The stunning Red Centre of Australia shouldn’t be missed when you come to the land down under. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a prime example of the amazing landscapes and stories this part of Australia can offer you. This two-day Uluru-Kata Tjuta itinerary will cover everything you need to see on your visit so you can leave this must-see destination with no regrets.
We’ve all heard stories about the dangerous wildlife and heat of the Australian outback, but I encourage you not to let those fears stop you from visiting the heart of Australia and experiencing a part of the world like no other. Make sure to read everything you need to know about visiting Uluru-Kata Tjuta if you haven’t already so you can be prepared for your time in the Red Centre.
I’ve laid out this Uluru-Kata Tjuta itinerary in four parts: 2 mornings/days and 2 evenings/nights. Depending on your schedule, you may have two full days to work with or one full day with half days on either side. Both work just fine (though be prepared to be quite sweaty on your flight out if doing the second option…like I was). You can also mix and match which day/night combination you want when depending on the weather, ticket availability, and your preferences.
Morning One – Uluru
Wake before the sunrise and give yourself plenty of time to drive to today’s sunrise viewing spot: Talinguru Nyakunytjaku. This is about 20-30 minute drive from Yulara with plenty of parking. While watching the sun crest over the horizon and light up Uluru’s stunning red rock, wander along the Minymaku and Watiku Walks that loop around the viewing platform. You’ll still have the views of Uluru (and Kata Tjuta in the distance) while seeing some more of the wildlife and fauna of this area.
Once you’re satisfied with your pictures, head over to the Cultural Center. There’s an immersive display on Anangu culture, history, and arts as you enter the center. Snag a quick brekkie from the cafe to fortify yourself for the day ahead. You can also talk to rangers about today’s conditions and Uluru’s history. There’s also two galleries to view and purchase local aboriginal art to support the community.
Join the free 8am (Oct-April) or 10am (May-Sept) Ranger Guided Mala Walk. As I mentioned in my other Uluru post, I highly recommend visiting between May and September.
Depending on that day’s heat rating and your preference, do the Lungkata to Kuniya return walk or complete the full circuit Uluru Base Walk afterwards. I did the Lungkata to Kuniya return walk instead of the full circuit and didn’t feel like I missed out. The Lungkata stretch is the most environmentally diverse of the entire loop and is the walk to do according to the ranger I talked to.
Congratulate yourself on a job well done and enjoy some lunch and shade/AC at your accommodation during the hottest part of the day. Enjoy a nice siesta before the next part of your Uluru itinerary!
Adjust Accordingly
This schedule is based on the sunrise time, guided walk schedule, and heat warnings for the time of year I visited (September). Depending on the conditions and schedule for your visit, adjust this morning’s itinerary accordingly. If you’re visiting Uluru during peak summer months, hit the ranger guided Mala Walk before the Cultural Center and other walks. If it’s looking like a hot day ahead, also prioritize those walks before visiting the center for a rest.
Fortunately these activities are all close together, so it’s easy to change plan in the moment based on conditions day of!
Night One – Wintjiri Wiru
This is the night to discover the Mala story, one of Anangu’s creation stories about their ancestors that took place at Uluru. Wintjiri Wiru has developed a way to tell this story using drones and lasers that minimizes any environmental impact without losing visual impact.
Depending on your budget, you can splurge on the Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner which includes a curated dinner selection, unlimited drinks, and clear view of Uluru during sunset before the main event. If you don’t have a car or are worried about passing your included kilometer limit, this is a great option for you.
If that’s too much for you, I recommend grabbing some picnic food from IGA or take-away from your accommodation and going to the Uluru or Kata Tjuta sunset viewing spot for dinner. Then book the Wintjiri Wiru After Dark experience to save some money without missing this new form of story-telling. You still get a curated snack box with cheese and crackers and unlimited drinks! Being in the Red Centre, you won’t need to worry about getting too cold once the sun sets either. They also provide blankets for guests so there’s no fear of going cold here. And it still finishes early enough to get you in bed and rested for next morning’s sunrise.
I did the Twilight time and while it was still beautiful, it meant I missed out on the sunset because we were on the shuttle picking up guests during peak sunset time. The next day was a lot cloudier on the horizon so I ended up never seeing the full Uluru sunset. Learn from my mistake and follow this Uluru itinerary instead.
Morning Two – Kata Tjuta
Wake up even earlier this morning because you need to make it to Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing before sunrise. Kata Tjuta is 50 minutes out from Yulara and has no cell phone reception. Plan accordingly!
Head to the Valley of the Winds trailhead first to complete before the hottest part of the day begins. This walk closes at 11am if the temperature is or is predicted to be over 36 degrees Celsius/96 degrees Fahrenheit. Follow their guidelines and both bring and drink 1 liter of water for every hour you’re outside. I hit under this (about 2 liters in 3 hours) and felt dehydrated by the end, so do better than me!
They estimate this walk should take 4 hours. It took me, who’s not even close to the fastest walker, 3 hours with several short stops. I hadn’t planned on completing the entire loop as I was worried about somehow missing my flight later that day. Otherwise, I would’ve absolutely brought a picnic or at least stayed longer at the Karingana Lookout. Maybe it was the dehydration setting in, but Karingana is where I could almost feel the ancestors and their stories. It’s a little oasis in an otherwise desolate environment, surrounded by soaring rocks that carry Anangu stories and history for generations.
After completing Valley of the Winds, refill your water and take a little break at the rest area ten minutes back on the road. Then head back in for the Walpa Gorge walk. The gorge is well shaded and has a strong wind so it’s not as much of a concern to hit this walk first thing. It’s a simple in and out (with a few spots of navigating rock as a trail) with a few benches as well.
Not An Advanced/Moderate Fitness Level?
Fear not, you can still make the most out of this Uluru-Kata Tjuta itinerary. Valley of the Winds Walk is a grade 4 which puts it on the more difficult side. It involves some rock scrambling and steep, loose gravel inclines. And, of course, exposes you to the elements and heat of Australia’s Red Centre. If you have any doubts about your ability to complete this circuit, stay on the safe side and enjoy the easy grade walks instead.
If you’re not planning to complete the full Valley of the Winds circuit, you can complete the Walpa Gorge and Karu Lookout walks in either order. Karu Lookout has less coverage than Walpa, so I would still recommend completing that in the cooler parts of the day.
Night Two
On your second night, check out the sunset spot you didn’t visit yesterday or stay near town. If you don’t want to burn more kilometers on your rental car, walk to the lookout in Yulara. It’s nice to see a new view on night two, but no sunset is the same. Even if you return to the same spot from night one, you’re not wasting time.
Tonight, experience the internationally renowned Field of Light immersive art installation. The shuttle will pick you up from your accommodation and return you at the end of the night. Once there, you’ll hear a quick introduction on this vibrant art piece before left to explore the paths on your own. There’s a long and short path option for you to take. In the time given, you may only be able to complete one but I was able to do both without feeling overly rushed.
If it’s a clear night, enjoy some star gazing. Join the Outback Sky Journeys or take yourself out on one of the trails around Yulara to see the beauty of this unpolluted night sky. For a more in depth astronomical experience, try the Uluru Astro Tour. Though Uluru often enjoys clear skies, clouds and bright full moons can make star gazing a tougher experience for the naked eye.
Extra Time (or Money)?
Ayers Rock Resort offers free workshops and other experiences in and around Yulara. Check website and Cultural Center for updated schedule and offerings. If you’re not a hiker or the weather has kept you from the trails, these are a great option during your stay.
For a more upscale experience, add some sunset or sunrise dining experiences, like this experience that pairs the Sound of Silence dinner with Field of Light experience. These dining experiences incorporate local bush ingredients and offer first-hand learning experiences about Anangu culture and traditions. It’s also a great way to meet more travelers that the other experiences may miss.
Did you know Australia has over 2 million camels? I didn’t until visiting Uluru. You can visit the Uluru Camel Farm for free or take a Camel desert tour for a price. Camels are made to thrive in environments like this and you might even see some wild camels in the park!
Want to see Uluru from above? Join one of the helicopter or plane flights over Uluru. There’s different length and viewing options available so you can find one to fit your schedule or budget. (My poor man’s trick is to look at your flights and get the window seat on the view side.)
Ready for Your Visit to Uluru-Kata Tjuta?
I hope you learned a lot from this itinerary and are ready to tackle your trip to Uluru-Kata Tjuta! This was my main bucket list destination when I went to Australia and it did not disappoint. If this Uluru itinerary was helpful for you, please pin this post for later!
Make sure to check out my other posts about Uluru-Kata Tjuta as well as other destinations around the world. Which part of this itinerary are you most excited for? And why is it not waking up before sunrise every day? (Painful, but so worth it). Happy travels!
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