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 in the 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

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. 

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. 

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. 

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?

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.

Details

Pricing: The five-day walk starts from AUD$5395 pp/twin share.

Bookings: Book via taswalkingco.com.au/discover/uluru-kata-tjuta/

Itinerary:

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.