I was lucky enough to visit the Red Centre while on the clock for The Weekly. Having now seen the iconic Uluṟu with my own eyes, it is my firm belief that a visit to this incredibly special part of the world should be on every Aussie’s bucket list.
Situated in the Northern Territory‘s south, bearing witness to the large sandstone rock formation is nothing short of spiritual.
When the Danish Royals announced the Queen Mary (our own Australian Queen) and King Frederik were going on an official royal tour of Australia, Uluru was top of their list. As the spiritual centre of Australia, it was an incredible place to start.
Called up to cover the event, myself and features writer Genevieve Gannon packed our bags, grabbed some microphones and headed to the Red Centre to capture their journey.
It was my first time at Uluṟu. Standing in the presence of the enormous rock was extraordinary, but we did have a job to do. Between sunrise at Muṯitjulu Waterhole and mocktails at Kulata Academy Cafe, we had a few moments to explore the area. But if you are heading to the region, here is my guide to the top places to eat, stay and play to make your trip to Uluṟu an unforgettable one.
Where to eat
For places to eat in Uluṟu, look to none other than the town centre for great budget-friendly options. Drop into the cultural centre, pick up your fly nets (you don’t want to skip this one, trust us), then fuel up for a day’s adventure!
Kulata Academy Cafe was our caffeine pitstop, and Queen Mary and King Frederik dropped in themselves on their first day in Uluṟu. They sipped local mocktails while we, the press, grabbed some photos and listened in on their talk with the locals.
The baristas manning the coffee machine are actually trainees of the National Indigenous Training Academy. These workers are building up their skills on-the-job and taking their first steps in their hospitality career. As a coffee lover, I can confirm that they’re already excelling in their training.
While there’s seating available for eating in, this cafe’s menu is built for when you’re on the go. Serving up all the classics, from pastries, cakes, hot pies and sandwiches, plus fresh yoghurts, smoothies and fruit cups.
Your next option in the town square is Gecko’s Cafe. Offering dine-in, takeaway and family-friendly options, and plating up your favourite pastas, pizzas, burgers and salads. Plus, there are a few delicious-looking desserts. The service is quick, and they’re also open until late, which was perfect for Gen and me heading back into town after a big day covering the royal tour. You’ll want to hit this one up for a meal on the way back from watching the sun go down on Uluṟu!
For a more high-end dining experience, though, Mangata Bistro and Bar is not one to miss. I wish I’d discovered this one night earlier!
Just a few minutes’ walk from the town square, this restaurant offers a modern take on native Australian cuisine. From Indigenous-inspired mains and desserts, to their bush tucker cocktails and mocktails. I had a delicious lamb shank for my main course with possibly some of the best mashed potatoes I’ve ever had. Their menu changes seasonally, but you’re guaranteed to find several dishes you want to try.
Where to stay
We stayed at the Lost Camel, which was a great budget hotel stay. The rooms were simple but comfortable, offering air conditioning and an outside pool for cooling off on those hot desert days. The hotel is also centrally located in the town square with the Tourist Information Centre right next door. Tour buses leave from virtually right outside their front doors, perfect for a packed itinerary.
If you want to really connect with the outdoors, though, Ayers Rock in Yulara also has a fantastic campground. Offering both powered and unpowered sites, it has all the facilities you need for a comfortable stay.
For a luxury glamping experience, though, Longitude 131° is your destination. Nestled among the dunes, this is for those travellers seeking the ultimate immersive, yet sensitive, cultural experience of Uluṟu. It’s deliberately set up with uninterrupted views of the giant red rock formation. Take in the natural wonder from your very own tented pavilion. As well as Indigenous-led experiences, Longitude 131° also offers desert dining. A decadent four-course meal with paired wines that highlight Australian produce from all around the country. A stay here is truly unforgettable.
Where to play
Just bearing witness to Uluṟu is an unforgettable experience in and of itself. But to really experience its magic, catching a sunrise and sunset is a must. Tours are available from the town centre. However, if you’re driving, well-labelled signage will direct you to the best viewing areas within the national park. Then settle in and watch as this stunning natural landmark comes aglow as the sun lowers in the sky.
There are several lovely walks from Uluṟu’s base. For an easy and accessible walk that gets you up close and personal, I recommend the Kuniya trail, and not just because that’s the one that Queen Mary and King Frederik went on. With a 15-30 minute return time, this is an easy one to tack on to a busy day of exploring.
Taking you into the red rock itself, at the end of this trail, you’ll find yourself at Muṯitjulu waterhole. Take a moment here and soak up the serenity. Listening to the water trickling down the rock and taking in the natural surroundings is nothing short of spiritual.
King Frederik shared with the press after they walked to the waterhole that they tried some honey ants, a local delicacy, there. He described them as “quite good for brekky!” While I don’t recommend you eat random ants at the water hole, you can go on guided tours with local Indigenous guides who could perhaps include that in your experience.
For a longer walk, take the Lungkata trail from Mala carpark. This leads you along the base of the west side of Uluṟu with a fantastic view across its vast rock face. It’s a flat and easy walk, but with plenty of culture along the way, and it connects to the Kuniya walk.
And it was certainly a beautiful way to break up my working day! Watch the video below to see just a little of what I saw on my afternoon walk:
Where else to explore
Uluṟu is just one of the natural wonders you’ll discover in the Red Centre. Neighbouring Kata Tjuṯa National Park, also known as Mount Olga, is perhaps not as well known, but it is just as impressive.
‘Kata Tjuṯa’ is a Pitjantjatjara term meaning ‘many heads’, referring to the 36 domes that make up the rockface. The area is very important to the Indigenous community. While its cultural stories and history are not shared, visitors are welcome to come and go.
Walpa Gorge here offers breathtaking sites for the nature enthusiast or casual traveller. This valley sits between two of Kata Tjuṯa’s largest domes and is a sanctuary for numerous flora and fauna. Settle in here, and you may spot a few wallabies!
If you have the time and want to venture further out, King’s Canyon is another incredible sight to behold. The three-hour drive from Uluṟu is well worth it. Travellers are rewarded with spectacular views from the canyon across the red dunes.
For the more seasoned hikers, the Kings Canyon rim walk is a more challenging 6km hike. Descending down into the Garden of Eden, you’ll find a tranquil rock pool surrounded by rare plant life. Then begin your climb up to panoramic desert views.
