Uluru Base Walk

Uluṟu Base Walk

A flat 10.6-kilometre trail around the base of Uluṟu. Walk close to the cliffs to see caves, rock art, waterholes and honeycomb-like erosion patterns, and allow 3 to 4 hours to appreciate this giant rock.

The Base Walk starts at the Mala car park and goes all the way around Uluṟu, clockwise or anticlockwise. The loop is 10.6 kilometres long and mostly flat, with some sections of sand and gravel. At a normal pace it takes 3 to 4 hours. It is the most in-depth way to get to know Uluṟu. From a distance the rock looks smooth, but up close you find deep gorges, black water streaks left by waterfalls, honeycomb-like erosion caves, folds in the rock face that resemble a brain, and rock art thousands of years old.

The route is divided into sections. The Mala section on the north side has the huge cliffs of Kantju Gorge and the caves where Anangu men traditionally taught young men. Free guided Mala Walks by rangers run at 8 am and 10 am every day. The long open stretch on the east side is where you can watch the sunrise. The Kuniya section on the south side includes Mutitjulu Waterhole, the most reliable permanent water source at Uluṟu, and rock art telling the Creation story of the battle between the python woman Kuniya and the venomous snake Liru. The Lungkata section is on the southwest.

Some areas are sacred men's or women's sites, marked with 'no photography' signs, and you must respect them. If you don't want to walk the full loop, you can walk only the Mala section (2 km) or the Kuniya section (1 km), rent a bicycle to ride around the rock (about 2 hours), or join a Segway tour. The walk is free and included in the park pass. There are a few shaded shelters and drinking points along the way, but no toilets.

Getting there: Hop-on Hop-off shuttles and coach tours stop at the Mala and Kuniya car parks. Driving from Yulara takes about 25 minutes.

Tips: Carry at least 2 litres of water per person, along with a hat and sunscreen. In summer the trail closes after 11 am, so it is best to start around sunrise. Wear light walking shoes because the path is sandy. Bring a fly net. Do not leave the path or go into crevices in the rock.

Uluru Base Walk

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