With the Uluru climb set to officially close on Saturday 26 October 2019, 34 years to the day that Uluru and Kata Tjuta were handed back to the Anangu people, the traditional owners continue to welcome travellers to the spiritual heart of Australia.
With more than 101 activities beyond the climb – whether it’s a stunning sunrise stroll around the base of the Rock, an unforgettable scenic flight, or a luxurious dining experience under the stars – there’s an eye-opening experience for every type of traveller. Here are our top picks to explore Uluru.
Watch the sunrise illuminate Uluru
Take in the unforgettable colours of Australia’s spiritual heartland by watching the sun rise over what is largely considered the world’s largest monolith. Standing 348 metres above ground level, Uluru is taller than the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.
The Red Centre from above
Witness the most spectacular views the Red Centre has to offer in a chartered helicopter tour over the majestic landscape of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. With cobalt blue skies stretching as far as the eye can see and the rich red of the 36 soaring domes of Kata Tjuta/The Olgas and Uluru standing proud, you’ll never want to come down.
Uluru glows after dark in Field of Light
The Field of Light art installation, a global phenomenon by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, has come â??homeâ?
Spend the evening exploring Field of Light, the stunning desert light installation by renowned British artist Bruce Munro. The must-see night-time attraction gently illuminates the desert ground in front of Uluru as the stars shine above. It’s so good, that it will now remain open indefinitely.
Take a FREE guided base walk around Uluru
Follow in the ancient footsteps of the world’s oldest continuous living culture with an early morning walk around World Heritage-listed Uluru. Learn the ancestral story of the Mala people and visit the painted caves and water holes of these traditional custodians along the free ranger-guided Mala Walk. The walk takes you so close to the Rock you can even touch it!
Uluru from atop a trusty steed
Climb aboard a ‘ship of the desert’ for an unforgettable Red Centre camel-ride experience. From a peaceful camel ride over the rich red sand in the fresh morning air or a sunset experience taking in the colours of the Rock changing from a vivid red to a glowing ochre – the choice is yours. Knowledgeable guides will take intrepid travellers through the ancient history of the area and give a few camel-riding tips along the way.
Explore Uluru on two wheels
Get up close and personal with Uluru on two wheels. Cycle the pathway around the base of this amazing monolith and enjoy the freedom to explore the world’s most iconic rock formation at your own pace or with the whole family. The 15-kilometre loop is easily explored in three-hours with plenty of time to stop and explore the beauty of this spiritual and unique wonder.
Uluru, with a dose of adrenaline
For the thrill seekers, take to the skies and enjoy every second of the trip down from 12,000 feet on a tandem sky dive. With breathtaking views of Uluru, Kata-Tjuta, Lake Amadeus and Mt Conner, after the initial freefall you’ll have four blissful minutes to enjoy some of the Red Centre’s most striking scenery.
Speed things up with a Segway tour around the Rock
Fancy doing the Rock a little differently? Slap on a helmet and join a knowledgeable guide on a two-wheeled eco-adventure around the base of Uluru. Wonder at the picturesque landscape, all while immersing yourself in the history and culture of this ancient landscape.
Rev-head heaven
There’s nothing quite like a ride on an iconic Harley Davidson. This exhilarating experience weaves through the vivid red sand dunes and desert landscape surrounding Uluru, with a full lap around the base to see the incredible rock formation up close.
Look to the skies with an astronomy tour
With low humidity and minimal artificial light, the Red Centre is one of the best places in the world to explore the skies above. Cast your gaze upwards and learn of the Seven Sisters’ story
– part of an Aboriginal songline that traverses the breadth of the continent, from the east to west coast of Australia.
Outback bush culture
If you thought the desert was a sparse landscape lacking in plant life, think again! Learn how to recognise a few of the 416 species of plants native to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park on a guided garden walk and taste the ancient flavours at an outback bush tucker lesson with the folks at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort.
Forget five star – try million-star dining
You’d be hard pressed to find a more spectacular dining experience than Tali Wiru, which pairs an unforgettable Australian setting with a world-class gastronomic adventure for a not-to-be- missed night under the stars. Tali Wiru, meaning ‘beautiful dune’ in local Anangu language, encapsulates the magic of fine dining under the Southern Desert sky. Tali Wiru operates seasonally from March until October.
For a full list of activities at Uluru, click here.
To plan your trip to Uluru visit www.northernterritory.com
