Uluṟu is found on the travel wish list of even the biggest homebodies in Australia. No matter how many pictures you’ve seen, nothing will prepare you for your first views of the spectacular rock formation rising out of the dust of The Northern Territory’s Red Centre.

The Aṉangu Traditional Owners believe Uluṟu and nearby Kata Tjuṯa to be the centre of all Creation. The area is seen as something like the hub of a wheel, with songlines radiating from it across the land. The monoliths, with their crinkles, creases, indentations and ancient drawings, provide a map of Ancestral beings’ births, battles and deaths.

Official conservation bodies recognise Uluṟu’s star and spiritual qualities, too. In 1994, Uluṟu became one of a few sites in the world to hold dual UNESCO World Heritage listings, acknowledging its ecological, as well as its cultural value.

Getting to Uluṟu

You can visit Uluṟu any time of the year – the resort and national park are open year-round – but desert temperatures are extreme, with summer temperatures often nudging more than 45˚C. Summer is also when the flies are at their friendliest, and are annoying enough to spoil your holiday, even if you wear a fly net.

The best time to visit is during the winter months, between May and October, when days are mild and sunny, but nighttime temperatures get chilly. Bring plenty of warm clothes for sunrises and sunset outings – it’s truly unmissable, that’s the best time to see the rock as it changes colour in the soft light.

Things to do in Uluṟu

From a free ranger-guided Mala Walk, which explains the Ancestral Aṉangu Mala story, to plodding past the majestic rock atop a camel, there are so many ways to experience Uluṟu.

Uluṟu is a place that inspires visitors from near and far, so it makes sense that it’s buzzing with art. From Bruce Munro’s Field of Light (one of the largest art installations in Australia) to the galleries at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Centre showcasing Aṉangu Art and the Wintjiri Wiṟu drone show, Uluṟu is ripe with cultural experiences.

We’ve rounded up the best things to do in Uluṟu, as well as the best tours to take to make the most of your time in Australia’s spiritual heart.

Best way to see Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa are the two main attractions. Uluṟu takes up most of the spotlight, but visitors should be sure not to miss Kata Tjuṯa, a fascinating constellation of soaring domes that are also of deep spiritual and cultural significance to the Aṉangu people. Kata Tjuṯa is 58 kilometres away by road, and there are a number of hiking trails for visitors to walk.

Your first trip to Uluṟu should begin at the cultural centre, where a series of exhibits, paintings, videos and interpretation boards explain the relationship that the Aṉangu have with the land, Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa.

There are a variety of ways to see Uluṟu, from hikes, guided walks, scenic flights, camel safari and even Segway tours. There are so many options available at your fingertips, so we’ve compiled a list of tours to take in Uluṟu.

Uluṟu accommodation

We’ve written a dedicated guide to accommodation in Uluṟu. At the top of the line, you’ve got iconic five-star resort Longitude 131°. which takes outback luxury to another stratosphere. This is the kind of place you’ll be greeted with a glass of bubbly on arrival, receive daily guided tours and fine-dining three-course meals (all included in your rate) and best of all, unfettered views of Uluru from your luxury glamping tent. There is also a great range of options, from five-star hotels, friendly lodges and campgrounds.

Where to eat and drink in Uluṟu

Food always tastes better outdoors, but when it’s eaten while watching the sun set on Uluṟu and witnessing the canopy of twinkling stars emerge. The Sounds of Silence dinner atop a sand dune in the desert is not your average bush barbecue. Nor is the even more intimate, exclusive four-hour gourmet dining experience, Tali Wiṟu.

We’ve put together a guide to the incredible dining experiences Uluṟu has to offer, from long, gourmet dinners beneath the stars to cafes to grab a casual bite.