Australia is defined by its landscape. Uluru is ancient; a timeless iconic destination for visitors and locals alike. The best bit, it’s stupendously beautiful. Uluru and its neighbour, Kata Tjuta are 600 million years in the making.
Here’s 25 reasons to visit the Red Centre of Australia
ULURU, NORTHERN TERRITORY HIGHLIGHTS
- Immerse yourself in the awesome sight of a weathered, red tinted rock rises from the desert
- Find out more about the First People, the Aboriginal stories of a place that is home
- Adventures galore from hot air ballooning, camel rides to segway tours
- Walk ancient trails around Uluru
- Make time for a sunset or sunrise occasion
- Fun as you experiment with Aboriginal painting techniques
- Taste bush tucker with a local Aboriginal guide
- Uluru fades into the night as the twinkling stars herald the daily dark sanctuary show
- The best bit, the natural beauty and sense of awe as you absorb Uluru and the desert landscape
1. ROMANCE IS GIVEN A BOOST WITH FINE DINING & FRONT ROW SEAT – ULURU SUNSET MOMENT
Relish your moment with crisp linen, fine dining and taste of Australia as you view the sunset. A short distance from Ayers Rock Resort, the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner offers a laser light show, drinks, canapés, a gourmet dinner hamper and transfers to your local accommodation.
The drones and projections illuminate the desert in a modern interpretation of an ancient Anangu dreaming story.
2. FIND YOUR CREATIVE JUICES AT A DOT PAINTING WORKSHOP
Get an insight into the Aboriginal Art created in the surrounds of Uluru with a visit to Maruku. it is a not-for-profit art and craft corporation owned and operated by local Anangu people.
3. ULURU IS A DARK SKY SANCTUARY
Uluru’s night is inky black, it is a dark sky sanctuary. The day disappears, Uluru fades into the landscape and the night sky is centre stage. There is a viewing platform at Ayers Rock Resort. You can book a stargazing session with an experienced astronomer.
4. DISCOVER LOCAL INDIGENOUS ART
Art and gallery fans, check out the three art galleries at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort: the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA), Mulgara Gallery and Mingkiri Arts. The newly created GoCA opened in 2021, and houses over 300 artworks that support current and emerging artists.
5. VISIT THE ULURU-KATA TJUTA CULTURAL CENTRE
Kids will be fascinated with the contemporary and informative history of the park, as well as the activities available in the area.
TIP: A great place to grab a last-minute travel deal.
6. TAKE THE SLOW ROUTE, WALK AROUND ULURU
Join a free ranger-guided Mala Walk to circumnavigate Uluru on foot and visit the painted caves and waterholes of the traditional custodians. There is also the Uluru Base Walk – an unguided 10km loop.
7. HIRE A BIKE
Cycle the pathway around the shared trail around the base to explore at your own pace.
8. TASTE & IDENTIFY BUSH TUCKER
Guests and visitor favourite is the Bush Food Experience is part of the offering of Ayers Rock Resort. Pick, taste and laugh as you are introduced to seasonal plants, seeds, fruits and spices. The fun continues with a cooking demonstration.
9. A TOUCH OF LUXURY, GO DESERT GLAMPING
CAMPING with a touch of comfort book an unforgettable glamping stay at Longitude 131. Desert glamping with the promise of views over Uluru.
10. SOAK AWAY THE CARES OF THE DAY AT THE RED OCHRE SPA
Red Ochre Spa, located in Sails of the Desert, is an outback oasis in the heart of Uluru. Swap an accidental ‘exfoliation by red dirt’ for an Elixir Body Exfoliation or spoil yourself with one of its Signature Journeys, such as the Desert Awakening or Uluru Recovery; designed to alleviate weary bodies after action-packed days spent exploring.
11. FLOAT ABOVE, BIRDS EYE VIEWS OF ULURU AND KATA TJUTA FROM THE AIR
Book a flight for two to enjoy 360-degree, uninterrupted views of the great Australian outback and two of its most unique and impressive monoliths: Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
TIP: Helicopter or plane flights for more aerial, panoramic views
12. WALK VALLEY OF THE WINDS
Walk the 7.5-kilometre Valley of the Winds early in the morning before the sun beats down too hard to take in awe-inspiring scenery and feel the iron-rich sandstone almost vibrating underfoot.
13. HEAD OUT TO WATARRKA NATIONAL PARK (KINGS CANYON)
Walk the rim of a canyon and spy an oasis in the depths, ‘Garden of Eden.’ KINGS CANYON is a three hour journey from Uluru. Venture into the desert and discover more extraordinary landscapes.
14. ADRENALINE SEEKERS APPLY HERE – SKYDIVE ULURU
Thrill seekers have an undeniably exciting view to skydive over. Take in the best bits of Uluru to Kata-Tjuta, Lake Amadeus and Mt Conner as you jump, drop and float over the Red Centre.
15. TAKE A SUNRISE TOUR
SET THE ALARM. Welcome the dawn of a new day as the night stars fade and an array of colours signal a new beginning on the Desert Awakenings Tour. Enjoy a traditional Aussie bushman’s breakfast before an introduction from your guide on the ancient landscape, ecology, culture, heritage and history of Australia’s spiritual heartland.
16. RUN THE AUSTRALIAN OUTBACK MARATHON
Line up a visit to one of the most extreme environments on earth with an extreme challenge. Slated to run mid-year, the Australian Outback Marathon is a test in endurance for experienced marathoners.
17. FUN, NOT TOO FAST, SEGWAY WHEELS
Fun, and segway sceptics now have the perfect opportunity to give the segway a go. Cruise on firm packed red dirt paths. Remember to stop and pause to take in the caves, ridges and weather-cared rock face.
18. WHAT A SHOT – PHOTO MOMENTS GALORE
Get the mobile ready, the camera battery charged as you stroll around Uluru photo tour. Uluru is a mustgo destination for photographers. A FREE ULURU ACTIVITY, Uluru on a budget.
19. TAKE IN A BIRD’S EYE-VIEW OF ULURU
To fully appreciate Australia’s vast desert landscape and the natural wonder of Uluru, you need to experience it from the air. Fly high over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to witness the awesome spectacle of this iconic monolith.
20. ZOOM AROUND THE ROCK ON THE BACK OF A HARLEY
Have you always wanted to ride a Harley? Here’s a fun holiday adventure. Relax on the back of a Harley and join a tour with a difference. Join Uluru Motorcycle Tours for a fun-filled adventure on the back of a Harley Davidson Motorcycle or a 3 Wheeler Trike.
21. ULURU CAMEL RACING
In the tradition of deserts worldwide, camel racing is an Australian racing staple. The annual Uluru Camel Racing Cup will deliver a feel-good day. There are plenty of pop up stalls, adventures galore and, the main star ULURU is soiree favourite.
22. OVERNIGHT STAY IS A MUST WHEN VISITING ULURU
Overnight at Uluru visitors will witness a sunset with a double whammy. Imagine the sunset orange glow amplified by the sheer size and ochre colours of Uluru. The austere desert landscape, the massive size of the Red Rock, Uluru dominates the view. Stupendous.
23. HOW ABOUT A CAMEL RIDE – AN ULURU EXPERIENCE
A seat on high, a seat on a camel is a fun way to view the desert and Uluru. An authentic slow land journey through the desert is intriguing. Give a camel ride a go.
24. BROWSE THROUGH WINTJIRI MUSEUM
Find out more about the history of ULURU and the land conservation practices of the Anangu FIRST PEOPLE and the flora and fauna of the RED CENTRE.
25. FIELD OF LIGHT
The Field of Light is an immersive art installation. The magical experience is a must for ULURU visitors. The Field of Light is a sea of light with 50,000 glowing spindles. Each of these stems streams a rhythmic pulse in hues of ochre, deep violet, blue, and soft white. The desert becomes alive with its traditional colours creating a surreal landscape.
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All Uluru Tours & Activities for Every Taste and Budget – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
Uluru also offers plenty of things to do FOR FREE.
Uluru is not on the public bus for Greyhound Australia. However Emu Run has a budget cost-saving option. Uluru has a domestic airport for visitors travelling from Australia’s major cities. The majority of visitors either drive or join one of the many tours based out of Alice Springs and beyond.
A minimum stay in Uluru is 2 days / one night to ensure you do not miss a sunset or sunrise. Three to four days gives time to explore further Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon as well immerse yourself in the spirit of Uluru.
Magnificent sculptural rock formations keep on giving …
- KATA TJUTA DOMES, rounded domes, over 36 massive red tinted weathered rocks invites hikers to trek the Valley of Winds circuit (7.4 km). Captivating landscape, get the camera ready.
- KINGS CANYON, the sheer exhilaration of getting to the top of the rim walk and viewing over 100 m cliff faces layered form descending into the ‘Garden of Eden.’
- ALICE SPRINGS – a desert town, a superb hospitality host and a place many visitors use as a hub to explore the RED CENTRE.
HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS WHEN VISITING THE RED CENTRE, ULURU & KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA
Uluru Weather Forecast | Today’s Local Weather Forecast check the weather forecast, summer temperatures are deadly
The best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is between May and September when the days are dry and warm, but not scorching. Summer trips are possible however soaring daytime temperatures in excess of 40+ c will lead to walks being closed from 9.00 am due to heat stress danger.
Outback Tours & Adventures – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
- Flies and the Northern Territory. Carry a mosquito head net with you. Carry spares for yourself and the kids.
- Start as early in the morning as possible. Plan to spend the afternoon at the pool relaxing before the sunset moments
- Freeze water in the hotel / accommodation fridge and carry lots and lots of water.
- Make sure you are well-protected against the sun. You should wear long-sleeved cotton shirts, a sun hat, and sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen SPF 50+.
- Sturdy closed footwear as you might have to negotiate loose rocky terrain.
Conditions and access to parks in the Northern Territory (NT) can change at short notice.Extreme weather conditions can be experienced in the region. When you plan your trip and before you leave home, you should check:
- IS THE PARK OPEN, CHECK HERE
- The road conditions on the Road Report website
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