This blog post is all about the best things to do in Uluru.
A trip to Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park is one of the most unforgettable experiences you can have in Australia.
Located in the heart of the Northern Territory’s Red Centre, this UNESCO World Heritage-listed region offers breathtaking desert landscapes, sacred Aboriginal sites, and incredible opportunities for adventure.
Whether you’re on a Mulgas Adventures tour (like we were) or planning your own outback road trip, here are the best things to do in Uluru and the surrounding national parks.
If you’re interested in visiting Uluru on a Mulgas Adventures tour, make sure to use my discount code ‘ORLAGH25’ for $25 off any tour!
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This blog post is all about the best things to do in Uluru.
The Best Things to Do in Uluru
1. Watch the Sunrise and Sunset at Uluru
One of the most iconic and best things to do in Uluru is to witness Uluru at sunrise or sunset.
As the light shifts across the desert sky, the rock changes from deep red to vibrant orange and even purple hues. It’s an incredible natural display.
There are dedicated sunrise and sunset viewing areas that offer panoramic views of Uluru. Be sure to arrive early for the best vantage points and bring a camera or simply soak in the moment.
2. Walk the Uluru Base Walk
This 10.6 km loop walk is the best way to experience Uluru up close.
It takes around 3.5 hours at a relaxed pace and allows you to appreciate the rock’s incredible textures, caves, and waterholes. Along the way, you’ll see:
- Mutitjulu Waterhole, an important sacred site
- Rock art sites that are thousands of years old
- Interpretive signs sharing Anangu creation stories
The walk is flat and accessible for most fitness levels. It’s recommended to start early in the day to avoid the midday heat.
3. Visit the Cultural Centre
Before exploring the park, stop at the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.
Here, you’ll learn about the Anangu people, the traditional custodians of the land, and gain deeper insight into the cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
The centre offers:
- Free exhibitions
- Local Anangu artworks and crafts for sale
- Information on Tjukurpa (traditional law and creation stories)
It’s an essential stop to better understand the land you’re exploring.
4. Explore Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Located about 40 km west of Uluru, Kata Tjuta is a spectacular collection of 36 domed rock formations, just as sacred and striking as Uluru itself.
Top hikes at Kata Tjuta include:
1. Valley of the Winds Walk
A challenging but rewarding 7.4 km loop with jaw-dropping views of the domes and surrounding desert plains. Best done early in the morning before it gets too hot.
2. Walpa Gorge Walk
An easier 2.6 km return trail through a shaded gorge between two massive domes, great for families or anyone short on time.
5. Experience the Field of Light
One of the most magical experiences and best things to do in Uluru is the Field of Light, a solar-powered art installation by Bruce Munro.
As night falls, 50,000 spindles of light bloom across the desert floor in a dazzling display of colour and movement.
You can visit the Field of Light via:
- A standard general admission
- A sunrise or sunset tour including transfers
- A dinner package under the stars
This temporary installation was so beloved it has become a permanent part of the Uluru experience.
6. Stargazing in the Outback
With minimal light pollution, the night sky over Uluru is one of the clearest in the world. On a clear night, you can see:
- The Milky Way Galaxy stretching across the sky
- Shooting stars and satellite trails
- Constellations from both the Southern Hemisphere and the Aboriginal star stories
Join a guided stargazing tour or simply look up from your campsite or hotel, some of the best things to do in Uluru.
7. Camp Under the Stars
If you want a truly immersive experience, camping in the outback is the way to go. We swag-camped and it was truly the most incredible experience, sleeping under the stars!
Whether you’re staying at Ayers Rock Campground or joining a Mulgas Adventures camping tour, you’ll be treated to:
- Crackling campfires
- Swag sleeping under the open sky
- Sunrises and sunsets you’ll never forget
Waking up to the colours of the desert and the sounds of nature is one of the most authentic ways to connect with this incredible landscape, and one of the best things to do in Uluru.
8. Kings Canyon Rim Walk (Watarrka National Park)
Although not inside Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon is a must-visit in the surrounding Red Centre region. Located in Watarrka National Park, this site is known for its towering cliffs, lush gorges, and breathtaking views.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk is a 6 km loop that takes about 3–4 hours. It includes highlights like:
- The Garden of Eden waterhole
- Priscilla’s Crack (famous from the movie Priscilla, Queen of the Desert)
- The stunning north and south walls of the canyon
It’s best done early in the morning to beat the heat and crowds.
9. Learn from an Anangu Guide or Experience a Dot-Painting Workshop
To truly understand the cultural layers of the landscape, join a guided walk or dot-painting workshop led by local Anangu artists or rangers.
These experiences often include:
- Traditional storytelling (Tjukurpa)
- Aboriginal art techniques and symbolism
- Language learning and bush food demonstrations
Many tours are available through SEIT Outback Australia, Maruku Arts, or the Cultural Centre.
10. Visit Mount Conner Lookout (Fool-uru)
On the drive to Uluru, many visitors mistake Mount Conner (nicknamed “Fool-uru”) for the real deal.
This flat-topped rock is actually located on Curtin Springs Station and offers a unique photo stop.
You can join a 4WD tour to explore the salt lakes, red sand dunes, and learn more about local ecology and cattle station life.
The Best Things to Do in Uluru
From epic sunrise hikes and cultural experiences to starlit desert skies and breathtaking natural formations, Uluru and its surrounding national parks offer some of the most memorable experiences in Australia.
Whether you’re a solo backpacker, a couple on a once-in-a-lifetime trip (like us!), or travelling with friends, there’s no shortage of best things to do in Uluru, this remarkable part of the world.
If you’re joining a Mulgas Adventures tour, you’ll get to experience the very best of this region with knowledgeable local guides, authentic bush camping, and all the top highlights included.
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