24 Incredible things to do at Uluṟu

We take a look at the incredible variety of things to do in Uluru at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park above and beyond scaling the Rock.

Anangu traditional owner and artist Malya Teamay – whose artwork appears on the entry ticket to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – has never liked seeing people run the risk of injury – or worse – by attempting to scale the Rock. “Anangu are very sad whenever anybody gets hurt or dies on the climb," he says. “It’s better if they take a photo."

Majestic Uluru — Uluru is a sacred site to Anangu. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kate Flowers)

Since a chain was installed on Uluru’s steep western face in 1964, climbing the monolith has been a tourist attraction; but it has always flown in the face of Anangu’s spiritual beliefs and their polite requests to visitors to refrain from the activity due to cultural and safety reasons.

But on 26 October 2019, the Uluru climb was officially closed thanks to a unanimous decision from the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park board. And in case you’re wondering what other things there are to do in Uluru during a visit to this UNESCO World Heritage-listed cultural landscape, the answer is a lot – more than 100 tours and experiences, in fact.

Taking a photo is just the beginning. Here are 24 of our favourite things to do at Uluru by experience.

Art & Culture | History & Heritage | Food & Dining | Luxury | Outdoor | Family | Self-guided

Art and culture

1. Visit Field of Light

Since its inception in 2016, Field of Light – Bruce Munro’s site-specific light installation at the base of Uluru – has become a Red Centre bucket-list item in its own right. The good news for those who haven’t visited yet is that its run has been extended again – this time indefinitely.

Field of Light at sunrise in Uluru — Field of Light has become one of the most popular Uluru attractions. (Image: Tourism NT/Salty Aura)

There are a number of ways to experience it (including the Field of Light Pass, which starts at $43 and includes your transfer to the site and a self-guided walk), but the pièce de résistance is A Field Of Light Dinner , an exclusive outback dining experience that marries Voyages Ayers Rock Resort’s classic Sounds of Silence dinner with Munro’s installation.

The evening begins with canapés and views of Uluru at sunset (plus Field of Light’s carpet of 50,000 solar-powered glass spheres beginning to come to life for the night below) and evolves as the sun goes down to encompass a three-course bush tucker-infused menu (think native dukkha-crusted kangaroo or barramundi slicked with lemon myrtle cream) and a star talk that guides you through the southern night sky from an Indigenous perspective.

It’s capped off by a self-guided tour through the twinkling Field of Light, which looks spectacular in photos but blows you away in real life.

Field of Lights at Sunrise at Uluru — The Field of Lights begins to disappear as the sun rises for the day. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Start the evening by arriving by camel – where a leisurely amble through the red sand dunes at golden hour affords you your first glimpse of Uluru before you’re met with a glass of sparkling on arrival at the viewing platform – or better yet, helicopter.

2. Do a dot painting workshop

Get an insight into the Aboriginal Art created in the surrounds of Uluru with a visit to Maruku . it is a not-for-profit art and craft corporation owned and operated by Anangu and made up of around 900 artists from over 20 remote communities across the Central and Western deserts. Take part in one of their dot painting workshops at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort to gain an insight into their practice and have fun creating your own artwork.

Anangu paintings are produced for educational and ceremonial purposes as well as the telling of events. In this workshop, you’ll come to understand how Tjukurpa – creation, law, stories – is the basis of Anangu culture and worldview and that it’s what each piece of artwork is based on and expresses. You’ll learn the different symbols that make up Tjukurpa and, with the help of a Maruku guide and local artist, recreate your own life story in pigment.

Maruka dot painting workshop Uluru — Take part in a Maruka dot painting workshop. (Image: Tourism NT/ The Salty Travellers)

3. Discover local Indigenous art

You can also check out the three art galleries at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort : the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA), Mulgara Gallery and Mingkiri Arts. The newly created GoCA opened in 2021, and houses over 300 artworks that support current and emerging artists.

Inside Gallery of Central Australia — Visit the Gallery of Central Australia to see over 300 artworks from the Central Desert region. (Image: Katie Carlin)

4. Go onto Country with SEIT Patji

Gain a better understanding of the Anangu history and stories of the area with a tour with Seit Patji . Named after the Anangu homelands (Patji), listeners on this Aboriginal-guide-led tour will learn about the story of Paddy Uluru, and how he fought for Aboriginal land rights, as well as how the original inhabitants survived in this harsh environment.

Kata Tjuta domes in the distance — Join a guided tour to see another side to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. (Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

5. See Opera in the desert

As of 2023, expect to see opera divas return to the desert. Opera Gala at Uluru is set to be an unforgettable experience, with performers belting out their hearts into the vastness of the surrounding landscape.

History and heritage

6. Visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

Start your trip by learning about the history of the park, as well as the activities available in the area. You can also get an insight into the rich culture of the local Anangu people, who have been living on the land and its surrounds for at least 22,000 years.

7. Walk or cycle Uluru

Join a free ranger-guided Mala Walk to circumnavigate Uluru on foot and visit the painted caves and waterholes of the traditional custodians, or cycle the pathway around the base to explore at your own pace.

Mala Walk at Uluru — Circumnavigate Uluru on foot during a free ranger-guided Mala Walk. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

There is also the Uluru Base Walk – an unguided 10km loop that not only offers a chance to get up, close and personal with the spectacular and sacred formation but passes through desert, woodlands and rock art.

Walk around base of Uluru — Explore the base of Uluru on foot. (Image: Tourism NT/ Salty Aura)

Need tips, more detail or itinerary ideas tailored to you? Ask AT.

Food and dining

8. Tali Wiru dune-top dining

One of the most unforgettable things you can do during your time in the Red Centre is the open-air fine-dining experience Tali Wiru (it is one of several dining experiences and restaurants in Uluru to try). Its name means ‘beautiful dune’ in the local Anangu language, Pitjantjatjara, and sees guests travelling out to a remote southern dune for a champagne arrival at golden hour with musical accompaniment by way of the didgeridoo.

The outdoor dining area at Tali Wiru — The exquisite open-air restaurant is lit with lanterns and the clear night sky once the sun sets. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

While you snack on canapés crafted from bush tucker – think ingredients like green ants, aka gulguk, wild-harvested here in the Northern Territory – you’ll take in a 360-degree view of the desert, the distant domes of Kata Tjuta, and of course Uluru in all its various shades of sundown.

As the still desert night descends, you’ll be seated for an intimate four-course dinner under the stars. Once again, dishes feature native ingredients: think pressed wallaby with charred witlof, pickled grapes, wild garlic, quandong glass and Davidson plum; and toothfish with kombucha and bush honey roasted heirloom carrots, Jerusalem artichoke puree and bush grains. Tali Wiru operates seasonally from April to October.

Tali Wiru cooking ingredients — The talented team at Tali Wiru take us through the native ingredients used to prepare our meal. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

9. Go on a bush tucker journey

Discover the mystery, energy and wisdom of Australia’s Indigenous people by participating in one of the free guest activities available around the resort. The Bush Food Experience is a favourite among guests at Ayers Rock Resort, where you can learn about native Australian bush foods and traditional food preparation methods. Taste seasonal plants, seeds, fruits and spices before enjoying a cooking demonstration.

10. Sip on a cocktail at the Walpa Lobby Bar

Stop by for a pre-dinner drink or nightcap after a sunset tour, or sip away the afternoon with an Indigenous-inspired cocktail at the relaxed and inviting Walpa Lobby Bar . You’ll find classic cocktails alongside more exotic concoctions using ingredients sourced from all over Australia; the signature lemon myrtle martini is a standout!

Luxury

11. Book in for desert glamping

If you want the freedom of camping but with all the trimmings, we recommend you book in for an unforgettable glamping stay at Longitude 131. Desert glamping at its finest with views over Uluru beyond your wildest dreams, you can check out our review of the luxurious Longitude here.

Longitude 131 hot tub and deck — Glamp in the desert at Longitude 131. (Image: Tourism NT/ George Apostolidis)

12. Unwind at the Red Ochre Spa

Red Ochre Spa , located in Sails of the Desert, is an outback oasis in the heart of Uluru. Swap an accidental ‘exfoliation by red dirt’ for an Elixir Body Exfoliation or spoil yourself with one of its Signature Journeys, such as the Desert Awakening or Uluru Recovery; designed to alleviate weary bodies after action-packed days spent exploring.

Book at treatment at Red Ochre Spa at Sails in the Desert. (Image: Tourism Australia)

13. See Uluru and Kata Tjuta from the air

Book a flight for two to enjoy 360-degree, uninterrupted views of the great Australian outback and two of its most unique and impressive monoliths: Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

This once-in-a-lifetime experience is made even more special when you take flight at sunrise or sunset, as the vast desert landscape becomes smudged with shades of purple, pink, orange, red and yellow. Both helicopter and plane rides are available.

Scenic flight over Uluru — Take a scenic flight over Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. (Image: Tourism NT/ Che Chorley)

Outdoor activities

14. Walk Kata Tjuta

Make a pilgrimage to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park’s other iconic rock formations with one of SEIT Outback Australia’s off-the-beaten-track tours. Once known as the Olgas, Kata Tjuta is a Pitjantjatjara term that means ‘many heads’; the 36 domes in question rise up to 546 metres above the desert plain and were formed by the same geological events – beginning 550 million years ago – that left the monolith of Uluru exposed to the elements.

Aerial view of Kata Tjuta at sunset — See the majestic Kata Tjuta up close. (Image: Tourism NT/ Shaana McNaught)

The area is sacred under Anangu men’s law and is only accessible to visitors via the Walpa Gorge walk and slightly more challenging Valley of the Winds.

Uluṟu’s most powerful walk, without the camping. Shorter distances, lodge stays, and big Red Centre moments make the new Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge Walk one of Australia’s most accessible multi-day hikes yet.

Walk the 7.5-kilometre Valley of the Winds early in the morning before the sun beats down too hard to take in awe-inspiring scenery and feel the iron-rich sandstone almost vibrating underfoot.

Couple exploring Walpa Gorge NT — Take the Walpa Gorge walk at Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT/ Salty Aura)

15. Head out to Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon)

You’re already in the centre – why not venture a little further? It’s a three-hour road trip to the red rock ridges of Watarrka National Park (Kings Canyon). Head out hiking on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, indulge in an Under a Desert Moon dinner at Kings Canyon Resort and explore the lush valley under the Garden of Eden.

Take on the epic Kings Canyon Rim Walk. (Image: Tourism NT)

If you’d rather have an expert show you the ropes, there is also an Uluru to Kings Canyon tour with AAT Kings .

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16. Skydive Uluru

True thriller-seekers apply here: for a tandem skydive taking in the best bits of the Red Centre, from Uluru to Kata-Tjuta, Lake Amadeus and Mt Conner.

A skydiver landing at Uluru — Get your adrenalin fix with an exhilarating tandem skydive at Uluru.

17. Take a sunrise tour

Rise before the sun to welcome the dawn of a new day as the night stars fade and an array of colours signal a new beginning on the Desert Awakenings Tour . Enjoy a traditional Aussie bushman’s breakfast before an introduction from your guide on the ancient landscape, ecology, culture, heritage and history of Australia’s spiritual heartland.

Armed with this new, deeper understanding of the landscape, you can then follow in the footsteps of the ancestral beings that helped shape this special part of our country on a guided tour around the base of Uluru.

18. Run the Australian Outback Marathon

Line up a visit to one of the most extreme environments on earth with an extreme challenge. Slated to run mid-year, the Australian Outback Marathon sees sporty types come from all over the world to charge through the red dust at breakneck speed.

Family activities

19. Watch the night sky

There aren’t many places on the planet better suited to stargazing than right here at Uluru. Outback Sky Journeys provides the chance to explore the galaxy of stars in the southern night sky with Voyages Ayers Rock Resort’s resident astronomer: taking in everything from how ancient cultures used it as a canvas for mythology (the Southern Cross as a possum, anyone?) to exploring different constellations, stars and planets with telescopes.

uluru stargazing — There aren’t many places on the planet better suited to stargazing than Uluru.

20. See Uluru by Segway

Segway sceptics, prepare to have your preconceptions dashed as you circle Uluru’s full 12-kilometre base in (relative) speed and style. Fifteen minutes’ practice will have you ready to go – intuitive and self-balancing, Segways are surprisingly easy to operate and perhaps not-so-surprisingly fun, too.

You’ll pass walkers, cyclists and joggers as you cruise along the red-dirt path at a pace that not only whips up a cool breeze but, crucially, allows you to take in both the magnitude of the monolith as well as its texture and nuances: from a distance and in photos we don’t see the many caves, ridges and grooves erosion has left on the Rock but from this vantage point it’s all there to observe.

Along the way your guide will share stories about the incredible geology of Uluru as well as the culture of its traditional owners, Anangu. The tour is suitable for children 12 and over.

Uluru Segway Tour — Circle Uluru’s full 12-kilometre base on a segway. (Image: Tourism NT)

21. Take a camel ride across the dunes

Time this with sunrise or sunset, and enjoy a quiet, leisurely stroll on board a ‘ship of the desert’ (aka a camel).

Camel rides at Uluru — Ride a camel across the dunes near Uluru. (Image: Tourism NT/ Plenty of Dust)

Self-drive touring/or self-guided tours

22. Ride a Harley Davidson

Segway not your speed? Try a ride round the Rock on an iconic Harley Davidson motorbike instead .

Uluru Motorcycle Tours — Straddle a Harley Davidson as you take in the beauty of Uluru. (Image: Tourism NT)

23. Watch the sun set over Uluru

Sunrise and sunset is when you will catch that iconic red glow – so make sure not to miss out. Make the most of it by taking a seat, snuggling up and watching the colours shift at one of the sunset viewing platforms at Uluru .

Marvel at the iconic red glow of Uluru at sunset. (Image: Tourism-NT/ Bronte Stephens)

24. Take a photo tour

Get snappy with a self-guided Uluru photo tour. Whether you’ve fully into the film resurgence, are mad about polaroids or attached at the hip to your DSLR, Uluru is the place to flex your skills as a photographer. It’s also free to do, which is excellent news for anyone wanting to do Uluru on a budget.

25. Cycle around Uluṟu

Two people cycling around Uluru — Combine adventure and sightseeing with Uluru Bike Ride.

Hop on a bike and discover Uluṟu and its surrounding gems at your own pace with Uluru Bike Ride . Operated by Outback Cycling, this family-friendly, affordable activity is an adventurous way to see ancient rock art and waterholes before taking in the scale and detail of the magnificent Uluṟu.

For more information on Uluṯu & things to do in the NT, visit the official Northern Territory website at northernterritory.com

Hard to reach and harder to forget, East Arnhem offers something rare in modern travel: the chance to slow down and experience Country on its own terms.

The sky feels bigger in East Arnhem . It stretches wide and uninterrupted above rouged earth, stringybark woodland and beaches so empty they seem to belong to another era. The coastline curves for kilometres without a footprint and the horizon runs on forever.

For comedian Lou Wall, the scale of the place was the first thing that hit them.

“The sheer openness,” they say. “The sky feels infinite and the land stretches out endlessly. It’s pretty breathtaking visually.”

But the physical landscape is only part of the story. The real reward isn’t only the scenery but the shift in perspective the journey brings. Visitors stop trying to tick off the destination and a real engagement takes over.

“It made me never want to travel again,” Wall jokes. “In that I never wanted to leave East Arnhem.”

Getting there

Aerial shot of East Arnhem’s coastline as cars trace the curve of the shore. — Sail along the remote coastline on an expedition cruise.

Reaching East Arnhem is part of the adventure. Travellers typically fly into Gove Airport near Nhulunbuy via Darwin or Cairns, or arrive by expedition cruise along the remote coastline. Others make the journey overland along rutted dirt roads that cut through East Arnhem’s small pockets of monsoon forest.

However you arrive, there’s a distinct feeling of crossing into somewhere different. Permits are required to visit the region, reflecting the fact that this is Yolŋu land where communities and traditional owners maintain deep cultural connections to Country.

The extra planning becomes part of the experience. By the time visitors arrive, they understand they’re entering a place not just of respect, but also patience and curiosity.

At one with nature

East Arnhem’s landscapes leave a strong imprint. For Wall, one place in particular still lingers in their memory: Ngalarrkpuy , also known as Lonely Beach, near Bawaka Homeland.

“I genuinely felt like I was living inside an Instagram filter,” they say. “One of the most stunning feats of nature I’ve ever seen. The water was so clear I swear I could see even the fish smiling.”

Across the region, natural experiences unfold at a slower pace. Fishing, beachcombing and island hopping reveal the rhythm of the coastline. The tides shape daily life and the vastness of the landscape makes even simple moments feel downright cinematic.

For visitors with limited time, Wall says the Bawaka Homeland experience is unmissable.

“I just left and I’m already planning when I can get back there.”

The sense of remoteness is part of the appeal. In a country where many beaches are crowded and well-trodden, East Arnhem’s coastline still feels wonderfully wild.

Immersing in local culture

A visitor spends a meaningful moment alongside Yolŋu guides, gaining insight into their deep cultural knowledge and connection to the land. — Experience authentic moments with the locals.

Culture is woven through every experience in East Arnhem. Visitors have the opportunity to spend time on Country with Yolŋu guides and knowledge holders who share stories and traditions that have been passed down for generations.

For Wall, one of the most powerful moments came during a conversation with a Yolŋu elder.

“I got to meet a traditional elder, Mayalil, in Nhulunbuy,” they say. “Listening to her talk about her home made the land feel alive in ways I couldn’t have imagined.”

The region is also home to internationally recognised Aboriginal art centres where artists shape works deeply connected to land and family knowledge.

Music carries the same cultural energy. East Arnhem has produced globally recognised artists such as King Stingray and Baker Boy, blending Yolŋu language, storytelling and contemporary sound.

Wall experienced this musical spirit first-hand.

“A jam session around the fire was it for me,” they say. “Letting the deep joy and history of their music wash over me… and meeting a few of the King Stingray musicians was unreal.”

These moments of human connection often become the most memorable part of a visit.

Spotting local wildlife

An aerial view of the beach shows tiny figures lined up across the white sand, moving as if in a rhythmic dance. — Step into a world where nature reigns.

The wildlife of East Arnhem adds another layer to the experience. The region is home to an extraordinary range of animals, from waterbirds and turtles to dugongs, dolphins and the formidable saltwater crocodile.

Wall admits they didn’t actually spot a croc during their visit.

“Devastatingly, I didn’t see one,” they laugh. “But with all the stories from the locals I definitely gained a healthy respect for caution.”

Some of the most memorable wildlife encounters can be surprisingly small., At Banubanu Beach Retreat on Bremer Island, Wall remembers walking along the beach one morning and watching it come alive.

“As you walk through the sand you see hundreds of crabs scurrying into their holes as you pass by,” they say. “Such a small thing, but it was completely magical.”

Moments like this reveal the quieter rhythms of East Arnhem, where even the smallest creatures seem to play a part in the landscape.

Visitors who make the journey soon learn the most important travel tip of all.

“Go in open-minded with a sense of curiosity,” Wall says. “Be prepared to ditch your plans. The land and the locals will guide you on an adventure no spreadsheets could ever compete with.”

And most importantly, they add, don’t rush.

“The land and people deserve your time and attention. You’ll be all the better for slowing down.”

For more information on visiting East Arnhem, head to eastarnhem.com.au .