How to experience Uluru (without walking on it)

Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock, you’re probably aware that walking or climbing on Uluru was banned back in 2019. It’s an important site of great significance to Anangu culture and its traditional custodians.

There are plenty of ways to appreciate themagnitude of Uluru, which is a significant place for Aboriginal people, without tramping all over it. The best times to visit are at sunrise and sunset when it's cooler. But dawn and dusk are also when low sunlight catches on the flanks of Uluru, creating extraordinary ever-changing colours across the landscape.

See Uluru by bicycle

Two-wheeled travel on a bike is a great option for seeing Uluru close and personal. Riding a bike will get you around the trails surrounding Uluru faster than walking. Plus, bicycle travel is kind to the environment and your momentum will generate wind flow to keep you cool in the desert heat.

Outback Cycling is a mobile bicycle shop conveniently located next to the car park at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. It's up to you to decide how far you want to ride, but if you're up for a circumnavigation challenge, you could cycle the 10.6km trail around the base of Uluru. Alternatively, take your time and cycle the shorter trails to really absorb the magnificence of this landscape.

Hike the walking trails around Uluru

Walking trails wind around the base of Uluru to offer a close-up view of the famous monolith. For unique insights into Uluru take a free Ranger-guided Mala Walk along a 2km wheelchair accessible path. The Base Walk is a10.6km loop that takes around 3.5 hours to complete. Allow plenty of time to soak up the serenity and to admire the rock art sites and signage along the trail. There are also shorter walks, each offering a different perspective of Uluru. The Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole is a short 1km walk to a waterhole which isthe home of wanampi, an ancestral snake.

None of the walks are particularly challenging (for the most part they’re relatively short and flat) but travellers should be mindful of the heat and weather conditions in the Red Centre. Always use common sense and ensure you have plenty of water, , slap on the sunscreen and wear a hat (a fly net is useful at certain times of the year). Parks Australia have useful tips and information about walking around Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park.

See Uluru on a Segway tour

Viewing Uluru from behind the controls of an electric Segway offers a unique and fun experience. With a knowledgeable guide to lead the way and provide commentary, small group Uluru Segway Tours depart throughout the day.

Sunrise and sunset tours are when the striking colours of Uluru are at their most spectacular, plus it's also the coolest of time of the day. Segways are a great alternative if you want to circle the entirety of Uluru but don't have the time (or inclination) to walk around it.

View the Field of Light

The Field of Light installation in the foreground of Uluru is the brainchild of British bulb wizard Bruce Munro and is an ambitious creation unique to the Red Centre.

Known locally as Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku, it means ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ which perfectly encapsulates the experience. There are opportunities to view Field of Light at sunrise or at sunset, both of which offer different, yet extraordinary experiences.

Sunrise viewing entails a very early start in order to view the Field of Light before first light. As the sky starts to lighten, the Field of Light's impact dims as the sun rises and Uluru is revealed in the soft morning light.

At sunset the opposite happens. As dusk settles the Field of Light takes on deeper significance long after the last golden rays of sunlight are cast upon Uluru's flanks. Take your time after sunset to wander through walking trails that wind through the desert to experience this magical setting.

See Uluru on a guided camel tour

Camels have traditionally roamed wild in outback Australia, and you can’t help but gain a deep appreciation for these gentle-natured animals on a guided tour. Camels have adapted to their environment and have played a vital role in discovery and exploration of central Australia.

Book a guided sunrise or sunset tour with Uluru Camel Tours to see the changing light over the landscape while hearing stories of the Territory.