This year marks the 40th anniversary when Uluru was given back to the Traditional landowners: the 40th Anniversary Handback.

In 1985 on October 26 the Anangu people of the Mutitjulu Community of Central Australia were given a freehold title to be joint managers of Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park – an important milestone in Australia’s journey of land rights and reconciliation.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park is World heritage-listed. A culturally significant site, and home to the 550-million-year-old Uluru/ Ayers Rock which towers over everything.

Let’s go through a few things you can do there. 

Uluru Base Walk, 9.4kms loop

Image credit: Mikhail Zenon www.textured.au

Take in the beauty of Uluru in this culturally appropriate walk that leads you around the base of Uluru. 

This easy trail is relatively flat and wheelchair accessible for most parts. Take your time and explore hidden caves and crevices. Take the time to relax at the waterholes, sit under a Sheoak tree, or rest at the designated shelters provided. Each area looks different during different parts of the day.  

Long stretches of the trail are exposed to direct sun so make sure you have a hat and enough water. 

You can hire a bike at the main carpark and do laps of the loop, or take a guided tour to learn about the 199 species of animals that call it home, and hear stories of the Dreamtime. Segway tours are also available at the Kuniya Walk Carpark.          

Valley of the Winds Walk, 7.4kms circuit

Image credit: Mikhail Zenon www.textured.au

Starting and ending at the Valley of the Winds carpark, the trail is steep in places but rewards you with the best views. It’s a gentle climb to Karu Lookout before a steep turn down between two domes to a flat clearing, through a valley, and onto Karingana Lookout. 

In the hotter months, the national park closes after 11am deeming it unsafe to walk in the heat. Being located further away, a lot of people choose not to do the walk. If you go, start early in the morning, bring loads of water, and wear good hiking shoes and a hat. The early walker gets the kangaroo, you’ll most likely bump into a kangaroo on the trail if you start early enough.

Image credit: Mikhail Zenon www.textured.au

Image credit: Mikhail Zenon www.textured.au

Image credit: Mikhail Zenon www.textured.au

Uluru stargazing tours

Image credit: Ayers Rock Resort

Uluru Astro Tours get special access to Uluru-Kata Tjuta national park at night so you’re in for a treat. An astronomer will take you on a star-gazed journey that blends astronomy, storytelling and unbelievable views above Uluru through powerful telescopes.

It starts an hour after sunset and runs for 2-3 hours.

There’s another night-sky tour by Ayers Rock Resort done by the Town Square.

BBQ at Uluru

Image Credit: emurun.com.au

Everyone loves a barbeque. Now imagine a barbeque by Ayers Rock – it’s the ultimate Aussie BBQ. 

Just rock-up at the rock at sunset, have glass of wine or bottle of beer, end enjoy a casual barbeque hosted by Emu Run or  AAT Kings along with a selection of food. Watch the sky changes colour over Uluru as it gets darker and turns into the Milky Way.

This also comes with a star gazing experience too. Would you like another dessert to go with your desert sky viewing?