20 Magical Things To Do At Uluru In 2025

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO AT ULURU? HERE’S EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

I’ve been living in Sydney past six years, and one of the best parts about being here is having the chance to explore Australia beyond the big cities.

We got to visit Uluru this June and I finally understood why people call it the heart of the country. Standing in front of that massive red rock for the first time is something I’ll never forget. I spent 5 days here along with my brother and his family who stay locally as well so if you want to know about the best things do to around Uluru, I’ve got you!

In this post, I’m going to share the most magical things to do at Uluru – based on what we loved and what I think every traveler should experience at least once.

Best Things To Do at Uluru

Visiting Uluru is one of those trips that stays with you forever.

Of course, watching the sunrise and sunset over the rock is a must, but there’s so much more to experience here. You can walk around its base, listen to the stories of the Anangu people, ride camels across the desert, or spend a night under a sky filled with stars.

If you’re planning your visit, check out the official Parks Australia guide to Uluru for useful tips before you go.

1. Kata Tjuta – Valley of the Winds Walk

If you think Uluru is impressive, wait until you see Kata Tjuta. This group of massive domed rocks is just as awe-inspiring, and the Valley of the Winds Walk is the best way to explore them.

The trail takes you through dramatic gorges and open plains, with views that honestly stopped us in our tracks. It’s a bit challenging in parts, but the scenery is worth every step. We came away feeling like we’d seen a completely different side of the Red Centre.

2. Kings Canyon Rim Walk (Day Trip)

One of the best day trips we did from Uluru was the Kings Canyon Rim Walk in Uluru. The hike starts with a steep climb, but once you’re on top, the views are absolutely jaw-dropping—towering cliffs, sandstone domes, and deep valleys stretching as far as the eye can see.

The highlight for us was the “Garden of Eden,” a hidden waterhole surrounded by lush greenery. It felt like such a contrast to the red desert around it. If you’ve got a day to spare, this walk is 100% worth adding to your itinerary.

3. Camel Ride at Sunset

If there’s one thing I’d recommend doing in Uluru, it’s a camel ride at sunset.

There’s something truly peaceful about gliding slowly across the red desert dunes as the sun dips behind Uluru, turning the sky into shades of pink and orange.

I loved feeling the rhythm of the camel beneath me while taking in the wide-open landscape—it’s a completely different perspective from standing at the rock itself.

There are a few operators offering tours, and the one we took made it easy to enjoy the ride without rushing.

You can check more details camel ride around Uluru.

4. Stargazing Tours

I still can’t get over the night sky at Uluru.

Being out in the desert with no city lights around, stargazing at Uluru; I could see so many stars it was almost overwhelming. The Milky Way stretched across the sky, and we even spotted a few satellites passing by.

Our guide pointed out constellations and explained what they mean in Aboriginal culture, which made it even more interesting. Standing there with Uluru in the distance and the stars all around felt completely magical.

If you want to join a tour, check Uluru Astro Tour.

5. Dot Painting Workshops

One of the most memorable cultural experiences we had in Uluru was joining a Dot Painting Workshop.

Guided by a local Anangu artist, we learned about the meaning behind traditional symbols and stories while creating our own small artwork to take home. It was hands-on, fun, and such a unique way to connect with the culture.

If you’re wondering about the things to do at Uluru, this should definitely be on your list. It’s not just an activity—it’s a chance to slow down, listen, and understand the land through Indigenous eyes.

6. Bike Around Uluru

Cycling around Uluru was such a fun and different way to explore the area. We rented bikes from Yulara, and the loop around the base is about 10.6 km—perfect for a leisurely ride without feeling rushed.

Riding gives you a chance to cover more ground than walking, while still soaking in the desert scenery and spotting little details along the way that you might miss from a car.

We especially enjoyed stopping at small waterholes and taking short breaks to admire the rock up close. The fresh desert air, the soft crunch of the sand under the tires, and the quiet of the surroundings made it a really memorable experience.

7. Scenic Flight or Helicopter Ride

One of the most unforgettable ways to see Uluru is from above.

While flights aren’t allowed directly over the rock (out of respect for its cultural significance), the views from a helicopter or small plane circling around it are absolutely breathtaking. You can also read more about or book a helicopter tour around Uluru here.

We loved how the flight also gave us sweeping views of Kata Tjuta and the endless desert landscape.

If you’re considering it, check out Ayers Rock Helicopters—their tours are popular for a reason, and it’s the kind of memory you’ll carry forever.

8. Sounds of Silence Dinner

The Sounds of Silence Dinner was honestly one of the highlights of our trip. Imagine sitting under a blanket of stars, with Uluru’s silhouette in the distance, while enjoying a delicious meal in the middle of the desert. It felt surreal.

What made it even more special was the atmosphere—candles glowing, live storytelling, and a stargazing session guided by experts.

It’s more than just dinner; it’s an experience that blends culture, food, and the magic of the outback all in one evening.

9. Bush Tucker Tasting

Trying a Bush Tucker Tasting gave us such a unique perspective on the desert.

We sampled native ingredients like wattleseed, bush tomatoes, and lemon myrtle—flavors we’d never experienced before but that are deeply tied to Aboriginal traditions.

It wasn’t just about food; it was about learning how the Anangu people have lived off the land for thousands of years. We walked away not only full but with a deeper respect for the connection between culture and country.

10. Desert Segway Tour

One of the most fun things to do in Uluru is a Desert Segway tour. Honestly,It felt amazing gliding across the red desert without worrying about the heat or pesky flies!

We went during sunrise, and the soft morning light made everything look magical. Our guide was super friendly and full of interesting stories about the area.

The tour even included breakfast, which was a nice touch after a bit of morning exercise.If you want a full breakdown of what to expect, check out our detailed Uluru Segway Tour Review.

11. Field of Light

Walking through the Field of Light at Uluru was honestly one of the most magical things I’ve ever done.

Picture the desert completely dark, and then suddenly glowing with tens of thousands of tiny lights that stretch out as far as you can see—it felt like standing inside a dream.

What made it even more special was seeing Uluru faintly in the distance, almost watching over it all. We joined an evening tour, and wandering through the glowing pathways under the night sky is something I’ll never forget.

You can check details on the Field of Light experience.

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Free Things to Do at Uluru

12. Guided Mala Walk

The ranger guided mala walk was one of our favorite ways to experience Uluru up close.

Walking along the base with an expert guide, we learned about the Anangu people, their traditions, and the stories behind some of the rock formations. It made the history and culture come alive in a way you just can’t get on your own.

We especially loved seeing the rock art and hearing the Dreamtime stories—it felt like stepping back in time. If you want to join a tour or get more details, check out the Parks Australia guide to the Mala Walk.

13. Sunrise over Uluru

Catching the sunrise at Uluru is one of those moments that really stays with you, you can also look out to the guided Uluru Sunrise and Segway Tour.

As the first light hits, the rock slowly changes from deep purples to glowing reds and oranges—it’s almost like watching it breathe.

The best part is that there are dedicated viewing areas where you get an uninterrupted view of the entire scene. Just make sure to arrive early, because it’s a favorite for many visitors.

14. Uluru Sunset Viewing

Watching the sunset over Uluru is one of those moments we’ll never forget. Actually, these are the things to do in uluru for free, which you can’t miss.

As the light shifts, the rock changes from bright orange to deep red and even purple—it honestly feels like nature is putting on a private show just for you.

It’s no surprise this is considered one of the top things to do in Uluru, and the best part is that it doesn’t cost a thing. Just pack a snack, grab a spot at one of the designated viewing areas, and enjoy one of the most magical free experiences in the Red Centre.

15. Uluru Base Walk

I absolutely loved doing the Uluru Base Walk.

It’s around 10.6 km, so it takes a few hours, but walking slowly really lets you notice things you’d miss from a distance. I kept stopping to admire little details that made it special.

Some of my favorite moments on the walk were:

• Spotting little hidden waterholes that feel like secret oases
• Discovering ancient Aboriginal rock art and trying to imagine the stories behind them
• Finding quiet corners to just pause, breathe, and soak in the desert silence

For me, walking around Uluru this way wasn’t just a hike—it felt like a real connection with the land, its history, and the peacefulness of the surrounding desert.

16. Mutitjulu Waterhole

I really loved stopping by Mutitjulu Waterhole.

It’s tucked right at the base of Uluru and feels so calm compared to the rest of the park. There’s some ancient Aboriginal rock art nearby, which made me pause and think about the stories behind it.

I just sat for a while, listening to the birds and soaking in the quiet—it was one of those moments where you feel completely present.

Pro Tip: Try going early in the morning. The light is beautiful, and you’ll likely have the place almost to yourself.

You can read more about it on Parks Australia.

17. Cultural Centre Visit

Before exploring Uluru, I highly recommend stopping at the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre.

It gave me so much insight into the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land, and why Uluru is so sacred.

I loved checking out the short videos, local artwork, and the two Indigenous-owned galleries—it really made the walks and viewpoints around the park feel more meaningful.

You can check out more detail about the Uluru cultural center before you go.

18. Guided Garden Walks

When I first visited Uluru, I was surprised by how much plant life thrives in the desert. The Red Centre is home to over 400 native plant species, and I loved exploring the gardens at the Resort Town Square.

You can wander around on your own, but I joined a Guided Garden Walk—they run twice daily at 9 am and 4 pm.

Our guide explained the cultural significance of each plant, including how they’re used for food, medicine, and traditional practices. It made me appreciate the desert ecosystem so much more.

19. Bush Yarns – A Free Experience

One of my favorite free experiences at Uluru was Bush Yarns. Sitting under the open sky, I got to hear interactive stories about Aboriginal culture and the Anangu way of life. Our guide showed traditional men’s hunting weapons and women’s tools for gathering bush tucker—the native foods of the central desert.

I even learned a few words in Pitjantjatjara, the local language, which made the experience feel so personal and authentic. It’s such a simple activity, but it gave me a real connection to the land’s ancient heritage and the knowledge passed down through generations.

20. Visit the Camel Farm

Visiting the Camel Farm near Uluru was such a fun and unexpected experience. We got to meet the camels up close, feed them, and learn about how they’ve been part of the Red Centre’s history for decades. Watching these gentle giants against the backdrop of the desert was honestly magical.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also take a short camel tour—sunrise and sunset tours are especially beautiful. Even if you skip the ride, wandering around the farm, snapping photos, and learning a bit about camel life in the outback made it a really memorable stop.

Pro Tip: Go early in the morning when it’s cooler and the camels are more active.

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Where To Stay In Uluru?

When I visited Uluru, I quickly realized that all the accommodation is based in Yulara, within the Ayers Rock Resort area.

You won’t find hotels scattered around the park, but that’s actually convenient—everything is just a 10–15 minute drive from Uluru’s base.

So,

The desert setting is stunning, but I’ll be honest, it’s not cheap, it’s perfect way, especially during peak season.

Based on my experience, here are a few options depending on your budget:

• Budget: Outback Pioneer Hotel – simple, comfortable, and affordable. It even has a shared kitchen and bar if you want to save on meals.
• Mid-range: The Lost Camel Hotel – quirky, modern, and central. Perfect if you want something stylish but not too fancy.
• Luxury: Sails in the Desert – this is where we stayed, and it was totally worth it. Spacious rooms, a gorgeous pool, and the whole place feels like a desert oasis.

Staying in Yulara made it easy to catch sunrises, sunsets, and all the activities without rushing around.

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So, Is Uluru Worth Visiting?

Honestly? Yes, it really is.

When we first saw Uluru, I didn’t expect to feel so awed.

It’s not just a big rock—it’s the sunrises, the sunsets, the quiet walks around the base, and the stories you hear from the Anangu people.

Spending a few days there gives you time to take it all in. Trust me, it’s one of those places you’ll remember forever.

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Top things to Do at Uluru : FAQ’s

Now, that you have a better understanding of the things to do at Uluru, let’s get into some faq’s.

– What can you do in Uluru?

Yes, in Uluru you can explore the iconic rock and Kata Tjuta, enjoy sunrise or sunset views, learn about Aboriginal culture, take guided walks, go camel riding, stargaze, and experience unique desert activities.

– What are the things to do in Uluru for free?

You can enjoy the Uluru Base Walk, sunrise and sunset viewing, exploring Mutitjulu Waterhole, and short cultural trails like the Liru or Kuniya Tracks – all without spending a dime.

– What is Uluru best known for?

Uluru is best known for its massive sandstone monolith, stunning red color that changes with sunlight, and its cultural significance as a sacred site for the Anangu people.

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Things to Do Around Uluru : The Wrap Up

That wraps up my list of things to do at Uluru.

For me, the trip felt pretty special—it’s one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve left. If you haven’t been yet, I’d say put it on your travel list sooner rather than later.

Got a question or maybe your own Uluru experience to share? I’d love to hear from you—come say hi on Instagram!