Australian Traveller was part of the first group to join the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, which delivers an experience like no other.
There’s no shortage of spectacular hiking trails in Australia. But I’m here to make a strong case that the new Uluṟu Kakararra Trail is the most beautiful and significant of them all. The Tasmanian Walking Company, in consultation with Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people (Aṉangu), the Country’s Traditional Owners, has launched the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk – a multi-day hike along the trail that traverses Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park inthe Northern Territory. Last week, I had the privilege of joining the inaugural test group for the hike – a historic 54-kilometre, five-day journey that, for the first time, allows visitors who are not Traditional Owners to sleep overnight within the park.
What sets this hike apart is that it presents a unique opportunity to walk between two geological wonders, slow down and connect with people, the land and a living culture that spans more than 30,000 years.
What to expect on the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk
Traverse the Uluṟu Kakararra Trail on Tasmania Walking Company’s Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Each day involves traversing the 500-million-year-old landscape along remote tracks with a team of highly experienced guides leading small groups of just 16 people.
Starting near the 36 colossal domes of Kata Tjuṯa, you’re immersed in the desert landscape as soon as your boots hit the red soil. Here you’ll walk the Valley of the Winds, which takes approximately three to four hours to complete across 7.4 kilometres and reveals stunning geological formations and unique flora and fauna. The site is of immense cultural significance to the Aṉangu people, and visitors are discouraged from taking photographs.
The trail stretches 54 kilometres. (Credit: Tasmania Walking Company)
Spend two nights camping under the stars. (Credit: Tasmania Walking Company)
Hear stories that stretch back tens of thousands of years. (Credit: Tasmania Walking Company)
Day two was the group’s favourite day. We rose at 5.30am to walk up a sand dune to catch the sunrise over Uluṟu, the most visually exquisite one I’ve ever seen. Another moment that really struck me was on day three, when, after spending a few hours weaving through spinifex and crossing the red soil, the landscape suddenly shifted to one that was blanketed in mulla mulla, a stunning wildflower with feathery mauve flower heads, which attracted hundreds of butterflies.
The final day of Tasmanian Walking Co’s new hike will end at Uluṟu, arguably Australia’s most iconic landmark. The massive sandstone monument stands at 348 metres high and is estimated to be around 550 million years old. On this day, we also tried our hands at spear throwing and visited the Muṯitjulu Waterhole and Cultural Centre.
Spectacular sunrises and sunsets await. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)
The accommodations take travellers on a journey, with each night better than the last, starting with environmentally sustainable eco camps, followed by a private lodge. The first night is spent at Tjakura Camp, sleeping under the stars in elevated tents fitted with beds overlooking Kata Tjuṯa. A full-size kitchen and entertaining space reminiscent of what you’d find on an African safari is the perfect spot to relax. Night two is spent at Tali Camp, which showcases even more impressive views of Kata Tjuṯa and an indoor entertaining space with air conditioning. The final two nights are spent at the Mala Camp, which features private rooms and bathrooms that overlook Uluṟu, a spa (I highly recommend booking in for a post-walk massage), a saltwater outdoor tub overlooking Uluṟu and an air-conditioned living and dining area.
Each evening, the guides don their aprons and cook up a delicious meal for the group using local produce to enjoy while debriefing the day’s events. Packed breakfast and lunches (think burritos, salads and homemade sourdough) are also prepared to keep you fueled during the day.
Wi-fi along the trail is very limited, which turned out to be a blessing as it helped foster a sense of calm and disconnection from city life I didn’t know I needed. Having the opportunity to slow down, listen to the landscape, and hear stories that stretch back tens of thousands of years was a privilege I will never forget.
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Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge features a dining room with a view. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Expect hearty, wholesome meals that showcase local produce. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Traditional Owner and member of the APY Land Council, Tapaya Edwards, was instrumental in the development of this walk. “This is an important place for healing the spirit," he said. “People will come here and feel the land as they walk through it. The Spirit of the Dreaming will wash over them. The walk is going to blow their mind."
Is the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk ethical?
Tasmanian Walking Company worked closely with the Aṉangu. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Developed in consultation with Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people (Aṉangu), the Country’s Traditional Owners, including Steering Committee Chair Tapaya Edwards, the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk is as much about people as it is place.
The carbon-neutral experience will create a minimum of 20 positions in the first 10 years of business, with revenue-sharing agreements being fed directly back to local Aṉangu communities. Respect is a guiding tenet throughout, with guests learning about Aṉangu culture and history through Indigenous-led storytelling sessions, educational workshops and lessons in land management practices along the way.
“Millions have stood before Uluṟu, but few have been invited by Aṉangu Owners to move through its landscape like this," said Tasmanian Walking Company co-owner, Brett Godfrey.
Can you join a shorter walk?
Yes. The Tasmanian Walking Company is also offering the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge Walk – a fully-guided, four-day, 35-kilometre journey along the Uluṟu Kakararra Trail. The walk is designed for first-time walkers and international travellers, with shorter daily distances and one night at Yulara followed by two nights at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge.
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Details
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge features an outdoor saltwater pool. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)
Pricing: The five-day walk starts from AUD$5395 pp/twin share.
Day 1: Kata Tjuṯa and a guided Valley of the Winds Walk to private Eco Campsite 1 (8.4 kilometres).
Day 2: Arc east across the rolling dunes to Eco Campsite 2 (16.5 kilometres).
Day 3: Continue across desert landscapes with cultural interpretation (16.5 kilometres). Overnight at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge.
Day 4: Uluru walks, including Muṯitjulu Waterhole and Cultural Centre (12.3 kilometres) with optional base walk (8 kilometres). Overnight at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge.
Day 5: Lodge to Ayers Rock Resort (0.8 kilometres) and departure.
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Rachael Thompson is a freelance travel journalist. With a background in design and travel media, Rachael is dedicated to curating content that is as much informational as it is beautiful. She began her career at Belle magazine, before taking up editorial roles at Homes to Love, Bed Threads and Australian Traveller/International Traveller. When she's not writing, editing or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list is Lord Howe Island.
Be invigorated by the sights, sounds and landscapes of the Northern Territory.
If your 2026 travel goals focus on visiting inspiring and meaningful destinations, look no further than the Northern Territory. Rich in Indigenous culture, national parks and unique local cuisine, a journey deep into the Red Centre and Top End will awaken all your senses and leave you with lifelong memories. But you don’t need to do it on your own, as AAT Kings’ Small Group tours offer expertly led itineraries. They’re designed to take the guesswork out of travel planning and help you access remote regions in comfort while connecting with fellow guests, allowing you to delve deeper into destinations with insights from knowledgeable Travel Directors and local Indigenous guides.
As Small Group tours with AAT Kings have an average of just 16 guests, there’s ample opportunity to ask questions and make meaningful connections on every visit. Here are just a few of the experiences on offer, with adventures designed to invigorate every sense.
1. Under a Desert Moon dinner
Watch the stars come out over five courses.
Over five courses, dine under the stars during an unforgettable Outback dining experience. As day fades to night, lit only by the moon and the crackling fire, this outdoor dinner features locally sourced seasonal produce, matched with Australian wines.
It’s an intimate experience, showcasing the quiet grandeur of the Outback after nightfall. As you dine, feel connected to the land and its unique flavours, introduced by your impeccable waitstaff.
Part of the Northern Territory Dreaming tour, the Under a Desert Moon dinner is the ideal way to connect with your small group of fellow travellers after an invigorating day in the Red Centre.
2. Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience
Learn stories of the Red Centre at Karrke. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ 75vibes)
The best way to learn the stories of the Red Centre is by connecting with the land’s Traditional Owners. At the Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience, visited on AAT Kings Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, you’ll meet with members of the local Wanmarra community in Kings Canyon.
On this immersive AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience you’ll walk on Country to learn firsthand about bush tucker, Indigenous medicine, wooden artefacts and the art of dot painting. Passionate guides will share stories that have been passed down for generations.
3. Kungkas Can Cook
Taste local bush delicacies. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Mel Brautigam)
The powerful senses of smell and taste are awakened on this exclusive experience led by Indigenous chef Rayleen Brown. Included in the Northern Territory Dreaming and Outback Contrasts tours, this is a unique opportunity to savour local bush delicacies and learn about Indigenous culture through the lens of food.
Brown, a recipe author and guest judge for MasterChef Australia, works solely with native ingredients directly harvested by women from the Alice Springs community. It’s a 100 per cent Indigenous owned and run business.
4. Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles)
See striking Karlu Karlu. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)
Appearing out of nowhere, the huge granite boulders of Karlu Karlu seem to precariously balance on the barren Outback landscape. You’ll come across these geological formations as you cruise the Stuart Highway on the Northern Territory Explorer tour.
Your AAT Kings Travel Director will share expert insight on the history and culture of Karlu Karlu, recognised as a sacred site of the Warumungu people. As you walk in awe amongst these stunning formations, formed many millennia ago, you’ll hear some of the stories behind why this place is so important to Indigenous storytelling and culture.
5. Pudakul
Experience this family-owned Indigenous experience. (Images: Tourism & Events NT/ Helen Orr)
Make authentic cultural connections when you visit Pudakul, a family-owned Indigenous experience on the Adelaide River Flood Plains. On your Small Group Northern Territory Explorer tour your senses will be inspired by the sounds of First Nations music, the taste of local bush tucker and the beauty of art.
This AAT Kings MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience is designed to take you deeper into the destination, helping guests learn from the people of the Limilngan-Wulna Land.
6. Corroboree Billabong Wetland Cruise
Spot the wildlife of the billabong. (Image: Tourism & Events NT)
Observing the unique wildlife of the Northern Territory – from formidable crocs to hearing gentle melodies from the many endemic bird species – is always one of the most memorable parts of your Northern Territory Dreaming tour.
Travel in the comfort of your premium coach, taking in the stunning landscapes, before arriving at Corroboree Billabong. This special place is part of the Mary River Wetlands and is home to the world’s largest concentration of saltwater crocodiles. Your comfortable boat is designed to maximise wildlife viewing, giving you a front row seat to this spectacular ecosystem.
7. Aboriginal Bush Traders
Visit for the art, stay for a bite. (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ Shaana McNaught)
A visit to Aboriginal Bush Traders is the ideal introduction to the vibrant city of Darwin. This non-profit gallery, cafe and retail space supports Indigenous employment and is the perfect place to find a curated selection of ethical Indigenous gifts, including artwork and organic skincare.
Your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming tours include an exclusive native flavour tasting, offering cultural insight before travelling deeper into the Top End.
8. Leliyn (Edith Falls)
Cool off at Leliyn (Edith Falls). (Image: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)
There’s something about a mighty waterfall that invigorates the soul like nothing else, with the picturesque Leliyn (Edith Falls) the perfect place to refresh on a hot day.
On your Northern Territory Top End National Parks and Northern Territory Dreaming visit to Nitmiluk National Park, known for its epic sandstone gorges, you’ll pay a visit to the oasis that is Leliyn. It’s the ideal place for a swim, but it’s also home to ancient Indigenous rock art. And as your Travel Director will explain, it’s an impressive place of cultural significance, too.
