The best Red Centre and Uluru activities and things to do

Catch the Uluru lights (while you can)

An installation implemented in October 2016, the Field of Light Uluru is a once-in-a-lifetime experience destined to take your breath away. 50,000 slender stems crowned with frosted glass spheres have been arranged in the desert surrounding Uluru and every evening when darkness falls they bloom creating a beautiful field of light.

This installation has been extended to 31 March 2018. Tours are available to experience the Field of Light to its fullest.

Watch sunrise or sunset over Uluru

Every morning and evening, travellers flock to viewpoints of Uluru to see the red rock bask in an orange glow as the sun rises or sets over it.

Mark your spot to see this natural beauty in its element. Do it every day because this experience never gets boring.

Uluru base walk

While we don’t recommend climbing Uluru due to its sacred nature, we do recommend spending a few hours walking the base of the rock. Organised tours can help you navigate your way around with commentary on the historical, cultural and sacred elements of the rock; however, you’re more than welcome to wander the base on your own.

Uluru Aboriginal tours and workshops

The Red Centre is not short on experiences to help you better understand the indigenous people and its connection with the land.

These experiences include performances, exhibitions, tours andworkshops, many of which can be organised prior to arriving.

Hike the Olgas

Also known as Kata Tjuta, the Olgas is a sister rock formation to Uluru and is also located within Uluru National Park. Comprised of large domed rocks, the walks around them offer various grades of challenge compared to the Uluru base walk.

Choose the Valley of the Winds walk for an extraordinary view over the valley.

If you’re short on time, day tours are available to help you see the highlights of Uluru and the Olgas.

Camel tours

Home to the largest population of camels in the world, a trip to the Northern Territory is not complete without a close encounter with one of its resident camels.

Pop by the camel tour base to meet them or book a camel ride, which can be done over sunrise, sunset or throughout the day.

Day trip to Kings Canyon

A popular day trip from Uluru is the immense natural landscape of Kings Canyon. Located around 3.5 hours north of Uluru, 100-metre sandstone walls reach toward the sky providing epic views of its surroundings from the top.

Climb the designated pathway to the top before hiking along the canyon’s rim through sandstone domes and lush greenery along one of three walking routes.

To help guide your way, day trips are available with professional guides to walk you from A to B.

Take to Alice Springs

Thinking of making a larger trip of it? It’s not uncommon for travellers to opt to fly into Uluru and continue their journey on to Alice Springs.

As the drive is just under 6 hours, it’s not recommended as a day trip and is more practical as a continuation of your journey rather than an overnight trip.

Alice Springs offers a desert park, reptile centre, war memorial, botanic park, kangaroo sanctuary and a couple of national parks for further outdoor pursuits.