Uluru is one of the world's most spectacular sacred sites. Aside from its physical beauty and position in the centre of the country, there's no denying that Uluru has a special place in the heart of all Australians.
A must for any serious bucket list, Uluru is a destination unlike anywhere else on earth. So whether you're a solo traveller, couple or family, Uluru will not fail to delight even the most experienced adventurer. So what are you waiting for?
What are the must-see attractions in Uluru?
Without question one of the world's most famous landmarks, Uluru is a UNESCO World Heritage site of inestimable cultural significance in the Northern Territory.
Sacred to the local first nations peoples known collectively as the Aṉangu, Uluru is a breathtaking sandstone monolith that rises 348m above the surrounding desert plain. Approximately 335 km from Alice Springs, Uluru sits within the Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.
There's no question that the main attraction of the area is Uluru itself. Gracing countless magazine covers and personal screens across the world, there are few more recognisable natural formations. Given the ever changing desert light, views of the rock change hourly with sunset and sunrise particularly worth seeing as the colour of the rock differs dramatically.
You could easily spend years looking at the rock and seeing something different each day, yet luckily for those with less time on their hands there is more to do in the Uluru area. 20 minutes west of Uluru will find you at Kata Tjuṯa, known to early Europeans as The Olgas. Grab your walking boots and take part in the 7.4 km Valley of the Winds Walk that takes you around the site, or take a guided tour led by the traditional owners to fully understand the cultural significance of where you stand.
If walking's not your thing, then take a camel tour, ride a Segway, hire a bike or see it all from above with a helicopter. Not adventurous enough? Try a tandem skydive!
Looking for something less physically demanding? Dine out under the stars and eat beautifully prepared 'bush tucker' produce, or immerse yourself in local culture with a workshop at Maruku Arts, a collective of some 900 Aṉangu artists from 20 of the remote communities around Uluru.
If you have time, we strongly suggest a visit to Kings Canyon just 3 hours from Uluru. Part of Watarrka National Park, Kings Canyon is a literal oasis in the desert. With towering 300m high cliffs, take the 6km rim walk and descend into the famed Garden of Eden - a beautiful sanctuary surrounded by rare plants and palm trees.
Hero image: Tourism NT/Sean Scott