Ancient rock, young humans: Uluru with kids
Keep the kids entertained for days and make a lifetime of memories.
- June 2021
Despite being world-famous for its remote and rugged location, Uluru is a surprisingly family-friendly destination. From bike and camel rides to dot painting and bush tucker sessions, there’s a load of kid-friendly things to see and do. Get started with these family favourites.
Ride a ship of the desert
Sway to the rhythm of the ships of the desert and relive the glory days of the outback cameleers on a tour with a difference. Camels have been a feature of the Australian outback for more than a century, and Uluru Camel Tours continues the tradition with a range of unique desert experiences. It's a grand adventure for kids big and small, and an excellent opportunity for budding photographers to get some great shots of Uluru.
Join the dots in a painting workshop
Get creative at a dot painting workshop taught by local Anangu artists. For kids of all ages, these workshops are a fun and fascinating introduction to traditional art. Kids get to create their own story and painting to take home, and even learn some Pitjantjatjara words. The workshops are run by local not-for-profit organisation Maruka Arts, so you’ll be supporting locals artists too.
Pedal around the rock
For kids who love pedal power, hire a bike from Outback Cycling. They’ve got pushies for all ages, including tag-a-longs for kids aged 4 to 6, and toddler seats for the younger ones. Bike hire includes a helmet and 3 hours of riding, which is more than enough time to cycle the 10km loop around the base of Uluru. The path is sandy in parts, but flat and an easy ride. Bookings recommended.
Add bush tucker to the menu
Take junior Masterchefs along to a bush food experience. They’ll learn about Australian and local bush tucker, as well as traditional hunting, gathering and food preparation. The free session ends with a fun cooking demonstration using bush tucker ingredients, so the kids have something to try when they get back home. Backyard camping, anyone?
Go for a (guided) wander
Stretch legs little and long on the Mala guided ranger walk. An easy 2km on a pram-friendly route, the walk takes you along the base of Uluru, past caves, ancient campsites and rock art. An expert Indigenous guide leads the way with stories and insights into local nature, wildlife, history and cultural traditions – plenty of fodder for enquiring minds. The 90-minute walk ends at Kantju Gorge, a dramatic near-vertical wall that becomes a spectacular waterfall when it rains.
