Wander With WHIT: Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park| Australia
The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted how we travel, and almost overnight it seems everyone wants to go somewhere remote. Well, you can’t get much more remote than the middle of the Australian Outback. Uluru National Park is right in the middle of the Australian Outback, but this UNESCO World Heritage site is worth the trek. Even though Australia isn’t hasn’t opened its borders just yet, here’s some inspiration to get you ready for when you can visit one of this incredible country’s most famous landmarks.
Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park is home to two of Australia’s most incredible sites, the world-famous red peaks of Kata Tjuta and the solitary monolith Uluru. The area has been home to the Anangu people for over 30,000 years and is leased to Parks Australia who manage the park in collaboration with the traditional owners. The Central Australian landscape is rugged and pristine home to a wide variety of wildlife. Much of the park being protected against development, and while this makes visiting a bit trickier, it is so appreciated to keep the integrity of the area for future visitors and for its locals.
STAY With only a handful of properties, there isn’t a wide range of options. Our recommendation is the award-winning Longitude 131, an exclusive 5-star property near the National Park. The property features sixteen contemporary tented pavilions, each offering breathtaking panoramic views of the park. Guest itineraries are designed to offer each guest their perfect stay, and celebrates the history and the culture of the region.
EAT Again, being in the middle of the country, Uluru’s dining options are limited but done well. Longitude 132’s Dune House offers cocktails and small bites in the afternoon. We enjoyed a quick lunch at the Kulata Academy Cafe and Arnguli Grill. For an unforgettable meal among nature, Tali Wiru is a four-course evening dinner experience set outdoors and inspired by the landscape.
SEE
Walking Tours - Taking a walking tour at the beginning of your visit will help you see most of Uluru
Hiking - the area has many paved trails you can explore on your own
Mala Walk & Kantju George - a guided walk that ends with sunset drinks and canapés
Rock Art - Anangu traditional owners guide you around to view preserved artwork
Cycling Tours - the areas flat landscape is perfect for exploring on two wheels
AstroWorkshops - without light pollution, these tours showcase brilliant stars
Art Galleries - traditional artwork is features at the two galleries on site
Camel Tours - experience sunrise at Uluru while wandering the area by camel
Field of Light - a stunning display of 50,000 bud-like stems that light up at night
Sunrise & Sunset - the rock is a spectacular viewpoint for sunrise and sunset
WEAR Depending on the time of year you go, bring sweat-licking layers and things you don’t mind getting dusty (the red dirt is serious business). We also recommend bringing a separate bag to keep your “Uluru” clothes in and to protect others items. If you go during Australia’s summer months (November - February) bring a fly net as they can get pretty intense midday.
PACK This is the Australian Outback so ankle supporting shoes are a must. Also helpful for us were insect repellant, sunscreen, wide brim hats, sunglasses, disinfecting wipes, reusable water bottles and lip balm.
GO The National Park is located in the heart of the Australian Outback, right in the middle of the country. You’ll want to fly into either Sydney, Melbourne or Perth and take connecting flight to Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ). We highly recommend renting a car, as the area is fairly spread out. Most hotels offer parking on site.
WHEN While most of the year is temperate, May through September will help you avoid the heat of summer. If you’re sensitive to extreme sun try to avoid December and January.
Ready to wander on a trip of your own with a customized itinerary? Get in touch with our team here and we’ll get you ready to go!
