The 6 Best Uluru Walks, Red Centre (2025 Guide)

Explore the Red Centre, learn from the Traditional Owners, and stretch your legs with these incredible Uluru Walks!

There’s something truly spellbinding about Uluru. Towering above the glorious red sands of the Outback, this ancient rock is mesmerising at any time of day.

Whether it’s your first time seeing Uluru or back for more, its sheer presence is always jaw-dropping. The best way to connect with it? Hit the trails and walk!

Uluru is more than just a rock. For the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land, it holds profound significance that you can feel as soon as you arrive.

The majestic domes of Uluṟu Kata Tjuṯa rise like a mythical desert fortress, with trails that lead deep into its rugged heart.

Whether you’re here for a day or a week, walking is one of the most rewarding ways to connect with this extraordinary part of Australia.

Explore more of the Outback on a Adelaide To Darwin Road Trip!

Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa offer some of the most unforgettable walks in Australia. Each walk features incredible views, cultural significance, and that raw Red Centre magic!

Ready to hit the trails? Grab your hat, sunscreen, and a pair of sturdy walking shoes. Here are the 6 best walks to truly experience the spirit of this special place on foot.

Find more info about each of these walks on the National Park website!

The best way to get around is to rent a car and explore on your own! We recommend Rental Cars, which has the largest range of vehicles for the best value on the market.

• Distance: 10km
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

The Uluṟu Base Walk highlights the grandeur of Uluṟu within the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. This 10.6 km loop takes you around the base of the iconic monolith, where you can marvel at the breathtaking views of its changing colors, ancient rock art, and sacred sites.

The walk is mostly flat, making it accessible to most fitness levels and even wheelchair accessible in some parts. Therefore, everyone can enjoy the stunning natural wonder of Uluru (Ayers Rock).

Along the route, you can learn about the area’s rich cultural significance to the Anangu people and the national park’s unique desert ecosystem.

It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or a seasoned hiker – the Uluṟu Base Walk is an incredible way to connect with the natural and spiritual beauty of Uluru.

• Distance: 2km
• Difficulty: Easy

The Mala Walk is one of the most popular and accessible walks in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, and for good reason.

This easy, 2 km return trail takes you along the base of Uluru, past towering rock faces, ancient caves, and Aboriginal rock art that tells powerful Tjukurpa (Anangu creation stories).

The Mala Walk is especially popular because it’s one of the tracks that is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for almost everyone.

As you hike along the Mala Walk trail, interpretive signs reveal stories of the Mala people and their connection to the land.

Whether joining a ranger-led walk or exploring solo, the Mala Walk is a fascinating way to experience the true spirit of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa.

• Distance: 1km
• Difficulty: Easy

The Kuniya Walk is a short but powerful trail in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park that takes you deep into the heart of the landscape and the culture of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa.

It’s a gentle 1 km return walk that leads to the peaceful Mutitjulu Waterhole, one of the few permanent water sources around Uluru.

Along the way, you’ll pass ancient rock art sites and learn about the Kuniya Tjukurpa – a key creation story of the Anangu people.

The walk takes visitors close to some culturally sensitive sites within Uluru, so walking respectfully is important.

• Distance: 5km
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

The North-East Face Walk is a peaceful and scenic section of the Uluṟu Base Walk, and takes you on a close-up look at the mind-blowing rock formations and textured surface of Uluṟu (Ayers Rock).

Located within the breathtaking Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, this stretch is ideal for those wanting to appreciate the quiet majesty of Uluru without tackling the full circuit.

The trail is wheelchair accessible, making it a great option for all visitors. You might even come across park rangers who can offer insights into the land’s significance and ecology.

While not as well-known as the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuṯa, the North-East Face Walk is a hidden gem that lets you connect with Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa at your own pace.

• Distance: 4km
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

The Lungkaṯa Walk is a fantastic part of the Uluṟu Base Walk, perfect for those wanting to dive deeper into the stories and landscapes around Uluru.

The 4 km return trail takes you along the southern side of Uluṟu, leading to l pa gorge, a peaceful spot framed by dramatic rock formations.

The walk shares the Tjukurpa (creation story) of Lungkaṯa, the blue-tongue lizard, adding cultural meaning to your adventure.

While not as rugged as the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa, the Lungkaṯa Walk boasts a unique charm, with quiet paths, stunning views, and a strong sense of place that makes it a memorable part of exploring the base of Uluṟu.

• Distance: 4.4km
• Difficulty: Easy/Moderate

The Liru Walk is a peaceful and culturally rich trail that connects the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Cultural Centre to the Mala Carpark and the base of Uluru, near l pa gorge.

Stretching around 4 km return, this walk is a great way to ease into the landscape, surrounded by desert oaks, red sands, and occasional wildlife sightings.

Along the way, interpretive signs share the Tjukurpa (creation story) of Liru, the poisonous snake, providing insights into Anangu law and tradition.

While it’s a more relaxed trail than the rugged Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa, the Liru Walk still holds deep meaning and stunning scenery. You can stop at the Cultural Centre to learn more about the local area before you hike!

It’s perfect for those looking to pair cultural understanding with a quiet nature stroll before or after the Valley of the Winds Walk or other adventures in the park.

Deciding where to stay is a big part of making the most of your Uluru adventure. With the hot weather, early starts, and so much natural beauty and rich culture to experience, you’ll want somewhere comfy to rest between exploring the national park.

Whether you’re traveling on a budget or ready to splurge on something more luxurious, here are our top picks for places to stay near Uluru.

YHA Alice Springs is a top pick for budget-conscious travellers heading to Uluru. Located in the heart of Alice Springs, it’s approximately a 5.5-hour drive to Uluṟu Kata Tjuṯa National Park, making it a convenient base for exploring the region.

With a pool to cool off in, a shared kitchen, and cozy common areas, it’s a great base for meeting fellow travellers and planning your adventure at the national park.

For a mid-range option, check out Desert Gardens Hotel. Some rooms in this hotel overlook the incredible views of the iconic rock, with its soaring domes.

Surrounded by lush gardens, it provides a peaceful escape for your Uluru adventure, with amenities like onsite dining and a swimming pool.

If you want to stay in a luxurious Uluru (Ayers Rock) Resort, choose Sails in the Desert.

This elegant resort has well-appointed rooms featuring Indigenous artwork, superb dining options like Ilkari Restaurant, and amenities including a serene pool, spa, and complimentary airport transfers.

It’s also deeply connected to Anangu culture, with an on-site gallery and décor reflecting local traditions.

Sure, you can explore Uluru yourself – it’s adventurous and fun! However, joining a guided walking tour takes the experience to a new level.

With a guided tour, you’ll hear creation stories, learn about the Anangu people’s deep connection to the land, and spot things you could miss if you do it yourself.

Not sure where to start? Here are some of the best guided walking tours to check out:

This 10.5 km Guided Walking Tour at Sunrise takes you around the entire base of Uluru, where you can admire the endless vistas from soaring domes as the sun rises.

Your guide will share fascinating creation stories and insights into the rich culture of Uluṟu.

The tour includes a light breakfast and comfortable transport in an air-conditioned coach, and at the end, you’ll even receive a certificate to celebrate your achievement.

If you’d rather explore Uluru in a more intimate setting, this Guided Trek of Uluru’s Base in a Small Group is a great option.

You’ll walk the full base of Uluru with plenty of time to admire the spectacular scenery, from breathtaking rock formations to endless vistas. Enjoy breakfast along the way and stop at key sites like Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kantju Gorge, and ancient rock art sites.

Prefer to explore in the golden glow of sunset? The Sacred Sites & Sunset Tour with Wine & Cheeseboard is the perfect pick.

Visit highlights like Mutitjulu Waterhole and ancient Aboriginal rock art before watching the sun dip behind Uluru’s silhouette. As the colors shift across the landscape, you’ll toast the moment with a glass of sparkling wine and a delicious cheeseboard.

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