Walking is the best way to experience the three giants of the Central Australian landscape – Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon.
Excellent walking trails surround these famous rock formations. Weave through ancient landscapes, take in the solitude of the desert, and discover cool waterholes among the rocky facades. There are plenty of walks to try in the Uluru area.
Take a walk around Uluru
Follow the ancestors’ footsteps on one of six established walks around Uluru (most are wheelchair accessible).
On the free Mala Walk along Uluru’s base (2km return), rangers tell the story of the mala (rufous hare-wallaby) people. You’ll see all of Uluru’s natural and cultural beauty on the full base walk, a 10.6km loop of the monolith.
These short walks uncover the waterholes and lush woodlands around Uluru and will give you some insight into the cultural significance of Uluru.
Walking & hiking around Uluru
Walk through the domes of Kata Tjuta
Take a walk to experience Kata Tjuta, 36 steep domes 50km from Uluru. Kata Tjuta means ‘many heads’ in the local Aboriginal language. Choose from three established walking trails, including the renowned Valley of the Winds walk, a 7.4km circuit that takes in two spectacular lookouts and goes into the heart of Kata Tjuta.
Get the full panorama on the easy 600m walk to the dune viewing area or take the 2.6km return Walpa Gorge Walk past rare plants to a spearwood grove.
The Giles Track
One of Central Australia’s most popular overnight walks is the Giles Track. Located in the Watarrka National Park, this 22km trail travels between Kings Canyon and Kathleen Springs.
Incredible views await those who tackle both the overnight and short walk options, including the cooling waterholes at the Garden of Eden and views of Kings Canyon.
Kings Canyon Rim Walk
Rise early to tackle the 3.5-hour rim walk of Kings Canyon, a 150m-tall sandstone bluff in the Watarrka National Park, 300km from Uluru. The challenging 500-step climb rewards you with views from the summit over lush forests and waterholes before you descend into the green ‘Garden of Eden’ in the belly of the canyon.
Or take the shady, easier creek walk through the canyon floor.
