A trip to Uluru is a must when visiting the Northern Territory. Whether it’s to see the stunning sunrise or sunset, or explore the nearby Kata Tjuta (also known as The Olgas), there are plenty of things to do! Wake up early to enjoy a front row seat for the stunning sunrise over Uluru. Afterwards, join a guided base walk and learn about the Anangu lore.
Ayers Rock Resort
Right in the middle of the Australian outback is a tiny town called Yulara that’s essentially made up of the Ayers Rock Resort. This massive complex of hotels and campgrounds is what makes up the majority of the accommodation options around Uluru trip. It also houses the main petrol station and town square. There are multiple hotel and campground choices, all with a range of stay styles to suit everyone. Currently there are heaps of deals on offer at the resort to help make it even more affordable for travellers.
The 4.5 star Desert Gardens Hotel is the only hotel with views of Uluru and is surrounded by beautiful native gardens. It offers a choice of rooms from deluxe rock view to shady poolside and the restaurants Mangata Bistro & Bar and Arnguli Grill both serve up amazing local bush tucker.
Ayers Rock Visitor Centre
The iconic sandstone monolith that is Ayers Rock (or Uluru, to its traditional Anangu owners) is world-renowned for its stunning appearance and spiritual significance. It is also home to the spectacular Kata Tjuta rock formations and has been a site for traditional ceremonies and rites of passage for 10,000 years. The best way to experience the majesty of the rock is with a guided tour that combines an exploration of the cultural and natural history of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. There is a free ranger-guided ‘Mala’ walk that circumnavigates the rock each day and is an ideal opportunity to learn more about its place in Aboriginal culture.
The Visitor Centre provides visitors with a range of services and facilities including a museum, displays, a cafe and several community-owned shops and galleries. It is worth allowing a couple of hours to explore it. From here, you can also access the base of Uluru via the Base Walk – an accessible route that allows guests to get up close to the rock while maintaining a safe and respectful distance.
Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park
Visiting Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is possible by self-drive with a car rental or you can book a range of guided tours. Many of the guided tours offer pick-up from hotels and the Ayers Rock Campground and include a visit to the Uluru Cultural Centre, sunrise and sunset look outs and Kata Tjuta and Uluru walks. Backpackers can bunk down in a dorm at the Outback Pioneer Hotel, flashpackers will enjoy the luxury of Longitude 131 or those wanting a more flexible accommodation option can choose to pitch a tent at the Ayers Rock Campground. There are also a variety of 3-, 4- and 5-star hotels and villas to choose from.
Explore the domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) or venture into Walpa Gorge on a guided walk. Witness a mesmerising Uluru sunset or sunrise and learn about its significance to Anangu at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. Then shop for a memento at the award-winning Maruku Arts, selling everything from woven baskets to traditional paintings on canvas.
Things To Do In Uluru
Ayers Rock Resort offers a range of guided tours for those who want to get up close and personal with Uluru. Climb to the top on a guided climb, take in the views from the air by helicopter or float above in a hot air balloon. Walk the 7.5-kilometer valley trail on the Mala Walk or visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole to see awe-inspiring scenery and rock art. There are plenty of other free activities to do too – attend a bush tucker experience, pat camels at the petting zoo or join a guided dot painting workshop with an Indigenous artist. For something more luxe, dine at the open-air fine-dining experience Tali Wiru – meaning ‘beautiful dune’ in Pitjantjatjara.
Don’t leave Uluru without taking in the night sky at the Field of Light. Covering an area the size of nine football fields, 50,000 radiant frosted-glass spheres illuminate the desert as Uluru fades into darkness. You’ll be mesmerized.
Conclusion
Travel to Uluru and explore the arid landscape of the Red Centre. Discover ancient Aboriginal culture as you walk around the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and marvel at a mesmerizing sunset or sunrise over the domes of Kata Tjuta.
