Find Your Drive
Watching a sunset so gorgeous you swear it’s the best you’ll ever see, until the next night rolls around. Hearing local Anangu stories with your ears before they settle in your heart. No two days in the Outback are the same – every time you wake up here, a new adventure awaits. And with countless ways to explore Uluru, both on your own or with some help from a friendly and knowledgeable guide, the toughest part of your journey might be deciding which tours to try.
Make sure you allocate plenty of time during your drive to both wander at your own pace and enjoy a curated experience or two. Here are five ideas to make the journey just…wow.
1. Take a walk around Uluru...
Once you arrive at Ayers Rock Resort, reserve your National Park Pass and drive out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park to experience Uluru up close. Self-guided walks at Uluru include the Mala Walk (2km, easy terrain), Uluru Base Walk (10km, moderate terrain), or the Women’s and Men’s Walks (approx. 1km each), which will teach you about traditional men’s and women’s roles and work in Anangu culture. Start in the morning, when the weather is cooler, and don’t forget to pack water.
2. …or Kata Tjuta.
Next up, drive to Kata Tjuta (roughly 40 minutes from Uluru) to get some more steps in. The Walpa Gorge walk covers 2.6km over moderate terrain. For more of a challenge, opt for the Valley of the Winds walk, 7.4km over moderate to difficult terrain. Drinking water is available midway through this walk, along with lookouts that are the perfect places to take a breather and soak up the scenery.
3. Enjoy the view.
No matter what time of day you visit, the views will be stunning, but sunset is a particularly spectacular time to observe Uluru from the sunset viewing area in the National Park. For something a little closer to the resort, there’s a viewing platform located directly across from the resort’s front entrance – just stay on the marked trails for an unforgettable first glimpse of Uluru.
4. Pack a picnic.
Stop by the IGA supermarket in Yulara town square for your favourite on-the-go snacks and sips, then head out to one of the many viewing platforms around the National Park for a picnic. Observe the sun rising or setting over Uluru and Kata Tjuta, snap some photos, and enjoy a quiet moment of connection with the landscape, the culture, and your travelling companions.
5. Book an Experience.
Exploring on your own is great, but there’s so much to learn about Uluru and the Red Centre – a guided tour is guaranteed to teach you something new about this very special place. Join us for Wintjiri Wiru – the timeless Mala story told in a brand-new way. Begin your day with Sunrise Journeys or wind down strolling through the award-winning Field of Light installation. There are so many ways to experience the spiritual heart of Australia, the hardest part can be choosing just one!
