ULURU

INTRODUCTION TO ULURU

Australia is a country with so much to offer - buzzing cities, peaceful shores, adrenaline filled experiences and brunches in abundance. But if you’re after the real deal, Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is where it’s at. This 700 million year old spot is steeped in history, and is perhaps the ultimate icon of this great land. It may well look and feel like you’re in the midst of emptiness, but this remote location is well worth the visit, located a mere 462 km from Alice Springs, a remote town in Australia's Northern Territory. Aside from the main event of Uluru, Lake Amadeus in the southwest corner of Australia’s Northern Territory is another travel must offering a mesmerising texture of colours, whilst Kata Tjuṯa is another favourite. This large rock formation makes up the second largest landmark in this national park and you can hike, climb or take a scenic flight around this area.

But let’s take it back to the terracotta World Heritage site which lies in the Simpson Desert, aka Uluru. The 348m high rock originally sat at the bottom of the sea and has been created over the past 600 million years. The site is of huge cultural significance to Aboriginal Australians, and is today one of the world’s great natural wonders. If you're planning to tour Ayers Rock, expect to have a physical and spiritual experience as the sheer scale of the site is likely to take your breath away.

Walking, hiking and adventure based activities are all available around the rock, and that’s before we’ve even covered the spiritual significance. Each feature of the site has a meaning in 'Tjukurpa' or Dreamtime, the traditional Anangu law that explains how the world was created, whilst the decorative aboriginal paintings in the caves tell stories of everything from vital information about water to religious beliefs. If you want to get the full lowdown on what's what, then head over to the Uluru Cultural Centre, located at the base of Uluru, where you’ll get an introduction to Anangu culture and traditions. Want to take your Uluru experience to the next level? Visiting the World Heritage Site at sunrise or sunset is something pretty incredible. The rock constantly changes colour throughout the day, resulting in an ever changing palette of rich reds, oranges, blues and even purples.

FAST FACTS

Language: English
Currency: Australian Dollar
Electricity: 230V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Australia.
Dialling Code: +61
Time Zone: (GMT+8.00 - GMT+09.30)

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Explore the permanently changing colours and patterns of Lake Amadeus

This huge salt lake in the southwest corner of Australia’s Northern Territory is about 50 km north of Uluru and offers utterly out of this world views. The largest salt lake in the Northern Territory, it contains up to 600 million tonnes of salt which look like nothing you’ve ever seen before. The red desert, white salt and river water make up an array of colours and textures which transcend into a mirage of shapes and shades, and are best viewed from above. If you’re willing to flash the cash, a helicopter ride is a sure fire way to take in the sheer scale and beauty of Lake Amadeus, whilst also taking in the diverse landscape of this barren land. If you’d rather visit the site up close and personal, you can opt to hike around the lake to get a feel for it on foot. Either way, Lake Amadeus is one almighty treat.
See Uluru’s imposing neighbour Mount Conner

The mysterious Mount Conner is an unexpected surprise to many travellers. Ayers Rock and the domes of Kata Tjuta are well known, but Mount Conner is another giant rock that dominates and punctures the vast desert landscape. The rock is distinct from the others due to its flat surface, surrounded by a privately owned cattle station. This imposing beast is often seen on the horizon from Alice Springs, however if you want to see more than just a silhouette your best bet is to jump into a guided four-wheel-drive and admire the rock formation close up. Mount Conner sits on private land belonging to Curtin Springs Station, and has been run by the Severin family since 1956. But this natural wonder isn't the only site to see on the families 1 million acres of land. A short drive will also take you right up to the shore of salty Lake Swanson.
Spend an afternoon walking through Kata Tjuta

Yet another geological formation that dominates the vast red sandy plain of central Australia, is Kata Tjuṯa. This group of large, domed rock formations make up the second largest landmark in the Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Kata Tjuṯa, also known as ‘The Olgas’, are an awe inspiring formation which sit approximately 3,497 ft above sea level. Walking is by far the best way to experience the landmarks with two walks open to the public which you can choose to take. The Valley of the Winds Walk in Kata Tjuta is a 7km journey which will take around three hours and is pretty easy going. The Walpa Gorge Walk on the other hand, is an easier 2.6km stroll and shows off the native wildlife and plants of the park. If walking isn't your jam, there are a whole heap of guided car tours you can opt for instead, or if you’ve got the big bucks say yes to a helicopter flight to appreciate the scale of the formations.
See the sunrise over Uluru

Travel and sunrise go hand in hand. There’s nothing quite like laying back and watching the skies turn shades of yellow, pink and orange hues whilst sipping on your morning beverage of choice (we say in these situations, it’s never too early for a glass of champagne), and an Uluru trip is no exception. Watch the colours of Ayers Rock come alive and the skies turn to a deep shade of blue as the sun rises and a new day in the Australian Outback begins. Moments like these offer absolute clarity, giving you time to simply reflect and be in the present, the spiritual nature of the rock impossible to resist. This sure is one good way to start the day, and a travel experience that will stick with you for a lifetime. And after sunrise, it’s time to see the landscape in all it’s beauty on a hike around the base. You can even opt to learn about the legends on an Aboriginal art tour.
Visit the Uluru Cultural Centre

Once you’ve digested the sheer scale of this place, it’s time to understand the nitty gritty of what it’s all about and why it has such spiritual significance. The Uluṟu Cultural Centre, located at the base of Uluru, provides an introduction to Anangu culture and traditions. You’ll get up to scratch on Aboriginal culture and get the inside scoop on the meaning of the rocks and cave paintings which sit within. The building's locally-made mud bricks are an architectural award winning masterpiece, and you can support local Aboriginal artists by buying artwork and other locally made goods. Once you’re all cultured out, why not head to the cafe for a light refreshment and a browse through some local souvenirs.
Toast the sunset at Uluru with drinks and nibbles

You thought sunrises at Uluru were great? We’ve got news for you - sunsets are just that little bit more incredible. And the reason why? Evening nibbles and drinks of course. That’s right, Uluru tours just wouldn't be complete without cracking open a few beers or a glass or two of vino, digging into some treats and enjoying one of the finest natural shows on earth - the Uluru sunset show. Watch the rock formations and skies turn into a flurry of colours as dark descends in the midst of the Australian Outback. If you want to keep the light show going after sunset, the Field of Light illuminations are your answer. With lights as far as the eye can see, this seasonal exhibition covers more than seven football fields worth of desert, bringing the landscape out of darkness with 50,000 spindles of light.
Take a scenic flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa

To fully understand the vastness of this landscape, the endless stretches of deep red nothing and the sacred sites of Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa, there’s only one way to do it - from up above. A scenic helicopter flight will have you cruising over the Australian Outback, taking in a sight most in the world will never get to see. By this time you’ll be familiar with Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa from all angles, but viewing them from above will throw up a whole new realm of understanding and awe. New colours, shapes and intricacies will take you by surprise, and you won’t for a second regret the extra cash it cost for this once in a lifetime experience. The flight lasts around 40 minutes and will also offer you some informative commentary on the aerial views, all thanks to your pilot. And the best bit? Your pilot will also take you near the eastern face of Kata Tjuta, which is not accessible to the public. Bonus!
Indulge in a BBQ ‘Big Brekkie’

We all know Aussies love a good old BBQ and in the Outback, a BBQ is always a good idea! The surreal breakfast setting is pretty much the ideal was to start the day off with all things bacon, sausages, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms and eggs (we did say BIG brekkie). Yup, any excuse for a BBQ in Aus. Come morning, lunch or dinner, you’ll always be sure to find a variety of foods grilled to BBQ perfection whilst on your travels here (sausages, lamb, veggies and even kangaroo are other must haves). And once you’ve munched down your morning included meal (all on Contiki obvs), it’s time to get yourself ready for a full on day of Northern Territory living - Alice Springs is calling. Explore the local nightlife, kick back by the pool and enjoy even more unreal surroundings with your Contiki crew. Food comas don’t get much better views than this.
Walk around the base of Uluru

It’s one thing to sit and admire Uluru, but it’s quite another to trek around it. To really get up close and personal with this sacred site, walking is the best way forward. Uluru is one big natural landmark with a circumference of a whooping 5.8 miles, so walking around the base is quite a challenge. If you’re up for it grab a pair of desert boots, a bottle of water and get set for an outdoor adventure like no other. And how long does this bad boy take by foot? The base of Uluru is a 10km walk which takes around 3.5 hours. This may not sound too strenuous, but add on the hot climate and things will soon heat up. We recommend doing this one first thing whilst the sun’s low in the sky. The walk may well be exhausting but it sure is satisfying.
Chill by the pool at an eco-friendly Outback resort

Desert life can be pretty full on, so why not spruce things up with a chilled pool day? The eco-friendly Outback resort Contiki groups stay at is all about r&r downtime after getting hot and sweaty in the Outback. The traditional and eco-friendly style stay is the ideal way to keep you feet on traditional Aussie ground whilst having some guilt free chill time. Play in the pool, grab a cocktail and a relax, or treat yourself to a little afternoon nap in the sunshine - you’ll have deserved it after your sunrise sessions at Uluru.

Things to do in Uluru

Uluru Cultural Centre
Want to learn about all Uluru has to offer? This is your place. The centre will inform you about everything from Uluru’s animals and plants to Aboriginal traditions, practices and beliefs. If all of this learning and exploring leaves you hungry, the centre even has its own BBQ/picnic area ready and waiting for you.
Maruku arts Gallery

Maruku aka “belonging in black”, is a not-for-profit art gallery which is owned and operated by the Aboriginal people of Uluru. The gallery collection is made up of 900 Anangu artists and is dedicated to keeping the culture alive and strong for generations to come. This authentic display is a must if you’re looking at gaining a more in-depth understanding of Aboriginal culture and art.
Walkatjara Gallery
Located in the Cultural Centre in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the Walkatjara Gallery belongs to the Mutitjulu community and is another space dedicated to informing visitors about local Aboriginal culture. Read into the stories behind the paintings and expect an array of vibrant artwork, all for sale at this not-for-profit community enterprise.

Top Museums in Uluru

The Aboriginal culture, deep history and landmarks of Uluru are truly fascinating. But with so much vast landscape it’s tricky to take it all in, and this is where the museums come into play. Get up to scratch on Aboriginal culture, art and traditions in the local galleries and cultural centres Uluru has to offer.

Bush Tucker Bloody Mary
Not just any bloody mary, the Bush Tucker twist adds native ingredients including finger limes, juniper berries, pepperberry, spicy kangaroo and Davidson plum. Walpa Bar, set amidst the rocky landscape, is the best place to enjoy this native beverage. Fear not, the Bush Tucker bloody mary does not disappoint.

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Croc dog
Yes, you read that correctly. A croc dog is crocodile meat in a bun. Complete with all the usual trimmings, croc dog is the real deal, and what better way to eat it than fresh from the BBQ? The authentic dining experience will have you cooking your own croc dog with a huge choice of meats and salads.

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Classic BBQ
If crocodile isn't your thing (and we can’t say we blame you), maybe a classic Aussie BBQ is more up your street? We thought so. A feast of BBQ food eaten overlooking Uluru at sunset cannot be beaten, especially when eating surrounded by a whole crew of new friends.
Pie
Uluru packages wouldn't be complete without a slice or two of pie - something Australia takes very seriously. So who takes the pie crown around these parts? Ininti cafe. This restaurant/cafe and souvenir shop is situated in the Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre and is sure to fill the savoury or sweet pie shaped hole in your life.

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Classic Aussie Burger
You can’t go wrong with a classic Aussie burger with all the extra trimmings, of course. Beef, beetroot, tomatoes, lettuce, mayo, bacon, cheese, olive oil, onions and pineapples are all packed into a freshly baked sesame bun, courtesy of the Walpa Lobby Bar. One hearty meal done the Aussie way - yes please.

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Food in Uluru

Uluru is a land of surprises and the food is no exception. Get a taste of the indigenous culture that signifies this region with some local bush foods, or brave some authentic, native Australian delicacies in the form of crocodile meat and kangaroo burgers. Not tempted? This is the real outback, so you’ll never be too far from a good old Aussie BBQ...

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