Many would agree that no bucket list of Australian travel is complete without a journey into the Red Centre to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, so I packed my bags and hopped on a flight to the Northern Territory.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta is dual-listed on UNESCO World Heritage List for its awe-inspiring natural landscapes and cultural significance. Uluru and Kata Tjuta are both within the park, and are places of great spiritual significance for our First Nations people, specifically for the Aṉangu, who have lived in the area for over 30,000 years.
There are over 400 different plant species in the national park, most having a traditional use as either bush food, medicine, or tools. The Aṉangu are the traditional owners of the land, and from 1985, when Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was handed back to them, they have jointly managed with Parks Australia.
Exploring ancient Kata Tjuta
I joined a group of other excited travellers for an experience with Adventure Tours Australia that I’ll never forget. Kata Tjuta! Kata Tjuta (also known as Mount Olga) consists of 36 bright red domes across 21.68 square kilometres, making for a grand structure like no other on Earth. Kata Tjuta is a Pitjantjara word meaning ‘many heads’ and looking out across the domes, it’s easy to see why.
We embarked on the 2.6 kilometre moderate Walpa Gorge walk through the park, revelling in the other-worldy feel of this incredibly picturesque region.
It had rained the night before our walk, so the incredibly smooth, saturated red walls of the domes, coupled with a bright blue sky bereft of clouds and smatterings of lime green native bushland made it feel as though we were walking through an oil painting yet to dry.
Meeting Uluru: an Australian icon
In a daze of awe, our group was then whisked 56 kilometres down the road to visit one of Australia’s icons – Uluru.
With a height of 348 metres and a girth of 9.4 kilometres, the world’s largest sandstone monolith is enough to have anyone losing their words, especially with a magical sunset lighting up its size and magnificence.
Uluru’s colours transformed before our eyes – the sacred site changing from a shady brown to a brilliant orange hue, with pink, pale orange, and blue ribbons of colour emanating from behind the rock.
Wordlessly, we indulged in a shared snack platter, knowing that our first Uluru sunset would no doubt ruin those in our future travels.
Doing the 10.6 kilometre base walk around Uluru as the run rises is just as magical. Our guide met us at different points along the way to provide us with more information and dreamtime stories to give us an insight into this culturally rich site.
Some of the many sacred places in this region include the ‘teaching caves’ (Kuḻpi Nyiinkaku) for young boys (nyiinka), who were ready to become men (wati). They would camp at Uluṟu and Aṉangu Elders would teach them how to travel in country and survive off the land.
One of the best parts of the enchanting base walk is experiencing the serenity of Kantju Gorge, which was once a waterfall – which is evident from the patterned remnants etched upon the bright orange rocks. There are few moments in life when you experience an overwhelming feeling of contentment, and stepping into the gorge’s lookout spot is one of them.
We also visited the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which is an awesome informational hub that helps visitors to better understand the park’s historical significance.
Visitors are invited to browse beautifully colourful art pieces crafted by the Aṉangu people, and learn more about the many lessons that can be learnt from the rock art.
Next stop: Watarrka National Park
If you’re in search of a more strenuous walk while in the Northern Territory, Wattarka National Park is calling your name.
The Kings Canyon Rim Walk here will get your blood pumping, with the beginning of the journey offering twenty minutes of rock stairs, famously referred to as ‘Heart Attack Hill.’
The entire route is six kilometres, and around a 4-hour endeavour, but it’s worth the sweat when you’re able to watch the sun rise at the top’s scenic lookout.
Another popular spot in the park is the Garden of Eden, where you can eat an apple and enjoy the calming waters and serene atmosphere. Chances are, you’ll see a wallaby or two bouncing through the canyon’s impressive rock formations.
You really are on top of the world when you summit the canyon and can see the entire canyon spread out below you.
Aussie fare in the Red Centre
After the Kings Canyon rim walk, our group headed to the Outback BBQ & Bar in Ayers Rock Resort. Whether you’re an Aussie or a tourist, you’ll enjoy the offerings of The Outback Kiosk, where you can order kangaroo sausages, hot chips and a cool beverage – which you need in these parts. It gets hot!
At the Kulata Academy Cafe, located in the Town Square of the Ayers Rock Resort, grab yourself a fresh pastry and a freshly brewed coffee.
Also in the Town Square, there’s the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA), where visitors can marvel at the beautiful paintings made by Indigenous Australians. There are also many shops where you can find a perfect souvenir to keep your memories of Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park close.
Embracing a true outback experience
While there are many hotels, motels, luxury retreats and glamping experiences to choose from, sometimes simple truly is best when you are after a true outback experience, and that’s exactly what camping gives you.
You can choose from a tent with cots inside so that you’re elevated off the ground, or choose a swag for a more exciting adventure where you feel more at one with nature.
For three blissful nights, I slept on the bright red sand of the Northern Territory, with a sky full of sparkling stars above me, and the ancient, sacred lands of the Aṉangu people around me, feeling like an embrace.
For more information on activities in the Outback, check out our guide to Australia’s most iconic Outback destinations!
