Uluru and Kata Tjuta Walks

Uluru is one of Australia’s most recognisable attractions, but its rich cultural heritage stretches back further than any other. Estimated to be 550 million years old, the rock holds enormous cultural significance for the local Pitjantjatjara people and casts a majestic figure over the surrounding red sand of the desert. 

For maps and more information about the walks, click here.

Uluru     |     Kata Tjuta

Uluru Walks

Uluru Base Walk (10.6km, 3.5 hours)

Uluru walks start with a lap around Uluru (Ayers Rock). The 10.6km walk around Uluru is the best way to get up close and personal with the rock and to get a sense of just how large it is. We recommend starting out from the Mala car park early in the morning, walking clockwise. 

Sections of the Base Walk 

Mala Walk (2km return, 1.5 hours)

The Uluru Mala Walk starts at the Mala car park and proceeds to the Kantju Gorge, a beautiful natural gorge of sheer red-rock walls. This walk affords views of fine examples of Aboriginal rock art, as well as cave structures historically used by the Pitjantjatjara people. The Mala Walk at Uluru is popular, so we recommend an early start.

Key tip: Rangers offer free guided tours along the Mala Walk, stopping to talk about the rock art, teaching you the story of the Tjukurpa (creation stories) of the rock formations, and demonstrate the traditional tools the Anangu people used. Tours operate Oct-May at 8am, Apr-Sept at 10am.

Kuniya / Mutitjulu Waterhole Walk (1km return, 30-45 minutes)

A more lush Uluru walking track is the one from Kuniya car park to Mutitjulu Waterhole. This track ends up in a lush green area offering shade in the heat of the day. Sit down and listen to the water as you watch wallabies in the scrub. 

North-East Face Walk

Another Uluru walk to consider is the North-East Face walk. It includes a stretch of the base walk, running from the kitchen caves found on the Mala walk to the Kuniya Piti site. The highlights of the walk are mysterious rock formations that are significant to local creation stories. 

Lungkata Walk (4km return, 1.5 hours)

The Lungkata walk gives you access to some of the most stunning up-close views of the rock itself. In particular, you will find magnificent cave structures created by thousands of years of wind and water erosion, which are home to innumerable bird species. This track connects the Kuniya walk with the Mala car park.

Liru Walk (4km, 1.5 hours)

Although not directly a walk around Uluru, the Liru Walk connects the Mala Carpark to the Cultural Centre. A path that winds through a mulga forest, it is often most colourful with wildflowers after a dose of rain. Along the track you will find a shelter, the perfect hidden spot to take a break with uninterrupted views of Uluru.

Kata Tjuta Walks

Valley of the Winds Walk (7.4km circuit, 4 hours)

The Valley of the Winds is a difficult grade-4 walk that makes you earn the beauty it hides. It is the best way to lose yourself in the majesty of the domes of Kata Tjuta and features two stunning lookouts.

Karu Lookout (2.2km return, 1 hour)

The Karu lookout is a 1-hour return trip from the track, offering incredible views of the martian landscape surrounding Kata Tjuta.

Karingana Lookout (5.4km return, 2.5 hours)

The Karingana lookout will take a 2.5-hour round trip to reach. Walk through the rubbly shade of these ancient rocks by following creekbeds towards more stunning desert scenery. 

Walpa Gorge Walk (2.6km return, 1 hour)

The Walpa Gorge is another beautiful red-rock formation, serving as a desert oasis for both flora and fauna. Inside the shade of the gorge, you can find pink daisies, wallaroos, and a host of other rare native species. Touch the sheer walls and feel aeons of time at your fingertips.