Visitors from around the globe come to admire Australia’s most famous natural sculpture and many are surprised to discover just how much Uluru transforms at different times of the day.
The iconic monolith offers something new from every direction as the passing sun casts different hues with the changing of the light. A visit here is as spiritual as it is awe inspiring.
Here’s the best ways to make the most of the changing desert kaleidoscope.
1. Public viewing platform – Talinguru Nyakunytjaku
For that picture-postcard view, take the early morning drive to the main viewing area to the east of Uluru. With the sun rising behind you, you’ll see the rock painted in shifting shades of pinks and reds.
The viewing area has three shelters and two viewing decks and several walking tracks to explore. At just the right angle, you’ll get both Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the same picture.
Hint: Arrive early for sunrise because the crowds will grow as the sun comes up. Enter through the National Park gates and follow the signs past the cultural centre to the viewing decks.
2. ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner
Inducted into the Tourism Hall of Fame, the Sounds of Silence experience starts with canapés and sparkling wine before a 3-course buffet meal. Enjoy your dinner while watching the sun set over the majestic Uluru.
After dark, enjoy a star-gazing presentation as ‘sky guides’ take you on a tour of the southern night-sky.
Prices from: $283 per adult
3. Camel tour
Watch the desert spring to life with a sunrise camel tour. Trek the red sands around Uluru while you enjoy the distant views of the Kata Tjuta rock formations. Listen to the cameleers as they talk about the surrounding flora and fauna and enjoy a light breakfast of classic Australian damper bread with jams, tea and coffee.
Evening sunset tours finish with damper, and choice of beer, wine or sparkling.
Prices from: $145 per person
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4. Kata Tjuta (Olgas) dune viewing area
Peaceful, quiet, magical. Watch as the first rays of the day reflect over the Olgas, changing colours with each passing minute. During sunset, you’ll see the formations slowly transform into silhouettes against the desert backdrop.
Follow the road to Kata Tjuta and the viewing carpark and platform will be on your right.
5. Longitude 131
The only 5-star luxury campsite in the Red Centre, this famous hotel faces Uluru with uninterrupted views. Nestled upon rust-red sand dunes, 16 luxurious tents with floor-to-ceiling windows reveal the ever-changing colours of Uluru during the day. By night, Uluru becomes an imposing desert backdrop in the moonlight.
Tips for a great Uluru adventure
- Download the Uluru guide before you go
- Download the bird watching App ‘Uluru Birds’
- Be respectful at culturally sensitive sites
- Be sure to take your insect repellent and a hat
- You can hire a car at the airport. Roads around the town of Yulara and Uluru are well sign-posted and easy to navigate.
