The burnt orange scenery of Uluru and its surrounding landscapes is a walker’s dream. It promises majestic lands filled with sprawling golden plains and tufts of greenery, this part of Australia is perfect for a hike or two.
Visitors flock to the iconic Australian monument to learn more about the spiritual history of the region, and to see the incredible natural structure up close in person. As well as getting to know the rich cultural history of Uluru and its surrounding scenery, there are plenty of other things to do in the vicinity – like taking a stroll through the spectacular backdrop.
The Mala Walk is one of the most prominent and popular walks in the region. It is a 2km return journey that takes about an hour in total, making it perfect for walkers of all levels.
What You Can See Along the Way
As well as exposing yourself to the incredible backdrop of Australia’s Red Centre, there is plenty of wildlife and natural scenes to spot along the way. There are numerous native species that call the area home, as well as some beautiful natural structures for you to admire along the way.
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Kantju Gorge
The walk finishes up in the gorgeous sprawl of Kantju Gorge. The breath-taking natural structure is well worth a visit just to see its ancient rivulets up close and to feel the vast history that imbues the area.
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Mala Tjukurpa
The region surrounding Uluru is home to the Anangu Aboriginal people. From the base of the climbing point on the Mala Walk, you can see interpretative signs drawn by the Anangu that explain Mala Tjukurpa of the Mala (hare-wallaby people). It is thought to be the spot where lots of dramatic events took place during the creation era.
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Rock Art
Keeping in line with the cultural significance of the region, you can also keep your eyes peeled for centuries-old rock art that decorates the region. The Aboriginal tribes that have lived here place a heavy emphasis on creative pursuits, and have used the medium of rock art to depict their history and spiritual traditions over thousands of years.
If you want to explore the route on your own, you can, but you can also join a free ranger guided walk that does that Mala Walk every day at 10am if you’d like to get a deeper insight into the region and its inhabitants.