Top Uluṟu tours for an unforgettable trip

Finally booked that trip to Uluṟu? Don’t head off without reading this list of top Uluṟu tours there first.

The spectacular is a bucket-list item for most Australians, as well as travellers from further afield. And it’s no wonder. This glowing monolith isn’t just a force to be reckoned with in the wider Australian cultural imagination; it also forms the centre of many stories for the Aṉangu people who consider Uluṟu, as well as many of the surrounding watering holes, caves and gorges, deeply sacred. With so many stories to be told and to listen to at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, our list of top tours will make it easier to get every drop out of your visit to the Red Centre

Uluṟu sunrise and sunset tours

Uluṟu & Kata Tjuṯa Scenic Flight with Fly Uluru

Watch the sunrise from the air over one of the world’s most iconic views, that of Uluṟu. To take in a majestic birds-eye-view, book with Fly Uluru , who operates Ayers Rock Helicopters and Ayers Rock Scenic Flights.

a couple viewing Uluru at sunrise on a helicopter flight — Fly above the breathtaking Uluru rocks while admiring the sunrise. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Fly Uluṟu has been flying in the outback since 1989 and is still going strong. Head out for a 40- or 30-minute spin on a plane or helicopter at sunrise or sunset on the Uluṟu & Kata Tjuṯa Scenic Flight, or extend to two hours to include sights like Lake Amadeus and King’s Canyon. Their 15-minute Uluṟu Rock Blast 15-minute tour starts from $145.

Uluru sunrise helicopter flight — Get the most amazing views of the desert surrounds. (Image: Tourism NT/Shaana McNaught)

Uluṟu Camel Tours

Alternatively, you can opt for this golden hour tour where your feet are a lot closer to the ground — but still not quite touching. Uluṟu Camel Tours is a family-friendly group, that runs mid-morning and sunrise and sunset camel rides through the sands of the Red Centre.

a group of travellers riding a camel during sunset in Uluru — Enjoy an hour of a camel ride during sunset or sunrise. (Image: Tourism NT/Plenty of Dust)

Watch the colours change, as you listen to your guide tell you about the surrounding flora and fauna, all from behind the hump of your noble desert steed. Prices from $135 include freshly baked beer damper with jams, tea and coffee.

a group of tourists capturing the sunset while riding a camel — Admire the Uluṟu landscape as the colours change over the horizon. (Image: Tourism NT/Plenty of Dust)

Uluṟu Sunrise and Field of Light tour with AAT Kings

While nothing can compete with watching the dawn break over Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa , the tens of thousands of light that comprise artist Bruce Munro’s Field of Light installation sure gives it a run for its money. Watch the shifting hues of this massive artwork wax and wane as the frosted spheres dim as the sun comes up. Costs run from $75 per person.

a field of lights glowing vibrantly — Catch the spectacular Field of Light. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Sunrise with Uluṟu Motorcycles

Hey there, Easy Rider. Fancy seeing the sandstone monolith on the back of a Harley? Stupid question. Book onto Uluṟu Motorcycles’ Sunrise Harley tour to be chauffeured around on the back of your bike by a rider, who will take you to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area before doing a lap of Uluṟu. From $229 for 90 minutes.

motorcycle riders navigating the roads of Uluru — Ride a Harley-Davidson across the beautiful Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. (Image: Tourism NT)

Uluṟu day tours

Ranger-guided Mala Walk

Did you know you can get a free guided walk of the base? Take the Mala Walk at the base of Uluru , which is named for the Mala people (the local Aṉangu’s peoples ancestors), with a local ranger. Learn about the meaning of the rock art along the ancient walls, and hear the Tjukurpa (creation stories) of the formations here. The walk is two kilometres and wheelchair accessible. It ends at Kantju Gorge, which is a wonderful place to finish and watch the sunset.

a group of travellers on a Mala Walk tour at Uluru — Take the scenic path from Mala carpark to Kantju Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Ulurṟu Morning Guided Base Walk with AAT Kings

Go the whole hog with this guided 10.5-kilometre walk around Uluṟu’s base , which starts when you are picked up an hour before sunrise. Next is a light breakfast, before starting on the Kuniya Walk and watching the desert wake up around you.

As you walk, you will hear stories of Tjukurpa, stop by the Kantju Gorge and see the rock art of the Mutitjulu Waterhole, and hear about the battle between Kuniya, the woman python woman, and Liru, the poisonous brown snake man, that occurred here, with their story told in the landscape . The cost starts from $189 and includes return travel.

two tourists capturing the Mutitjulu Waterhole — Marvel over the Aboriginal rock art at the Mutitjulu Waterhole. (Image: Tourism NT)

Uluṟu Segway Tours

Don’t try to be a snob, segways are the bomb. Easy to use and fun; you get to travel as a tight group from the fast walkers to the slow pokes.

a couple gazing out the Uluru landscape — Get up close and personal with the picturesque landscape of Uluṟu. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Try out a small group tour with Uluṟu Segways and journey 12 kilometres around the base of Uluṟu on a guided tour. Options include tours that include and exclude returns, as well as sunset tours that come with nibbles and sparkling wine. Priced from $149.

a group of travellers wearing a helmet during an Uluru Segway Tour — Explore the entire Uluṟu without having to walk. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Cave Art Tour with Maruku Arts

The Maruku Arts group is an Indigenous-owned and operated organisation, whose name literally means “belonging to black". Staggeringly, almost 900 Aṉangu artists make up the collective.

a local Anangu artist and her Maruku dot-painting artwork — Witness the wonders of making a Maruku dot painting. (Image: Tourism NT/The Salty Travellers)

Support their work and learn from their knowledge on the Cave Art Tour, which sees travellers take the Kuniya Walk to hear the Tjukurpa stories.

dot painting using the hands — Learn about the ancient symbols used in Aṉangu art. (Image: Tourism NT/Matt Glastonbury)

The stories are first told by your Aṉangu guide in Pitjantjatjara, then in English. Prices are from $89 . Pair with a dot-painting workshop taught by a local Aṉangu artist, assisted by an interpreter from $72.

three women participating in a Maruku Arts dot painting workshop — Immerse in the colourful Aṉangu art culture. (Image: Tourism NT)

Uluṟu Sunrise and Kata Tjuta Tour with AAT Kings

Venture out to see Uluṟu’s sister site of Kata Tjuṯa with this AAT Kings tour. Begin the day before the crack of dawn as you watch the sunrise at Talinguru Nyakunytjaku , the viewing area. Next, drive to Kata Tjuṯa, a sacred space for Anangu men, as your guide tells you the history of the surrounding parklands.

a couple admiring Kata Tjuta — Catch stunning sunrise views amidst the rugged landscape. (Image: Tourism NT/Salty Aura)

On your arrival at the steep-sided domes, the group will explore Walpa Gorge and check out the oasis there. While you are allowed to visit the sacred space of Kata Tjuṯa, remain respectful and be careful what you photograph; you don’t want to reveal hidden secrets of the area.

a group of travellers exploring Walpa Gorge — Go on a scenic sunrise tour across Uluṟu’s marvellous jagged scenery. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Uluṟu food tours

Tali Wiṟu

An intimate night of fabulous dining that will take your sense of taste on a veritable tour.

appetisers beautifully arranged on a plate — Indulge in the appetising Tali Wiṟu dining experience. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

The Tali Wiṟu dining experience sees you travel out to a nearby dune (the name ‘Tali Wiṟu’ means beautiful dune), for a night of bush tucker canapes, a three-course meal, and matched wines. And when we say bush tucker, we’re not talking about your average crocodile steak — or making any part of this experience snappy.

a chef carefully prepares the dishes for Tali Wiru dining — Savour international flavours carefully curated just for you. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Instead, delight over course after course of quandong coulis and native warrigal greens, toothfish with bush honey marinated heirloom carrots, gulguk (green ant) gin and tonics, kangaroo croquettes and more.

one of the dishes included in the four-course meal during your Tali Wiru dining experience — Each meal bursts with ornamental flavours. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Your time out among the dunes also includes a didgeridoo performance and Indigenous storytelling. The price starts from $440 per person.

a group of people sitting around a bonfire during their Tali Wiru dining experience — Experience dining with a bonfire setup. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Sound of Silence with Field of Light

Pair one of the most famous Uluru dining experiences with one of the most celebrated artworks, Bruce Munro’s Field of Light.

the spectacular field of light in Uluru — Be surrounded by a field of colourful lights. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Get picked up at your hotel, where you’ll be taken out to the outback between Kata Tjuṯa and Uluṟu, for canapés, wines and a barbecue buffet characterised by indigenous flavours. Includes installation entry, a three-course bush tucker menu, a stargazing talk and a didgeridoo performance.

a group of travellers having dinner — Drink and dine under the Southern Desert sky. (Image: Tourism NT/Tourism Australia)

Still hungry? The best options for dining at Uluṟu can be found here.

Self-guided tours

Self-guided Uluṟu base walk

You don’t need a guide to do the Uluṟu base walk (although there is a free one available, see above). Instead, have some spiritually refreshing alone time as you follow the rock around its base along the 10-kilometre track. It is recommended to start at the Mala car park, and to do so in the early hours in hotter weather. There is water and toilets available on the hike, and a map can be found at Parks Australia.

travellers walking at the base of Uluru — Traverse the Uluṟu scenic path during a self-guided base walk. (Image: Tourism NT/The Salty Travellers)

Uluṟu Bike ride

After attending the free presentation on the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Aṉangu culture at the Cultural Centre, and checking out some of the art and activities there, it’s time to pick up the bikes and head on out. Outback Cycles has bicycle rentals , which you can hire between sunrise and late afternoon.

cycling around Uluru — Hop on a bike and explore the rugged landscapes. (Image: Tourism NT/Kate Flowers)

Family tours at Uluṟu

Free tours at Ayers Rock Resort

If you’re staying near Uluṟu, chances are it’ll be at Ayers Rock Resort, which offer a whole range of free activities you can check out. See a Bush Tucker Experience with a free cooking demonstration, check out the local flora and bush foods with a guide in the gardens of the Desert Gardens Hotel, sign up for the daily tour of the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA) (read more about GoCA in our three-day itinerary) and take a visit to pat the camels at the Uluṟu Camel Tour petting farm.

a person holding a local flora during the Bush Tucker Experience at Ayers Rock Resort — Learn about the indigenous bush food ingredients at the Ayers Rock Resort. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

Uluru Astro Tours

The whole family will love gazing up at the stars that lie above Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at night, listening quietly as the resident guide explains the astronomy of the planets and heavenly bodies above.

Uluru under the night sky — Gaze at the night sky lit by a thousand stars in the Milky Way. (Image: Tourism NT/New Asia Pacific Travel Pty Ltd.)

Uluru Astro Tours has a special permit to run stargazing tours in the park, so it is well worth booking this small-group experience. Children are from $60 and adults are from $99 for this 2.5-hour tour.

three people stargazing at night in Uluru — Head to Uluru for a deep stargazing experience you’ll never forget. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

Have you booked your stay in Uluru yet? Check out our ultimate guide to visiting Uluru.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com