Are you planning to visit Uluru but don’t have weeks on end to spend exploring the beautiful Red Centre? Don’t panic, even if your trip is brief we’ve got an itinerary that’ll leave you feeling fulfilled and provide some opportunity to head to the pool and unwind. If you’ve got 3 days to spend in the cultural heart of Australia then we’ve got you covered, from soaring to the skies to learning from local Traditional Owners, be sure to put these things to do at Uluru on your wishlist!
The best things to do at Uluru
Day 1: Afternoon Arrival
Whether you fly in or drive up it’s likely you’ll touchdown at Uluru and Voyages Ayers Rock Resort in the early afternoon. Once you arrive why not spend the afternoon to settle into your accommodation, grab a cool drink and relax by the pool.
If you’re feeling adventurous perhaps opt for something a little less passive and jump straight into learning about the local area through the resorts free guest activities program. They offer activities like astronomy talks, bush yarns or didgeridoo playing.
Consider visiting the Tourist Information Centre and collecting an Uluru Audio Guide in preparation for exploring Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park over the next few days. Uluru Audio Guide offers 24 hour, 48 hour or 72 hour hire of their GPS triggered audio guides.
The best way to truly welcome yourself to the Red Centre is enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime experience like Sounds of Silence. Here you’ll be treated to stunning sunset views, canapés, sparking wine and a chance to dine under the stars and swap stories with other travellers.
Day 2: Full day at Uluru
As they say, ‘the early bird gets the worm’ so too does the early riser. Start your first full day at Uluru by waking early to enjoy a magical sunrise at Uluru. Marvel as the colours change on Uluru and try your hand at capturing the perfect photo to capture the moment.
After the sunrises it is time to head over to the base of Uluru and explore. We suggest doing the full base walk, it has amazing views and will give you a greater appreciation for this special rock. Don’t forget to use your Uluru Audio Guide as you explore, it’s content covers all of the walks at Uluru and will give you the perfect chance to experience the rock for yourself whilst being enthralled learning about local Aboriginal culture, plants, animals and geology.
If walking the full 10.6km base of Uluru isn’t your cup of tea, consider joining a guided Segway tour or hiring a bike to roll around the rock.
After you’ve soaked in the base of Uluru head back to the resort for lunch, they have numerous restaurants and dining options to suit every traveller. After a bite to eat and a cool drink we suggest dialling up the adventure and taking to the skies aboard a helicopter or fixed wing scenic flight. The Central Australian landscape from the sky will not disappoint.
Day 3: Explore Kata Tjuta and learn about Aboriginal Culture
Today we suggest you enjoy a sleep in and a slower start to the day. Breakfast at Ilkari restaurant in Sails in the Desert never disappoints, with an interactive chef omelette station and a variety of foods to keep the whole family happy.
After refuelling we suggest driving beyond Uluru to explore Kata-Tjuta, also known as the Olgas. It’ll take approximately 45 minutes to reach this spectacular rock formation, as you travel Uluru Audio Guide will share with you interesting insights about the landscape and history of early explorers visiting this region. Upon arrival at Kata Tjuta you’ve got two walks to choose from. If you’re up for a hike try your hand at Valley of the Winds. If you’d prefer take it easy then the Walpa Gorge walk won’t disappoint. The gorge walk provides visitors with an opportunity to immerse yourself in this enormity of this rock formation.
After exploring Kata Tjuta we suggest returning to Uluru for a final look at this special monolith. You could also consider learning about Uluru direct from an Anangu, Traditional Owner, by joining Maruku’s guided Kuniya Walk. Maruku is also an Indigenous Owned Art Centre that has a gallery located within the Cultural Centre at Uluru.
As the sun dips below the horizon finish your Uluru experience by taking a stroll through Bruce Munro’s Field of Light. This art exhibition is iconic to the region. The gentle ambience thrown out by the 50 000 solar powered lights gently glowing is unforgettable.
These are some of the best things to do at Uluru in a short trip. If you are lucky enough to be able to stay longer in our special part of the world, then don’t worry there is still plenty more to explore.