In respect to the traditional owners of the land, we acknowledge that Uluru is a sacred monument to Aboriginal culture and that the local Anangu people request visitors not to climb the rock. From October 26, 2019, the prohibition of climbing Uluru will take effect. 

That being said, you can still have an amazing time when visiting the centre of Australia.

We’ve curated a list of top 10 activities you can do in the sprawling wilderness of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, starting off with our top choice of where to stay. From there, we’ll take you on a majestic journey through all the beautiful experiences and unique activities you can do.

Stay at Longitude 131

No expense was spared when this five-star deluxe eco-camping hotel was created. The result is a truly unique way to experience Uluru. Guests have uninterrupted views of the sandstone monolith from their luxury tents or rooms, where modern and classic furnishings meet Indigenous art and native textures.

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Explore with Desert Awakenings Sunrise Tour

Experience the tranquillity of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Watch the amazing transformation of colours and life as the desert awakens with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop. In the company of your expert guide, Desert Awakenings is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region.

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Fly with Uluru and Kata Tjuta Heli Flight at Sunrise

Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Uluru and surrounds and the rock formations of Kata Tjuta with a scenic helicopter ride which takes in the amazing transformation of the outback at sunrise. The desert panorama reveals breathtaking scenery unique to the Red Centre which can only be seen from above.

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Wind Down on the 90th Ghan-iversary Experience

The Ghan is turning 90 this year and it is celebrating with an epic three-day journey through the heartland of Australia. Setting-off from Adelaide, guests will travel in luxurious surrounds as The Ghan meanders through the Red Centre and its kaleidoscope of desert colours, through to elemental and verdant surrounds of the Top End. The all-inclusive tour includes off-train excursions in colourful Alice Springs and the rocky escarpments of Katherine.

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Sample some Bush Food Experiences

Learn about local native bush food and enjoy a tasting of seasonal seeds, fruits, spices before a cooking demonstration to make wattle seed shortbread. There are several unique bush tucker experiences run by traditional owners in the Red Centre including Karrke Aboriginal Cultural Experience Tour in Kings Canyon National Park, which offers visitors the opportunity to taste the local Aboriginal community’s culinary delights and meet some incredible characters along the way.

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Revel in Indigenous Art Museums and Markets

The Red Centre is renowned for its stunning Aboriginal artwork, its interesting array of galleries, and its plethora of arts and culture festivals and events. From workshops, weaving and galleries, there is something for any art and culture enthusiast. Highlights include Maruku Arts Centre, where you can buy handcrafted artworks directly from artists, and Mulgara Gallery, a rare window into the world of Australian and indigenous arts, crafts and jewellery.

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Dine at Table 131 and Tali Wiru

A visit to Uluru would not be complete without dining under the stars and watching traditional performances at the world-famous Table 131—the incredible restaurant attached to Longitude 131. Easily one of Australia’s premier outback dining experiences, the restaurant specialises in contemporary Australian cuisine and indigenous flavours. Alternatively, try Tali Wiru, where your evening begins with canapes and champagne at a private look-out followed by four exquisite gastronomic courses showcasing Indigenous flavours.

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Experience the Field of Light

Field of Light illuminates more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with frosted-glass spheres which bloom over Australia’s spiritual heartland and light up the outback as far as the eye can see. The annual event is Central Australia’s largest ever art installation which comes to life under a sky brilliant with stars. A sell-out success, the award-winning Field of Light, a global phenomenon by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro, is open until December 2020.

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‘Glamp’ at Kings Creek Station Dreamtime Escarpment

These luxury lodgings are the ultimate glamping experience and the perfect base for exploring the epic Kings Canyon just outside of Uluru. The ‘tents’ are kitted out with air-conditioning, en-suites, and a private deck to enjoy a glass of red while you watch one of the Red Centre’s incredible sunsets.

Originally published on Hunter and Bligh.