At the heart of Australia, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park rises from the red desert in a landscape shaped by ancient geology, living Anangu culture and stories passed down through generations. From walking beneath Uluru and exploring the domes of Kata Tjuta to stargazing beneath vast desert skies, these are six unforgettable ways to experience Uluru with kids.
Uluru is one of those places that makes you stop and look. Rising from the red desert in the heart of Australia, this enormous sandstone monolith has been here for hundreds of millions of years, long before any of us could have imagined such a landscape. Yet the geological story is only part of what makes this place so compelling.
Uluru is one of those places that makes you stop and look. Science tells us that Uluru and Kata Tjuta began forming around 550 million years ago, shaped by the immense forces of the earth over geological time. The Anangu, the traditional custodians of this land, tell a different story through Tjukurpa, their ancient creation stories, in which ancestral beings, including Kuniya, the woma python woman, and Liru, the venomous snake man, shaped the landscape.
I’m captivated by both. Whether you come for the geology, the stories or simply the extraordinary sight of this enormous red monolith rising from the desert, exploring Uluru with kids is an experience that stays with you.
For families, there are plenty of ways to experience it beyond simply standing in front of the big red rock. You can walk beneath Uluru, explore Kata Tjuta, watch the desert light up after dark, learn about Anangu art and culture, ride camels, gaze at the stars and discover the stories that have shaped this ancient landscape for generations.
Whether you prefer the science, the stories or a little of both, exploring Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park with kids is an extraordinary experience.
Explore Uluru with Kids
The mega star attraction is, of course, Uluru, the enormous, enigmatic rock that stands 348 metres tall and dominates the landscape with its 10-kilometre circumference.
There are several ways to experience Uluru with kids. Take a self-guided walk along the base for a closer look at the rock’s unique textures and ancient rock art sites. For a different perspective, join a guided walking tour led by rangers who can share the cultural significance of Uluru and the stories of Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land. For a unique experience, Uluru camel tours allow you to travel across the desert plains at a more leisurely pace, taking in the vastness of the landscape surrounding Uluru on camel back.
Another option is to cycle around the base, offering a fun and healthy way to explore. Outback Cycling caters to families with kid bikes and options of bikes with baby and toddler seats. Whatever way you choose to tackle the sacred monolith, its ancient energy leaves visitors of all ages enthralled.
Discover Kata Tjuta
Uluru may steal the spotlight, but Kata Tjuta is every bit as extraordinary. Rising from the red desert about 40 kilometres west of Uluru, these 36 enormous domes form a vast landscape of rust-red cliffs, deep gorges and hidden valleys. Known as the Olgas for much of the area’s post-colonial history, Kata Tjuta means “many heads” in Pitjantjatjara, a fitting name for these ancient formations.
For families, there are two main walks to choose from. The Walpa Gorge Walk is the shorter and more accessible option, following a rocky path between two of Kata Tjuta’s towering domes. It takes around an hour to return, depending on your pace, and the changing colours and textures of the rock make it fascinating for curious kids.
More adventurous families can tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk, which winds through the heart of Kata Tjuta’s spectacular domes. The full circuit is 7.4 kilometres and includes steep, rocky sections, so it is a much bigger undertaking than Walpa Gorge. If little legs aren’t up for the full walk, the first lookout at Karu Lookout offers a taste of the landscape without committing to the entire circuit.
Kata Tjuta is also a place of deep cultural significance to the Anangu people, with parts of the landscape carrying stories connected to Tjukurpa. Take the time to stop, look and listen rather than treating it simply as another spectacular walk. Out here, the landscape is part of the story.
If you’re travelling without a car, Uluru Hop On Hop Off makes getting between the two destinations easier. The service runs to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta’s, with family passes available and a two-day option that gives you more flexibility to explore at your own pace.
Watch Uluru Light Up
© Field of Light Uluru
As darkness falls, Uluru undergoes a mesmerising transformation with two captivating light shows. Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, Field of Light Uluru is an awe-inspiring installation featuring over 50,000 luminous stems that sprout from the desert floor, changing colours throughout the night to create a breathtaking sea of light that blankets the desert in a magical glow.
Newer to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is Wintjiri Wiru, meaning ‘beautiful view out to the horizon’ in the local Pitjantjatjara language, a fully immersive light and sound experience over Uluru. Anangu have one of the oldest living continuous cultures in the world and have been the custodians of this country and its many stories. Here Anangu share a chapter of the ancient Mala story with more than 1,100 luminous choreographed drones, laser light technology, and projections, connecting earth and sky in an immersive experience.
Stargazing in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park
Embark on a celestial adventure with Outback Sky Journeys Astro Tours. This unique experience allows you to witness the breathtaking beauty of the southern hemisphere’s night sky, unpolluted by light and teeming with billions of twinkling stars. It’s an educational and awe-inspiring experience for the whole family. Outback Sky Journeys’ expert guides are passionate about astronomy and knowledgeable about the Aboriginal culture’s deep connection to the cosmos. They will teach you about the history of astronomy, sharing the stories and knowledge passed down by generations of Indigenous Australians who used the stars for navigation, marking seasons, and storytelling. This tour is perfect for families and will leave all ages with a deeper appreciation for traditional Anangu knowledge.
Dine Under the Stars at Uluru
Didgeridoo player at Uluru @ Aleney de Winter
Experience the magic of the outback over dinner. Ayers Rock Resort’s The Sounds of Silence dinner offers a unique opportunity for families with kids aged nine and over to dine under the outback stars while enjoying a gourmet meal inspired by native ingredients to a soulful didgeridoo soundtrack. After dinner, a star talker will decode the southern night sky, an enthralling and engaging experience for kids.
There’s also the magical fine dining Tali Wirru dinner overlooking Uluru and Kata Tjuta, but this one is for kids over 15 only, and you can read more about Tali Wirru here! If you prefer to keep things casual, the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku sunset viewing area is perfect for a family picnic with breathtaking views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Or dine in at the Ilkari Restaurant at Sails in the Desert at a family-friendly buffet featuring a variety of international and local dishes, allowing you to taste the flavours of the outback while enjoying the stories and culture of the Anangu.
Create with Anangu Artists
Maruku Arts is a community-owned art centre that provides a unique opportunity to learn about Aboriginal art, symbols, and tools. Children can participate in workshops where they’ll be guided by Anangu artists in creating their own dot-work paintings. A fun and engaging way to learn about Anangu artistic traditions, children will gain insights into the connection they have with the land and the stories they share through their art.
Where to Stay in Uluru with Kids
For most families visiting Uluru, Ayers Rock Resort in Yulara is the practical base, with a choice of accommodation ranging from hotels and apartments to budget-friendly options and camping. It also puts you close to the restaurants, shops, resort shuttle and many of the experiences that make a Red Centre family holiday easier to manage.
For families wanting more space, Emu Walk Apartments are particularly handy, with one- and two-bedroom self-contained apartments that give everyone room to spread out and include kitchen and living areas. If you’re after something simpler, Outback Hotel has family room configurations and access to the resort’s facilities, while Ayers Rock Campground offers cabins and powered and unpowered sites for families who’d rather sleep beneath the desert sky.
There’s another useful family perk worth knowing about. Children aged 15 and under stay free when using existing bedding with a full-paying adult at most Ayers Rock Resort accommodation, although different rules apply at the campground and Outback Hotel & Lodge.
Updated in 2026
An award-winning travel writer and photographer, Aleney de Winter was fresh from school when she first set off to explore the far reaches of Australia with a two-man tent and a beaten-up Kingswood for company. Three decades, and two kids later, and she's still on the go, with her itchy-footed offspring in tow. 