Planning a trip and looking for things to do in Uluru? In three days, you can see all the main highlights of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Following my tips in this blog post will make it even easier to make the most of your time in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park.
The day you arrive will likely leave you with about a half day. In Uluru terms you’ve missed your window for walks for the day. It is advised that you avoid walking in temperatures over 36 degrees, tracks will close at that point. Use your first day to get your lay-of-the-land. Make your way to IGA in the town centre for snacks and any other supplies you need for your stay.
Take a look on the Ayers Rock Resort website. They highlight the current experiences on offer and a range of things to do in Uluru, some include:
- Relax by the Sails Resort pool
- Check out the camels at the local camel farm
- Bush food tasting experience
- Guided garden walks
- Dot painting workshop
- Didgeridoo workshop
In 2016 international artist Bruce Munro installed the Field of Lights installation. It was only expected to be a two year exhibition, but following incredible success, the Field of Lights experience has been extended to 2027.
To make your first night one to remember, buy a ticket to see the Field of Lights. It has become a much loved experience considering all activities and things to do in Uluru. The Field of Lights is an installation made of of over 50,000 glass spheres. Changing colour in the evening sky there are a range of experiences you can take. These start from the basic walk through the installation at sunset to other packages including champagne and canapés or a three course bush tucker inspired menu. Best to book in advance and plan accordingly as the number and types of packages vary depending on the time of year.
For your first full day take the time to understand Anangu culture and natural beauty of Uluru.
Wake early for sunrise, allowing about 20 minutes to drive to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaki sunrise viewing platform. From here you’ll have the opportunity to view both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Allow about an hour before sunrise to drive and settle in so you can the magic of sunrise as the first light hits and watch the colours of the rock continue to change.
After sunrise and a light snack in the car, make your way to the Mala car park for the Guided Ranger walk at 8am (October to April and 10am May to September). The Mala walk (Mala after the local wallaby), is about two kilometres and takes about 1.5 hours. This walk comes highly recommended, as you will see Anangu rock art, caves where the local Anangu people lived and ask questions to the local guide. Our guide explained to us that the National Park employs a number of local Anangu people however at the time of my visit the local men were away for sacred mens activities.
Another easy walk is the Kuniya walk to Mutitjulu waterhole. Just a kilometre return walk and 30-45 minute walk will take you to the Mutitjulu waterhole or oasis in the desert as we called it. Here you’ll see the remains of what would be a stunning waterfall after rainfall.
The local Cultural Centre should be on your to-do list. It’s an opportunity to learn a lot more about the Anangu culture, histories and way of life. It’s also a great place to view authentic Aboriginal artwork from local Anangu and obtain the story behind their paintings.
At the time of writing (COVID), the Cultural Centre has paused its daily 10am presentation and opportunity to see some of the Anangu Elders painting in the gallery. It’s still highly recommended that you visit and see the Cultural Centre to get a better appreciation for the culture here.