10 Best hikes and trails in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Best trails in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

4.6(2,866 reviews)

Australia
:
#25 of 638 national parks

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is located in the Northern Territory, far from the cities of Darwin (about 1940km away) and Alice Springs (about 440km away). As the name suggests, the park encompasses both Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa, huge sandstone red rocks surrounded by flat plains. Uluṟu is a 348 metre high red monolith of sandstone around half a billion years old with a circumference of 9.4km that rises dramatically in the Central Australian desert near Alice Springs. Kata Tjuta is made of 36 domes, one of them being 546 metres high.

Top trails

This iconic Australian walk encircles the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock), a 348-metre-high red monolith of sandstone nearly 550 million years old with a circumference of 9.4km that rises dramatically in the Central Australian desert near Alice Springs. The Anangu Indigenous owners welcome all visitors to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which is a living cultural landscape with not only unique and diverse animal and plant life but shares rich ancient wisdom, memories and creation stories for...

#2 - Valley of the Winds Full Circuit Kata Tjuṯa Trail to Karingana Lookout

4.8(1027)

•Moderate

•4.5 mi

Embark on a challenging and rocky loop hike near Uluru in the Northern Territory and immerse yourself in the breathtaking Valley of the Winds. Follow the Kata Tjuta Trail to Karingana Lookout and witness the natural beauty of the Kata Tjuta landform, one of the two major geological landmarks within the Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. This circuit boasts spectacular views and takes you down the valley to Kata Tjuta's domes and creek beds. Although the walk is suitable for kids, some sections...

#3 - Walpa Gorge Walk

This is a short, easy, kid-friendly walk near Uluru in the Northern territory. The Walpa Gorge Walk enters the Kata Tjuṯa landform, one of the two major geological landmarks within the Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. The rocky track through this desert refuge for fauna and flora leads up to a seasonal stream and grove of spearwood. Kata Tjuta is sacred to Anangu men, and all visitors are asked to show respect when visiting this special place to contribute to protecting the continuation of...

#4 - Kantju Gorge via Mala Walk

This is a short, easy, kid-friendly walk that uses part of the Uluru base walk in the Northern territory. It is a great route if you want to get up and close to Uluru without doing the full base walk, although it is recommended to continue on and do the full loop. There are lots of little informational plaques along the way, and you can read the stories. It ends at a beautiful cool gorge and passes a series of caves that have cultural significance for the traditional landowners. A must-do...

#5 - Valley of the Winds: Karu Lookout

Heading out to Karu Lookout and back is a good option if you're strapped for time when visiting Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park in the Northern Territory. Parking and picnic facilities are available at the end of Valley Of The Winds Access Road. From here, you'll follow the Valley of the Winds Walk out to the lookout and back. It's a gradual climb to the lookout, with nothing too steep. Ensure you bring plenty of water even though it's a short trail, and maybe a fly net too! Kata Tjuta and...

#6 - Kuniya Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole

The Kuniya Walk takes you to the Mutitjulu Waterhole - one of the few permanent water sources around Uluru, the heart of Australia. The trail begins from the dedicated Kuniya Carpark and features informative signage along the way. The Kuniya Walk offers many great opportunities for photography of the incredible rock formations. The sun hits the waterhole directly around lunchtime - the best time to capture the full beauty of this peaceful place. This is a super easy walk, with great views...

This is a short, easy, kid-friendly walk that is a stone's throw from Uluru in the Northern territory. Liru is the name of a poisonous brown snake. A not often used walk through a mulga forest that connects the cultural centre and park headquarters with the base of Uluru and its network of walking tracks. But also offers great views of the rock and the area from a different perspective. After rain there are often incredible wildflowers

#8 - Kata Tjuṯa Dune Viewing Platform

An epic little trail that is an absolute must do if you're visiting Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park in the heart of Australia. The best time to enjoy this panoramic view of Kata Tjuta with Uluru on the horizon is around sunrise or sunset - when it is somehow even more spectacular! There is usually less of a crowd at sunset. The trail itself is an easy stroll up a walkway to a series of elevated platforms to the view point.

#9 - Minymaku Walk and Watiku Platform Trail

This is a short, easy, flat walk great for all age, fitness and ability levels near Uluru in the Northern territory. This loop that includes both Minymaku Walk (Women's Walk) and Watiku Walk (Men’s Walk) are located south-east of Uluru (Ayers Rock) on Anangu Country in Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, meaning "place to look from the sand dune". All are welcome on this trail to learn about how to collect and process bush food, how children play, and how to make tools, and use fire for hunting and to...

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Open 7 days a week

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Fee required

General park hours

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Jan-Feb Hours

Jan 1–Feb 28, 2025 • 5 am–9 pm

Phone

(08) 8956 1128

Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park charges a fee to enter.

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is Uluṟu Base Walk, which has a 4.8 star rating from 1,091 reviews. This trail is 6.2 mi long with an elevation gain of 511 ft.

What is the longest trail in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is Uluṟu Base Walk. This trail is estimated to be 6.2 mi long.

How many trails are in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park?

There are 12 trails in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. These trails have an average 4.6-star rating from 2,866 AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park?

If you're looking for elevation gain, Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park has you covered. Connellan Airport to Uluru and Kata Tjuta boasts the most elevation gain with 4,015 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) Summit [CLOSED], which will get you 1,099 ft of elevation gain.