What else is there to do at Uluru Besides the Rock?

The spectacular monolith Uluru is located in Australia’s remote Red Centre. So, if you have travelled all this way to admire its stunning natural beauty, what else is there to do while you are here?

There are plenty of ways to explore and appreciate the magic of Uluru, from the 10 kilometre base walk to sipping a glass of champagne admiring its sunset glow. Once you have enjoyed this impressive landmark, what else can you do during your stay in the Red Centre?

• The Field of Light

  This spectacular art installation by Bruce Munro has been enchanting visitors with its colourful display of lights spread across the desert in the shadow of Uluru since 2016. 50 000 small spherical lights on thin poles are connected by colourful optical fibres, illuminating an area the size of nine football fields. The local Pitjantjatjara name for the Field of Lights Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku, meaning “looking at lots of beautiful lights”, aptly describes the magical experience of wandering the winding path amongst the colourful illuminations.

  The installation is an extremely popular attraction at Uluru, with tours booking out weeks in advance. Make sure you don’t miss out by booking prior to your arrival.

• Kata-Tjuta

  Kata-Tjuta is a series of dome like rock formations, located close to Uluru. Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, was formed in the same way as Uluru, by the soft surrounding rock eroding away over millions of years and leaving the hard rock of the mountains exposed. The area holds significant cultural value to the local Pitjantjatjara men, and many of their Dreamtime stories about Kata Tjuta are not known to outsiders, especially women.

  There are a number of walking paths at Kata Tjuta for you to follow and explore the magical rock formation. At 7.5 kilometres long, the Valley of the Winds walk is the longest and most difficult of these walks, taking you over sometimes steep and rocky terrain to enjoy spectacular views from lookout points along the track. Alternatively, the Walpa Gorge walk is an easier option, just 2.6 kilometres long, through the picturesque desert refuge provided by the rocks.

• Cultural Centre

  The Cultural Centre at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers visitors a wealth of information about the surrounding natural environment and local indigenous people and their culture. Wander the engaging displays to learn more about how Uluru was formed, the plants and animals of the area and the local Anangu people live in the area. Anangu and park rangers offer free presentations on a range of interesting topics including bush food and tools, modern park management and more.

  The Cultural Centre is open from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, with free presentations at 10:00 am every weekday. We recommend planning at least two hours to fully appreciate all the centre has to offer. There is also a café for refreshments and a gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs of your visit.

• Aboriginal Art Galleries

  The Cultural Centre also offers a unique opportunity for visitors to enjoy and appreciate art by the local Anangu in two galleries. On display at the Maruku Arts Centre are wooden carvings, jewellery and paintings by artists from the Central Western Desert. The Walkatjara Art gallery is a community art centre where local artists create and sell work depicting the local Tjukurpa stories. Artists receive 50% from the sale of their work, with the remaining 50% reinvested into the art centre.

Related article: How do you get to Uluru?

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.