourself to watch this magical moment.
Make your way to the car park where you can walk to the viewing platform or, if you want to avoid the crowds, bring a chair and a morning drink! There’s nothing better than sipping your morning coffee while watching the sun brighten this magnificent heart of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
If you’re here for a few days and want a different experience, try viewing Uluru from the Kata Tjuta Sunrise Viewing Area for an even more unique Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park experience.
From this angle, the rock of Uluru is in shadow, but it looks like an Aboriginal flag as the sun peeks over the horizon – a different kind of magic.
Treking around the base of Uluru
Although the Uluru climb has been abandoned, there is a 9.7-kilometre hiking trail around the base of Uluru. This is an ideal way to experience this park’s cultural and natural beauty.
During the summer months, temperatures can soar up to 47 degrees centigrade. Therefore, if you plan to take this tour, it is best to set off early in the morning, just after sunrise.
Park at the Mala car park, and don’t forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen!
Explore Uluru by segway or bicycle
If walking isn’t your style or ability, segways and bikes are available along this walking trail! You can rent a motorcycle from the location near the cultural centre and make your own way around the cliff using two wheels.
If you want to try something unusual, you can also book a segway tour! Visitors are offered a guided segway tour of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, with prices starting from AU$ 159.
Don't miss the Male Walk
This short walk, named after the red wallaby hare, which has almost disappeared from the area, is one of the best things for people of all abilities to do in Uluru. Passing culturally essential rock art sites and ending at Kantju Gorge offers so much in such a short distance (2 kilometres round trip).
If you want to learn more about the geology and culture of the park, take a hike led by local rangers. The rangers will briefly discuss the area and the national park’s attractions, share some creation stories and answer any questions you may have.
A ranger-led tour of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park lasts 1 hour and 30 minutes. Organised Uluru Tours can also be booked.
Visit the Cultural Centre
Suppose you don’t know what to do in Uluru to have the best outback holiday. In that case, the Cultural Centre is the perfect place to start your journey through Uluru’s history, attractions, local artwork, artefacts, and more.
You’ll find videos telling the park’s story and information about the Anangu culture. You can also get a park map to help you navigate the area! The cultural centre is also home to two Aboriginal-owned art galleries showcasing Anangu arts and crafts, from painting to woodwork.
Visit the galleries to view the art, watch demonstrations by local Anangu and perhaps even choose an item to take home to support local communities and artists.
Take part in a painting workshop
If you’ve enjoyed the cultural centre and love Aboriginal art and painting, attend a spot painting workshop organised by Maruku Arts at Ayers Rock Resort.
This workshop offers a fascinating introduction to Western Indigenous art. It is a great way to learn from local artists about their art and the different symbols they use to tell the various stories of the Dreamtime.
Visit Kata Tjuta
Kata Tjuta, which translates as ‘many heads’, consists of 36 giant domes spread over 20 kilometres. These rock formations, lesser-known attractions for visitors and travellers, are 200 metres higher than Uluru and have the same cultural significance for the Anangu people.
You can do two walks to discover these magnificent formations: the Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge. The Valley of the Winds walk is longer, allowing travellers to walk among the domes and see the formations up close. This walk is challenging in places, so it can take up to 4 hours to complete. This is also one of the national park areas that is of cultural importance to the local people. Out of respect, they ask you not to photograph them to preserve the spiritual traditions of these regions.
The Valpa Gorge is much shorter, but its imposing cathedral-like walls serve as a refuge from the desert, and you can explore the local flora and fauna here.
Field of Light
This art installation, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or “contemplation full of beautiful light” in the local Anangu language, was created in 2016 by world-renowned artist Bruce Munro. Following numerous requests from visitors, this installation of 50,000 luminous spheres has been extended indefinitely.
Spend a few hours walking around and admiring this magnificent desert-coloured installation, or join an exclusive sunrise walking tour to be here on your own. You’ll be able to make your way through a maze of beautiful multi-coloured lights that stretch and weave across the desert floor.
Dine under the stars
Dining under the stars is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Uluru, and plenty of options exist!
Tali wiru, which means ‘beautiful dune’ in the local Anangu language, is one of those unforgettable alfresco dinners. This gourmet open-air bush restaurant offers a bush-inspired menu, with local ingredients combined into a 4-course dinner, served with Australia’s finest wines. While enjoying the 4-course menu, you will have the opportunity to listen to a local Indigenous storyteller who will share his culture, history and stories about the people and places of the region.
You can also enjoy a similar experience at the top of the dune by ordering the more moderately priced three-course Sounds of Silence buffet, inspired by Bush Tucker.
While enjoying the breathtaking views of the iconic cliff, sit back and play the didgeridoo while a local guide explains the wonders of the desert night sky and draws a map of the stars and constellations.
Embark on a journey to Ayers Rock Tours from Alice Springs and witness the stunning landscapes of the Outback. Book your tour now and create lasting memories.
Spend time at Kings Canyon
Located 324 kilometres north of Uluru in Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon offers a riverside walk that showcases the iconic outback landscapes of Australia’s Northern Territory.
The 6-kilometre route offers spectacular views across the gorge, past the marvellous sandstone domes known as the Lost City and briefly into the picturesque oasis known as the Garden of Eden.
The start of King’s Canyon is by far the most challenging part: 500 steep steps. But as you go along the banks of the King’s Canyon, the walk becomes more manageable, and the views are well worth the effort!
Allow 3-4 hours for the return journey, and as with all Australian outback walks, temperatures can be high at mid-day, so make sure you get up early and take plenty of water with you!
If you’d prefer a day trip to this area of Watarrka National Park, you can book the best trip in the region here.
Tjoritja West Macdonnell National Park
We also recommend the famous West Macdonnell Ranges Full Day Tour.
Tjoritja West Macdonnell National Park stretches 161 kilometres west of Alice Springs. Explore and enjoy the area’s spectacular scenery and history on foot, swim in a pool or pitch a tent for a more extended stay.
Dive into the cold waters of one of the park’s permanent waterholes. Some larger reservoirs include Ellery Creek Big Hole, Ormiston Gorge, Redbank Gorge and Glen Helen Gorge.
The park has numerous hiking trails, from simple strolls to adventurous hikes. The 223-kilometre Larapinta Trail crosses the park, allowing experienced and well-prepared hikers to make long night hikes. The park encompasses an ancient landscape shaped over time by climatic factors. It is a haven for rare and endangered plants and wildlife, including rare bird species like the peregrine falcon.
The landscape features, including the ochre pits, are essential to the Arrernte people, long used as a quarry for important ochre pigments. The park has many camping sites with varying access and facilities.
There is a charge for camping, and overnight visitors should bring a water supply.
