HIKING TRAILS TO DO AT ULURU
Uluru is an iconic destination in the Australian Outback. The red monolith rock rises 348 metres, standing alone in the vast red desert. As one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World it invites the adventurous wanderers to explore the region, which is always best done on hiking trails.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide about visiting the Australian Outback and how to plan a trip to Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa check out my Everything You Need To Know About Visiting Uluru guide. I share all the details about the best things to do, where to stay, and how to plan your perfect outback itinerary.
If you’ve already got your stay sorted, continue reading to find out all the best hiking trails in the area to do while you’re in the outback.
These are the best hiking trails to do around Uluru.
Uluru is located in the southern part of the Northern Territory in central Australia in the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. The National Park protects the land around the two sacred sites as the area is a living cultural landscape and the site of creation sacred to the Aṉangu.
With a visit to Uluru it is important to understand and remember that you are a visitor on their ancestral territory and to respect the Aṉangu, the stories of creation, the Tjukurpa (traditional laws), and the environment. Respect the enduring culture and all requests made to protect it.
Palya.
Absolutely do not climb Uluru
Climbing Uluṟu used to be considered an “iconic thing for all Aussies” to do… but it never was for the Aṉangu, the traditional owners of the land. Under Tjukurpa (traditional law) it is not permitted.
I was stunned to learn that the ‘hike’ was only closed indefinitely at the end of 2019. STUNNED. I pictured the era of people climbing Uluru was like when people describe going to Woodstock… something from ages ago. I pictured this to be from a time before we had a meaningful understanding of Indigenous cultural values, not still happening in 2019.
The closure finally came after years of educational efforts and campaigning by the Aṉangu in effort to protect the sacred site. Not only was it to protect the land, but their traditional laws also state that it is the responsibility of the Aṉangu to look after the people who visit. It was an extremely challenging hike and there were numerous deaths and medical emergencies. Now it is completely closed, the chain has been removed, and it is illegal.
While you are at Uluru take note of the disappointing white ‘scar’ that was left on the rock from this hike and think about what you can to to listen to the wishes of the traditional owners of this land and tread lightly.
The Uluru Base Walk
Caves + Rock Art
sensitive sacred sites
All of Uluṟu is hugely spiritual for the Aṉangu, but there are a few sections of the rock that are considered sensitive sites. These areas of Uluru’d rock formations holds chapters of creation stories that should only be learned in person. In particular, the North-East face of Uluru is considered to be an especially sensitive site.
For about half of the base walk you are walking right up next to the rock face (or just a few metres away) but as you reach the North-East side the trail separates fairly significantly from the edge of the rock to protect the sacred areas. Some moments you’ll be walking along the road or through the surrounding desert landscape while on the North-East side. Obviously you will still have sights of the monolith rock, but won’t have chances for photos (due to the that side being a large sacred area where photos are off-limits), nor will you be right up close and personal to take in the full scale.
There is signage asking you to refrain from taking photos in these sections.
Shorter walks
The North-East section being off-limits for photos and further away from the edge of the rock shouldn’t take away from doing the full base walk. If you are tight on time or aren’t interested in walking a full 10kms through the hot, desert heat, you might want to consider these shorter walks.
You can do the Mutitjulu Waterhole walk, the Mala Walk to the Kantju Gorge, or the full section between Kuniya Piti, to the Kantju Gorge, ending a the Mala Car Park.
Mutitjulu Waterhole
The Mutitjulu Waterhole is one of the few permanent water sources around Uluru, and is the most sacred waterhole in the area. Even until today wildlife continue to rely on it for survival.
Along your walk to the waterhole you will be able to witness the dramatic story of creation play out before your eyes on the surface of the rock. This is a physical presence of the ancestors who created the land, the animals, the vegetation, and all that surrounds us.
Once you are at the Mutitjulu Waterhole spend a moment there in silence. Listen to country. Take it all in. Listen to the birds sing as they swoop around. Listen for the water trickling. Feel the shade of the river red gum trees and the warm wind on your face. The Mutitjulu Waterhole has a strong presence to experience.
Mala Walk
From the Mala Car Park you can follow the Mala Walk towards the Kantju Gorge. You can easily do this track yourself or you can join in the guided walk with a park ranger. The guided walks happen daily at 8AM Oct. to April and at 10AM May to Sept.
The Kantju Gorge is one of the few water holes around Uluru and the almost vertical walls that surround it become a roaring waterfall during the rains. How beautiful that would be to witness!
The rangers will stop at different points sharing the meaning of the different sites, explain the different creation stories of the rock formations, and will talk about the desert environment of the outback.
LIRU TRACK
If you want to learn more about the Aṉangu you should definitely pay a visit the to the beautiful cultural centre. It is about a 2km walk from the Mala Car Park along the Liru Track.
It is free to visit, and you will find a cafe to take a break and refuel at, two arts centres with Aṉangu artists at work, an immersive introductory exhibit sharing more about the culture and life of Aṉangu people, free wifi, air conditioning, and toilets.
Kata Tjuta – The Valley of the Winds
The Valley of the Winds hike through Kata Tjuta is a moderately challenging 7.2km hike, but it still doable for your average walker. It is a stunning walk/hike through the gorges and valleys between Kata Tjuta’s many heads. There is some elevation gain and much of the hike is along uneven terrain but if you take it slow and carefully, the hike should be no problem.
The one caveat for this hike is that the track closes at 11AM (ideally completed by then) when it hits 36°C. This means that you almost can’t visit Uluru for sunrise and make it to Kata Tjuta in time to do the full Valley of the Winds circuit. If you have a rental car and time it right you could still do both, but as with anything in the outback, it is always best to start as early as possible to beat the heat. Just bear in mind that you will have a 45 minute drive between the Uluru sunrise viewing area and the trail head and the hike takes around 2.5 to 3 hours to complete.
Like with the Uluru Base Walk, you can do the full Valley of the Winds circuit, or you can break it up and hike only to the first or second lookout.
Karu Lookout – 2.2KM return
The path to the first lookout is not too challenging with a small incline and rocky track to navigate. This section of the hike is accessible all day – it is only beyond the Karu Lookout that the track closes at 11AM/36ºC.
The sacred view from the lookout is impressive, stretching out with layers of domes. The view is protected under Tjukurpa so can only be seen from the location.
KARINGANA Lookout – 5.4KM return
The hike only gets better after the first lookout. Hiking out to the Karingaṉa lookout takes you down into the valley between the domes (and then back up) and you can really feel the scale of the sacred domes towering around you.
The terrain is considerably more challenging in this area, with many steps and an exposed rock to ascend, with more uneven terrain. With that being said, the views from the Karingaṉa Lookout are not to be missed. It is well worth continuing the hike beyond the first viewpoint. This view is also sacred and so to see it for yourself you will need to do the hike.
The second lookout is the highest point on the trail, but once you’ve made the climb, you can pause for a rest at the lookout and take in the stunning views around you. You’ll be looking down between two massive domes at the trail descends into a lush green riverbed.
If you’ve made it to the second lookout, I would say the hike out is easier if you just finish the full circuit rather than return the way you came. Yes, it is about 2KM longer, but the path beyond the second lookout is arguably less challenging terrain to navigate. The trail continues down into the lush valley and then around into an open plateau before looping back to the first viewpoint.
Kata Tjuta – Walpa Gorge
If you’re looking for an easier walk, or don’t want to rush to Kata Tjuta early in the day you might enjoy the easier pace of hiking in the Walpa Gorge.
The walk through Walpa Gorge is a mostly flat 2.7km out and back trail along a natural creek bed between two of Kata Tjuta’s largest domes. It is an amazing landscape between the two sheer rock walls, and as you push deeper and deeper you’ll experience the desert refuge for fauna and flora, along a seasonal stream, ending at a grove of spearwood trees.
Although the trail has limited elevation gain, the track is still on uneven terrain. With a careful step, the trail should be no problem for most walkers.
Kings Canyon
Photo thanks to my friend Clara
Kata Tjuta is lesser known than the iconic Uluru and Kings Canyon is even less known than that…
Kings Canyon is another incredible region of the red centre of Australia. Located in Watarrka National Park, a 3 hour drive from the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, is this stunning canyon with 300m high sandstone walls and palm-filled valleys.
The main hiking trail at Kings Canyon is the rim walk, which actually starts in the canyon below. It is a moderately challenging 7.5KM hike that takes you all around the breathtaking red rock scenery.
The most challenging part of the hike is climbing up to the rim – it is steep and you gain some serious elevation, but it is well maintained and there are places to take a rest. Once you’ve made it to the top of the rim, the rest of the hike is relatively easy. There is still some uneven terrain to navigate, minor elevation gain and loss, and exposure to sheer cliff edges along the rim but with careful footing the rest of the hike should be very manageable for most walkers.
This hike generally takes 3 to 4 hours to complete. Similar to Kata Tjuta, the trail will close at 9AM if the temperature forecast is 36ºC or above due to the extreme temperatures and minimal shade. Regardless of the time of year it is critical to start the hike early to take advantage of the cooler weather.
Happy trip planning!
From one traveller to another, I hope this guide to the best hiking trails at Uluru was helpful for you as you make your plans and set out on your next outdoor adventure!
If you read through this guide and still have questions about the experience or have other questions… fear not because I can still help! I have a personalized trip planning and advice service available to all Everywhere Travel Club readers. I’d love to chat for an hour with you and help answer any questions you’re working through, share fun ideas, and help bring your big trip into reality! For more info about the one one-on-one call for advice check out the details of my Personalized Travel Planning Sesh.
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