What to see in Uluru other than the Rock?
Beyond the breathtaking Uluru, there are plenty of other attractions and experiences to enjoy in the surrounding area. Find out what else you can do at Uluru besides admiring the rock.
There are various ways to explore and appreciate the beauty of Uluru, such as taking the 10-kilometer base walk or watching the sunset with a glass of champagne. After experiencing this iconic landmark, what other activities are available during your time in the Red Centre?
The Field of Light
Kata-Tjuta
Kata-Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, is a series of dome-like rock formations located near Uluru. These formations were created through the erosion of surrounding soft rock over millions of years, leaving behind the hard rock of the mountains. The area holds cultural significance to the local Pitjantjatjara men, as many of their Dreamtime stories about Kata Tjuta are not widely known, particularly among women.
Kata Tjuta offers various walking paths for visitors to explore the unique rock formations. The Valley of the Winds walk, spanning 7.5 kilometers, is the longest and most challenging route, leading through rocky terrain to lookout points with stunning views. On the other hand, the Walpa Gorge walk is a more manageable option at 2.6 kilometers, showcasing the desert landscape nestled between the rocks.
Cultural Centre
The Cultural Centre at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park provides extensive information about the natural environment, indigenous people, and their culture. Visitors can explore informative displays to discover more about Uluru’s formation, the local flora and fauna, and the Anangu people. Anangu and park rangers offer free presentations on various exciting topics, including bush food and tools, modern park management, and more.
The Cultural Centre is open daily from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, offering free presentations at 10:00 am on weekdays. It is advisable to allocate at least two hours to explore all the offerings at the center fully. There is also a café for refreshments and a gift shop where you can pick up some souvenirs.
Aboriginal Art Galleries
The Cultural Centre allows visitors to experience and admire art by local Anangu artists in two galleries. The Maruku Arts Centre showcases wooden carvings, jewelry, and paintings created by artists from the Central Western Desert. The Walkatjara Art Gallery is an art center where local artists create and sell works depicting local Tjukurpa stories. Artists receive 50% from selling their works; the remaining 50% is reinvested into the art center.
Take a paper-making tour in Curtin Springs
At Curtin Springs, a working outback cattle station near Uluru, visitors can participate in papermaking workshops using native grasses like spinifex, oat grass, woollybutt, kangaroo, and kerosene. Various workshops ranging from one hour to two days are available for those interested in learning how to create paper from these grasses. Participants can cut, pulp, and press the grass to create their own unique souvenir to take home.
Free didgeridoo workshop available
The Yulara Township Cultural Centre provides cultural experiences led by Aboriginal guides, which is a notable feature. The Didgeridoo performance and workshops offer a unique chance for participants to learn about this traditional instrument. The guide provides instruction on how the instrument is played, including techniques for breathing and creating sounds. Please note that in Indigenous culture, only males are traditionally allowed to play the didgeridoo.
The musical instrument, now known as the didgeridoo, was initially called the Yidaki by Aboriginal people before European settlers changed its name. The sound “didgeridoo” has become the standard way of referring to the instrument.
Experience dinner outdoors
Dining under the stars has to be one of the best things to do in Uluru, with a few different options!
Tali wiru, meaning ‘beautiful dune’ in the local Anangu language, is one of these unforgettable outdoor dining experiences.
This open-air fine dining bush food experience features a bush tucker-inspired menu that incorporates native bush ingredients integrated into a 4-course dinner served with premium Australian wine.
As you go through this four-course menu, you will also have the chance to learn from a local indigenous storyteller who shares their culture, history, and stories about the local people and places.
Alternatively, you can enjoy a similar dune top experience with the more moderately priced Sounds of Silence three-course bush tucker-inspired buffet.
While taking in the stunning views of the iconic rock, please sit back and enjoy a didgeridoo performance. Learn from a local guide as they tour the wonders of the desert night sky and paint a map of the stars and constellations.
Relax at the Red Ochre Spa
The Red Ochre Spa, situated in Sails of the Desert in Uluru, offers a range of spa treatments and signature journeys to rejuvenate tired bodies after exploring the area.
