Image thanks to Australian Traveller
Uluru. One of the seven natural wonders of the world. This stunning rock is an Australian Icon. So much so that it draws in more than 300,000 tourists a year who flock to the red rock and get a taste of the history and grandeur of Uluru. But what should you do when exploring Uluru? With so many tours, trips and activities out there, the choices can be harder to navigate than the Kimberley without a map. Well luckily for we’ve got a guide to all the best things to do around Uluru.
Image thanks to Skydive Uluru
We’ve mentioned this before in our blog on Australia's best skydiving spots (you should totally check it out) but if you want to see Uluru from above then this is by far the best way to do it. Fall from 12,000ft at either day or dusk and see 360° around Uluru-Kata Tjuta National park for the best scenic views of this natural world wonder. Hands down. As the only one like it in the world, this skydive is truly one-of-a-kind and is well worth heading out to the Northern Territory to take the leap.
Image thanks to Professional Helicopter Services
Prefer to keep your body safe, sound, and not falling from 12,000ft but still want to see this big red rock from above? Jump in a helicopter for a scenic flight and soar through the skies. Why take a helicopter and not a plane? Helicopters have more flexibility when it comes to where they fly meaning you’re guaranteed to get a great view. And oh what a view. The scale of this giant rock is almost impossible to fathom from the ground. If you’re willing to spend the cash, seeing this amazing icon from the air is by far the best way to do it.
Image thanks to Parks Australia
Being free, this is by far the cheapest option. But that doesn’t mean it’s no good. Get up close and personal with Uluru, connect with the rock and understand its stories. The rock is big, like really big, and has a circumference of about 10.6km that takes about 3.5 hours to complete. But the walk is filled with a variety of different sections, each one offering something different. You’ll walk through acacia woodlands and grassed claypans. You will encounter bloodwoods, native grasses, waterways, and waterholes. There’s 4 sections in total, and depending on how you’re feeling you can either do them all at once or one at a time. Just remember to try to finish up before 11 am. It gets hot out there in the desert.
Image thanks to Stuff.co.nz
That’s right, this isn’t Uluru. But really that should be pretty obvious. Instead, this is Mount Conner (also known as Atilla), a massive mesa that tourists often mistake for Uluru when driving up from Alice Springs. The resemblance is there but overall the shapes are incredibly different. Because of this mistaken identity, locals have taken to calling the place ‘Fool-uru’. While you can’t visit Fool-Uru all by yourself (it’s on private property) you can see it with a great tour from SeeIt and get up close and personal with this ruse of a big red rock.
Image thanks to Local Uluru Tours
Alright so to put it lightly, this is a bit pricey. But if you’re looking for a fancy night out in the Northern Territory, this is one of the best ways to do it. Watch the sunset over Uluru while drinking champagne then dine under the desert stars with this majestic red rock as the backdrop. This is probably one of the most unique dining locations in Australia, if not the world, and it’s a beautiful one at that. Making this a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Image thanks to Australian Geographic
Uluru is more than just a rock. It’s a place considered sacred to the native people of the land, the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people. The land of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has been used for traditional ceremonies for over 10,000 years and hold a strong cultural significance with the lands people. There’s plenty of ways to experience and learn about this rich culture like heading to the area’s cultural center or by taking a guided tour. Once you’re able to gain a deeper understanding of this area’s rich culture and history you’ll appreciate this place even more.
Image thanks to Earth Trekkers
While Kings Canyon is 3 hours away no Uluru trip is complete without it. The canyon is majestic, featuring 100m high sandstone walls, palm-filled crevices, and views that stretch out across the desert. If you do decide to travel to Kings Canyon the rim walk is a must, giving you some of the best views of the area and is one of the safest ways to live life on the edge.
Image thanks to Viator
The Olgas (aka Kata Tjuta) are the other major draw to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. These ancient rocks are estimated to be over 500 million years old and sit about 40km west of Uluru. Kata Tjuta (meaning many heads) is a sacred site to the local Aboriginal people and has a few different walking trails so you can explore this ancient landscape. One of the best by far is the Valley of the Winds walk. Immerse yourself in the domes on this 7.4km walk, putting yourself away from everything and being at peace with the environment. The walk features two lookouts that give way to Mars-like landscapes surrounding Kata Tjuta as well as creek beds and more. Although the distance might scare you, the walk is easily worth the effort.
Image thanks to Tourism Central Australia
Although Camels aren’t native to Australia, they’re incredibly well suited to the Australian outback environment. In fact, Australia has the biggest wild camel population in the world.
Because camels are so well suited to the desert they’re incredibly good to explore the deserts of Uluru’s national park. Jump on a dromedary, roam the desert and live out your dream of crossing the desert on a camel-like Lawrence of Arabia, all with the stunning Uluru in the backdrop.
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