Walking around Uluru has always been a favourite way to explore the rock.
These 10 experiences in Uluru are truly unforgettable with some you need to see to believe.
1. Visit the Uluru Cultural Centre and immerse yourself in the Anangu way
The Anangu people are Uluru’s traditional custodians and have lived in the area for at least 22,000 years so visiting the Uluru Cultural Centre is a glimpse into ancient times. Here, Anangu art tells cultural stories passed down for generations, and bush tucker sessions and guided walks explain how to live off the land.
2. Dive or drive into adrenalin-pumping experiences
If you’re feeling adventurous, leap out of your comfort zone by skydiving for a stunning view of the Northern Territory’s most famous natural landmark. Soak up the sights and take pictures during a helicopter flight, or roar off into the spectacular sunset aboard a Harley Davidson motorcycle.
3. Every day is Hump Day in the Red Centre
Explore the large red sand dunes in the cool morning or watch the sunrise over Uluru on a camel tour. On an Uluru Camel Tour a guide will point out flora and fauna, and make you a bush brekkie of billy tea and fresh beer bread.
4. Walk, cycle or Segway around Uluru
Nearly everyone walks around Uluru in an anti-clockwise direction with a base of 10.6km in diameter. For those who want a less athletic experience, riding a Segway or bicycle is an exciting way to take in the various springs, waterholes, rock art caves and ancient paintings on the circuit.
5. Dine on menus that infuse contemporary and ancient traditions
Enjoy gourmet cuisine at the iconic Sounds of Silence dinner under a canopy of stars, with a backdrop of Uluru’s Kata Tjuta National Park. Alternatively, tempt your taste buds with one of several outback bush tucker experiences run by traditional owners. Or go on the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience Tour in Kings Canyon National Park for culinary delights in the gorgeous outback.
6. Visit the many heads that make up the Olgas
A must-do in the World Heritage-listed Kata Tjuta National Park is to see the many heads that make up the captivating Olgas, also known as Kata Tjuta. The tallest rock, Mt Olga, sits 1066m above sea level – 200m higher than Uluru! Expect scenery with splashes of outback red and small off-road trails that are perfect for exploring. Join a cultural tour and learn the Dreamtime stories for a taste of the region’s sacred history.
7. Walk the unique Valley of the Winds
For some of the best views of the formations of Kata Tjuta, walk the 7.4km Valley of the Winds full-circuit, 30km from Uluru. Due to high temperatures, the trail is best walked in the early morning or late afternoon and take plenty of water. You won’t regret it, with grassy landscapes, ancient mulga trees against the bluest sky ever, and shy wallabies hopping along the rocky outcrops.
8. Pack a picnic and stargaze the night away
In the evening, the incredible Campari-coloured sunsets illuminate the rock with a touch of drama before fading to charcoal. An astronomy tour gives visitors a close-up view of the planets, with the Milky Way cutting a neon swathe through the dark night sky.
9. Ancient art rocks the joint
It’s an all-day trip from Uluru to Cave Hill, but this stunning rock art site is well worth the time. This sacred site can only be visited on an organised tour, with an Anangu guide explaining the role of this area and its colourful art in one of Australia’s best-known Dreamtime stories.
10. Kings Canyon Rim Walk
While at Uluru schedule a trip to Kings Canyon, another Northern Territory must-see. The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is one of the most breathtaking places in the whole of the Territory. When you’re standing on top of this remote canyon looking out at the desert, the sheer size of the place will blow your mind. While the initial climb is quite steep, you will be rewarded when you reach the top with spectacular sights. For something easier, take the walk in the Canyon.
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