Best Activities When Visiting Uluru: See Australia’s Biggest Landmark!

Uluru in central Australia is a massive sandstone monolith that has become the kind of iconic imagery travellers across the world associate with Australia’s outback. Located near the famous town of Alice Springs, Uluru is a historic landmark that could even be as old as 550 million years. As you travel around Uluru and Alice Springs in your Dollar rental car, remember to tread carefully as this region and the rock are sacred to Indigenous Australians. 

Experience Uluru on Foot 

One of the best ways to experience the majestic beauty of Uluru is by leaving your rental car safely behind and exploring the area on foot. There are several walking trails to follow around the giant rock, including the full base walk. While this walk is 10.6 kilometres all up, you only need to walk as much as you want to in order to understand the huge power in which this monument possesses. Situated on the traditional lands of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which is owned by the Aṉangu people, Uluru is brimming with rich cultural history. An easy and educational way to learn about some of this history is on the free Mala walk. You’ll be guided by a park ranger who will lead you around parts of the rock’s base, informing you on traditional Aṉangu culture and how the park is managed, as well as some of the rock art that has stood the test of time. 

Wine and Dine with a View 

With one of the best views of the Australian outback in all the country, the only thing better than this amazing outlook is enjoying it with a spectacular dining experience. There are plenty of options to combine the scenery with a meal, with Sounds of Silence one of the top activities to try. Indulge in a three-course meal under the stars over four hours of transcendental picture-perfect desert scenery. Inducted into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, Sounds of Silence will whisk you away into the desert night with sparkling wine and world-class food. Atop a red sand dune, this experience will not only serve you an incredible meal but also combine culture and environment with music from a didgeridoo and a stargazing expert to guide you through the sky’s backdrop. Another sensational dining experience to try is the Under the Desert Moon activity. The moon will light your dinner as you settle in under the starry sky and enjoy a six-course set menu, as well as some of Australia’s top wines. No matter where you’re from in the world, these experiences will deliver the perfect taste of the Aussie outback like you’ve never had before.  

Venture Further into the Wild 

While there are many exciting activities to experience around Uluru, there are also plenty of wildlife adventures awaiting you beyond the red desert landmark. Kings Canyon and Watarrka National Park are a three-hour drive from Uluru, but with red desert plains guiding you the way it’s most definitely worth the scenic drive. At Kings Canyon you’ll discover a 150-metre-tall sandstone bluff that creates a majestic canyon of red rock threaded with lush greenery. There are 500 steps to reach the summit, so while this adventure isn’t for the faint of heart, the views it delivers are pictures you’ll remember forever. Make sure to pack your camera for this adventure—the outlook is the kind you have to see to believe. 

Immerse Yourself in Art and Culture 

After all that adventuring, we’ve got a few more activities that you can relax into, all while enjoying the local arts and culture around Uluru. Uluru’s Culture Centre is a hub of presentations, information, shops and art galleries, so you can learn all about Uluru’s Aṉangu culture while also enjoying some of the phenomenal pieces of art made by local artists. The two art galleries, Maruku Arts and Walkatjara Art, feature an array of vibrant and original pieces, many of which illustrate the beautiful details of the traditional lands that surround this region. The Ininti Cafe at the Culture Centre provides a great spot to relax with a cup of coffee or a snack, and is a good one to remember as you’re roaming about the park as it is the only place in the national park where you’ll be able to buy food and drink. 

From exploring the thriving scenery around the region in your Dollar rental car to marveling in awe at the majesty of Uluru, you’ll no doubt make memories that will stay with you long after your travels are over in this sensational pocket of Australia.