Australian Traveller was part of the first group to join the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk, which delivers an experience like no other.
There’s no shortage of spectacular hiking trails in Australia. But I’m here to make a strong case that the new Uluṟu Kakararra Trail is the most beautiful and significant of them all. The Tasmanian Walking Company, in consultation with Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people (Aṉangu), the Country’s Traditional Owners, has launched the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk – a multi-day hike along the trail that traverses Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park inthe Northern Territory. Last week, I had the privilege of joining the inaugural test group for the hike – a historic 54-kilometre, five-day journey that, for the first time, allows visitors who are not Traditional Owners to sleep overnight within the park.
What sets this hike apart is that it presents a unique opportunity to walk between two geological wonders, slow down and connect with people, the land and a living culture that spans more than 30,000 years.
What to expect on the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk
Traverse the Uluṟu Kakararra Trail on Tasmania Walking Company’s Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Each day involves traversing the 500-million-year-old landscape along remote tracks with a team of highly experienced guides leading small groups of just 16 people.
Starting near the 36 colossal domes of Kata Tjuṯa, you’re immersed in the desert landscape as soon as your boots hit the red soil. Here you’ll walk the Valley of the Winds, which takes approximately three to four hours to complete across 7.4 kilometres and reveals stunning geological formations and unique flora and fauna. The site is of immense cultural significance to the Aṉangu people, and visitors are discouraged from taking photographs.
The trail stretches 54 kilometres. (Credit: Tasmania Walking Company)
Spend two nights camping under the stars. (Credit: Tasmania Walking Company)
Hear stories that stretch back tens of thousands of years. (Credit: Tasmania Walking Company)
Day two was the group’s favourite day. We rose at 5.30am to walk up a sand dune to catch the sunrise over Uluṟu, the most visually exquisite one I’ve ever seen. Another moment that really struck me was on day three, when, after spending a few hours weaving through spinifex and crossing the red soil, the landscape suddenly shifted to one that was blanketed in mulla mulla, a stunning wildflower with feathery mauve flower heads, which attracted hundreds of butterflies.
The final day of Tasmanian Walking Co’s new hike will end at Uluṟu, arguably Australia’s most iconic landmark. The massive sandstone monument stands at 348 metres high and is estimated to be around 550 million years old. On this day, we also tried our hands at spear throwing and visited the Muṯitjulu Waterhole and Cultural Centre.
Spectacular sunrises and sunsets await. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)
The accommodations take travellers on a journey, with each night better than the last, starting with environmentally sustainable eco camps, followed by a private lodge. The first night is spent at Tjakura Camp, sleeping under the stars in elevated tents fitted with beds overlooking Kata Tjuṯa. A full-size kitchen and entertaining space reminiscent of what you’d find on an African safari is the perfect spot to relax. Night two is spent at Tali Camp, which showcases even more impressive views of Kata Tjuṯa and an indoor entertaining space with air conditioning. The final two nights are spent at the Mala Camp, which features private rooms and bathrooms that overlook Uluṟu, a spa (I highly recommend booking in for a post-walk massage), a saltwater outdoor tub overlooking Uluṟu and an air-conditioned living and dining area.
Each evening, the guides don their aprons and cook up a delicious meal for the group using local produce to enjoy while debriefing the day’s events. Packed breakfast and lunches (think burritos, salads and homemade sourdough) are also prepared to keep you fueled during the day.
Wi-fi along the trail is very limited, which turned out to be a blessing as it helped foster a sense of calm and disconnection from city life I didn’t know I needed. Having the opportunity to slow down, listen to the landscape, and hear stories that stretch back tens of thousands of years was a privilege I will never forget.
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Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge features a dining room with a view. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Expect hearty, wholesome meals that showcase local produce. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Traditional Owner and member of the APY Land Council, Tapaya Edwards, was instrumental in the development of this walk. “This is an important place for healing the spirit," he said. “People will come here and feel the land as they walk through it. The Spirit of the Dreaming will wash over them. The walk is going to blow their mind."
Is the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk ethical?
Tasmanian Walking Company worked closely with the Aṉangu. (Credit: Tasmanian Walking Company)
Developed in consultation with Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people (Aṉangu), the Country’s Traditional Owners, including Steering Committee Chair Tapaya Edwards, the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk is as much about people as it is place.
The carbon-neutral experience will create a minimum of 20 positions in the first 10 years of business, with revenue-sharing agreements being fed directly back to local Aṉangu communities. Respect is a guiding tenet throughout, with guests learning about Aṉangu culture and history through Indigenous-led storytelling sessions, educational workshops and lessons in land management practices along the way.
“Millions have stood before Uluṟu, but few have been invited by Aṉangu Owners to move through its landscape like this," said Tasmanian Walking Company co-owner, Brett Godfrey.
Can you join a shorter walk?
Yes. The Tasmanian Walking Company is also offering the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge Walk – a fully-guided, four-day, 35-kilometre journey along the Uluṟu Kakararra Trail. The walk is designed for first-time walkers and international travellers, with shorter daily distances and one night at Yulara followed by two nights at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge.
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Details
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge features an outdoor saltwater pool. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)
Pricing: The five-day walk starts from AUD$5395 pp/twin share.
Day 1: Kata Tjuṯa and a guided Valley of the Winds Walk to private Eco Campsite 1 (8.4 kilometres).
Day 2: Arc east across the rolling dunes to Eco Campsite 2 (16.5 kilometres).
Day 3: Continue across desert landscapes with cultural interpretation (16.5 kilometres). Overnight at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge.
Day 4: Uluru walks, including Muṯitjulu Waterhole and Cultural Centre (12.3 kilometres) with optional base walk (8 kilometres). Overnight at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Lodge.
Day 5: Lodge to Ayers Rock Resort (0.8 kilometres) and departure.
Rachael Thompson is Australian Traveller's Evergreen Editor and a self-proclaimed cheese and Chablis connoisseur. In her role, she creates and manages online content that remains relevant and valuable over time. With a background in publishing and e-commerce in both interior design and travel, Rachael is dedicated to curating engaging content that informs and inspires. She began her career at Belle magazine, then went on to become Senior Content Producer at Homes to Love focusing on Australian House & Garden and Belle, followed by Editor at Bed Threads. Her work has also appeared in Qantas Travel Insider. When she's not writing, editing, or optimising content, Rachael enjoys exploring the city's newest restaurants, bars, and hotels. Next on her Aussie travel wish list are Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park and Lord Howe Island.
Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.
Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.
Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.
1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole
Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park, just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.
Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)
2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole
Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole, open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.
Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)
3. Tour the Tiwi Islands
The Tiwi Islands, a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!
Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).
Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)
4. Dine in Darwin
Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets, Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets.
Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.
Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)
5. Up close with Uluṟu
The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.
There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.
Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)
6. Drive the Red Centre Way
From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.
Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.
Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)
7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa
Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa. This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).
Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.
Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)
8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges
Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap, Standley Chasm, Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen.
Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)
