Uluru is the spiritual core of Australia. Along with the iconic Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon, this trio epitomises the region’s renowned natural wonders and rich cultural heritage. Experience ten exceptional ways to immerse yourself in this extraordinary area.
Stroll around Uluru
Embark on a journey tracing the footsteps of Aboriginal ancestors via one of six established trails encircling Uluru (with most being accessible to wheelchairs). Join the complimentary Mala Walk along the base of Uluru (a 2km round trip), where park rangers narrate the saga of the Mala (rufous hare-wallaby) folks. The complete base walk, a 10.6km circuit around the rock, unveils all the natural splendour and cultural significance of Uluru.
Witness the Field of Light display
As the early morning light dawns or the evening twilight descends on Uluru, behold the mesmerizing light show at the Field of Light art exhibit. This international sensation, crafted by British artist Bruce Munro, illuminates the desert with around 50,000 solar-powered lights over an area as vast as seven footy fields. Known in the local Pitjantjatjara tongue as Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘beholding a myriad of beautiful lights’, it’s a sight to behold.
A walk on Kata Tjuta
Lace up your hiking boots and venture into Kata Tjuta, a collection of 36 majestic domes situated a 20-minute drive west of Uluru. Capture the sprawling views on the 600m trek to the dune viewing spot, wander through the 2.6km return Walpa Gorge Walk amid unique flora to a spearwood bush, or take on the Valley of the Winds trek, a full 7.4km loop penetrating the heart of Kata Tjuta, which stands 200m taller than Uluru itself!
the Sounds of Silence
Experience dining under the starlit sky with the Sounds of Silence dinner near Uluru. Enjoy a glass of bubbly and sample canapes on a red desert dune as the sun sets, transforming Uluru’s hues. Then, indulge in a bush tucker-inspired feast accompanied by top-shelf Aussie wines. Post-meal, a stargazer will guide you through the celestial wonders of the Aussie night sky.
Conquer Kings Canyon
Set off early to conquer the 3.5-hour rim walk of Kings Canyon, a towering 150m sandstone bluff in Watarrka National Park, a three-hour jaunt from Uluru. The initial 500-step ascent rewards with breathtaking views from the peak across verdant forests and watering holes before descending into the lush ‘Garden of Eden’ at the canyon’s core. Alternatively, opt for the cooler, simpler creek walk along the canyon’s base. If you want to take part in an organised trip, we recommend the Kings Canyon Tour.
Dine Under a Desert Moon
Treat yourself to the ‘Under a Desert Moon’ experience at Kings Canyon Resort (April–October), a 5-course dinner beneath the starry sky, illuminated solely by moonlight and the campfire’s gentle flicker. The menu showcases the freshest Australian ingredients, featuring dishes like free-range emu koftas and wild NT barramundi, ensuring an intimate setting with a limit to eight couples.
Local Maruku artists
Participate in a dot-painting or wood-carving workshop with Maruku Arts, a collective representing around 900 Anangu artists from 20 remote desert communities surrounding Uluru. Sit alongside these artists, absorbing the desert’s lore, the meanings behind their art symbols, and local bush medicine practices. You might even snag a few words in Pitjantjatjara.
Segway or cycle exploration
Walking isn’t the sole mode to explore the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Embark on a sunrise or sunset camel tour, view the iconic landmarks from the sky in a chopper – or, for thrill-seekers – dive into a tandem skydive! Mount a Harley Davidson motorcycle or a 3-wheel trike for a swift 30-minute ride or the ultimate sunset adventure. Or, smoothly Segway around Uluru or cycle at your leisure.
Discover Wintjiri Arts
Drop by the Wintjiri Arts and Museum at Ayers Rock Resort, an Aboriginal art gallery showcasing the creative works of artists from the Pitjantjatjara and Ngaanyatjarra lands. Explore the local history exhibits, watch artists in action, and select a unique piece to bring home, from art and bush medicine to soaps and cosmetics.
Take a paper-making tour in Curtin Springs
Make your own paper from local herbs at Curtin Springs, a working cattle station in the backcountry, an hour’s drive from Uluru. Take an hour-long tour or a two-day workshop and learn about the different herbs – spinifex, oat grass, woolly oats, kangaroo and paraffin – and how they are turned into paper. In a longer masterclass, you will cut, shred and press the grass to create your own original keepsake to take home.