Uluru Base Walk

The Uluru Base Walk is one of Australia’s most famous and sacred experiences, where you get to walk around Ayers Rock. This 10.6km walk around the entire base of Uluru lets you get up close and personal with the Aboriginal culture, landscapes and sites. The walk through Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park takes you past ancient rock formations, Aboriginal rock art and permanent water sources like Mutitjulu Waterhole. This will connect you with the Creation stories of the Aṉangu people, the traditional owners of this sacred rock, it’s a real experience.

How to do the Uluru Base Walk

The Uluru Base Walk can be done self-guided or as part of a guided tour. The walk starts at the Mala carpark, same as the shorter Mala Walk. If you’re self-guiding, make sure to bring enough water, wear comfortable walking shoes and pack a hat and sunscreen. The path is well marked and flat so it’s accessible to most people. If you want a more informative experience, a guided Uluru Tour is available with local rangers or Aboriginal guides. These tours will give you great insights into the cultural significance, flora and fauna of the area. Whatever way you do it, take your time and enjoy the beauty and peace of Uluru.

Best Time of Day to Go

The best time to do the Uluru Base Walk is either early morning or late afternoon, it’s cooler and more comfortable to walk. Uluru Morning is a real experience as you see the first light of the sun hitting the rock surface, casting a golden glow over Ayers Rock. We recommend you have a light breakfast before you start the walk so you’re prepared for the day. Late afternoon is a great time to see the rock change colour as the sun sets, it’s also a good time for photography.

What to Expect During the Walk

As you walk around the entire base of Uluru you’ll see sacred sites, ancient caves and desert scrub that’s the Australian landscape. The Aboriginal rock art at Kuniya Piti and Mala Puta will give you insights into the Dream Time stories, Mutitjulu Waterhole is a permanent water source and has cultural significance for the Aṉangu people. You might see wildlife like the rufous hare-wallaby or see signs of the ancestral water snake Kuniya, whose story is part of the Aṉangu creation stories.

The terrain is varied, from vertical walls to sheer walls like the North-East Face to more open spaces where you can take in the desert landscape. Sections like Kantju Gorge and Walpa Gorge (a 2km walk from the base) are quiet places to stop and reflect on the walls that have been standing for thousands of years.

Uluru Base Walk Sections

The walk starts at the Mala Carpark and goes clockwise around Uluru:

Mala Walk: This section is very sacred with rock art and the entrance to Kantju Gorge where the Aṉangu people hold ceremonies. The kitchen cave and rock art gives you a glimpse into the daily life of the Aboriginal ancestors.
Kuniya Piti: As you get to this section you will pass the sacred site where the story of the ancestral water snake, Kuniya, is told. This part of the walk is important to understand the Aṉangu people’s connection to the land.
Mutitjulu Waterhole: One of the most beautiful stops, this permanent waterhole attracts wildlife and is surrounded by ochre rock and more Aboriginal rock paintings.
Talinguru Nyakunytjaku Viewing Area: This area has panoramic views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, another important spiritual site in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The desert shrubs and formations of the ancient rocks are stunning.

Sunset Viewpoint

The Sunset Viewing Area is just off the walking track and is a must see after the walk. Here you can watch Ayers Rock turn red and purple as the sun sets. It’s a very peaceful place to sit and reflect on the day. Get there early to get a good spot and bring warm clothing as it gets cold after sunset.

Cultural Centre

Before or after the walk visit the Uluru – Cultural Centre. This centre will give you a better understanding of the Aṉangu people’s living culture, with exhibits on the rock, Aboriginal stories and the cultural importance of the area. You can also find out about the conservation efforts to protect the environment and the sacred sites around Uluru.

Uluru Base Walk Difficulty

The Uluru Base Walk is an easy to moderate walk and suitable for most people regardless of fitness level. The well maintained flat path means even those with limited bushwalking experience can do the walk. However the outback heat can be tough so the cooler months are best to visit. Make sure to wear enclosed walking shoes and bring plenty of water especially during warmer months. If you don’t want to do the whole walk you can do the 1 hour return to Mutitjulu Waterhole or the 2km return to Walpa Gorge and still get a taste of the area.