Uluru & Kata Tjuta

Uluru (Ayers Rock) rises 348 metres above the red desert in the heart of Australia's Northern Territory, roughly 450 kilometres south-west of Alice Springs. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both its natural and cultural significance, it is one of the most recognisable landmarks on Earth — and visiting in person is an experience that no photograph can prepare you for.

The Uluru base walk is a 10.6-kilometre circuit that takes you around the entire monolith, passing waterholes, ancient rock art, and sacred Anangu sites. Guided walks with traditional owners give you an understanding of the Tjukurpa (creation stories) that have been passed down for tens of thousands of years. Please note that climbing Uluru has been permanently closed since October 2019, in line with the wishes of the Anangu people.

Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), just 25 kilometres west of Uluru, is a cluster of 36 massive domed rock formations. The Valley of the Winds walk (7.4 km loop, roughly 3–4 hours) is one of the best day hikes in Australia — winding between towering red domes with views that stretch to the horizon. The shorter Walpa Gorge walk is an easier alternative that still delivers incredible scenery.

Sunrise and sunset at Uluru are the defining moments of any visit. The rock changes colour minute by minute — deep orange, fiery red, purple, and finally a soft glow as the stars emerge. Most guided tours include dedicated viewing areas with refreshments so you can take it all in without rushing.

The outback night sky here is extraordinary. With virtually zero light pollution, the Milky Way is so vivid it casts shadows. Many tours include stargazing sessions, some with telescopes and astronomers. The Field of Light art installation by Bruce Munro — 50,000 solar-powered stems that bloom at sunset — adds a surreal, otherworldly layer to the experience.

Most tours depart from Alice Springs (a scenic 5-hour drive or short flight) and run 3 to 5 days, combining Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon. Dundee Adventure's Red Centre tours include all transport, meals, camping or lodge accommodation, national park fees, and expert local guides.