5 Free Things to do at Uluru

 

1. Indigenous Guided Garden Walk

Assumption leads you to believe that a desert would naturally be sparse of much plant life, so you’ll probably be surprised to learn just how large the list of Australian natives that call the Red Centre home is. There are over 416 species of native plants within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and you can experience a portion of these in the gardens at the Resort Town Square. Wander through the grounds yourself, or arrive at one of the designated time slots to be lead around the garden by an Indigenous guide that will explain the cultural significance of key plants as part of food, medicine and more. Tour departs twice daily at 8:45am and 4pm, meet your guide at the Resort Town Square's flag poles.

 

 

2. Bush Food Experience

Speaking of food, make sure you jump on the Bush Food Experience held daily at 1pm in the Arkarni Theatre - located adjacent to the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA). Put your newly gained plant knowledge to the test as you discover the uses of plants, fruits, grains and spices in traditional cooking methods. Enjoy a demonstration and better still a tasting!

 

3. Discover Local Indigenous Art

Ayers Rock Resort is a hub for Indigenous art, showcasing the work of local Anangu artists who use art to express messages of identity, belief and knowledge about ancestry and links to country. 

Three fascinating art galleries are located at Ayers Rock Resort – Sails in the Desert’s Mulgara Gallery represents the many different regional styles of Indigenous art, Mingkiri Gallery at Town Square features Australian handcrafted glassware, jewellery, pottery, zebra rock and artworks, and the exciting new Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA) which  recently opened on the 1 April 2021. It houses over 80 artworks supporting existing and emerging artists exclusively from the Central Australian region. These are displayed in the Gallery along with specially curated items like punu (traditional Anangu wood carving) and pieces designed and hand made by communities across the region. 

GoCA also hosts Ayers Rock Resort’s successful Artist in Residence program. The program invites Indigenous artists from Central Australian art centres to take up residence in the gallery to create art pieces in situ, exhibit and sell their work.
 

 

4. Listen to a Bush Yarn

Join an Indigenous guide for one of the daily Bush Yarns, - and no, this isn’t anything related to sewing or needlework, it’s a good old fashion chat about Aboriginal history, culture and the land. A favourite is learning about the Indigenous “survival kit” which includes weaponry such as hunting spears, clubs, and boomerangs. These sessions will also provide an opportunity to learn aspects about the local Pitjantjatjara language. Join this 30-minute free activity, run four times daily between 10am and midday from the Circle of Sand at Town Square Lawn Area.

 

5. Guided Walk at the Base of Uluru

Be guided by one of the the National Park Rangers on the Mala track at the base of Uluru. The Ranger tells the story of the Mala (rufous hare wallaby) people, and describe the history and traditions associated with Uluru. You will learn about traditional and contemporary Anangu life and culture, rock art and the management of the Park. These free guided walks run daily from the Mala carpark and take approximately 1 1/2 hours, depart 8am between October and April, or 10am between May and September.

Or, if you prefer to travel at your own pace, venture on one of the self-guided walks around Uluru, the interpretive signs along the track will give you insight into the local culture and history of this remarkable place.