The Top 10 Things to Do in the Ayers Rock / Uluru Region

Ayers Rock, also known as the Uluru, is located in the Northern Territory of Australia. This historically significant landmark is a sacred site for the Aboriginal people and many Aboriginal cave paintings can be found at the base of the Rock. Ayers Rock is also the most famous natural landmark of Australia, and many visitors make the climb to the top of the world’s largest monolith even though it isn’t easy. The best times to view the Rock are at sunset and sunrise, when the light makes it look bright red. Ayers Rock is not only physically beautiful; it also has a spiritual element to it. Even though it seems to rise out of nowhere, a trip to Ayers Rock leaves you with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities and immerse yourself in a rich cultural heritage.

As a spectacular natural attraction and an Australian icon recognised around the world, Ayers Rock or “Uluru” and its surrounding areas are very popular tourist destinations.

1. See the sun set on Uluru

Physically, Uluru is not only known for its massive size but also for its distinctive red colour, which is most vibrant at dawn and at sunset. Be amazed as you watch the setting sun brighten the giant red sandstone.

• Enjoy a BBQ Champagne dinner with views of the sunset on Uluru after a full day tour around the magnificent site.

2. Climb Uluru

Uluru is a spectacular vision, but a visit to this icon does not have to be a passive one. Enjoy views you can’t see from a base walk by climbing Uluru! While it is a fairly steep climb, there is a chain handhold to help with support. Climbing from the base to the highest point takes approximately one hour. Many of the tours that bring you to Uluru offer hours of free time; this is your opportunity for an unguided climb!

3. Visit the West MacDonnell Ranges

The West MacDonnells offer a perfect blend of the outback’s most impressive sites. Marvel spectacular ochre coloured mountains and swim in refreshing waterholes. Explore the region’s massive gaps, gorges, clefts, dry riverbeds, creeks, and waterholes.

• Take a guided tour to some of the West MacDonnell’s key sites, such as Mt Gillen, Standley Chasm, Angkerie Creek, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge, and Simpons Gap.
• Join a guided tour that brings you to the highlights of both the MacDonnell Ranges and the outback town, Alice Springs.

4. Stay overnight at Uluru

One of the fascinating qualities of Uluru is that it appears to change colour in different conditions and different times of day. To get a full experience, it is ideal to spend the night near the red rock. You can spend the day walking or climbing it, watch the sunset on it, enjoy the night sky’s stars, and wake up to the sunrise above Uluru.

• Join a 3 day, 2 night all-inclusive camping tour.
• Join a 2 day, 1 night all-inclusive tour with motel accommodations.

5. Tour Alice Springs

With Aboriginal and European influences, Alice Springs is a charming town, rich in history. Located in the Red Centre, Alice Springs is an outback town, consisting of a desert environment with several creeks running through (which gave the town its name). Tour the natural environment, the historical buildings, and the cultural sites of Alice Springs.

• On a Hop On Hop Off tour, explore the town at your own pace or stay aboard, listening to the live commentary, for 70 minutes.
• Join a guided tour that brings you to the highlights of Alice Springs, as well as to the MacDonnell Ranges.

6. Walk the rim or base of Kings Canyon

This large gorge has 300 metre high walls. The loop around the rim is 6km and takes approximately 3 hours, while the base walking route is only 2km. While the top walk is gorgeous, the summer’s heat can sometimes make this walk difficult.

• Join a tour group to walk around the rim or, if it is too hot, walk the base and visit Kathleen Springs.

7. See an outback farm

• Visit a historic cattle station and learn about the industry and the challenges of working in the harsh conditions of a remote and dry farm.