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.

Bush Tucker Bloody Mary

Croc dog

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

Classic Aussie Burger