Uluru: Base Walk, Sunset & Optional Outback BBQ Dinner

Summary

Walk the red earth, hear Anangu stories, taste Outback BBQ as Uluru glows

You’ll start your day trip from Yulara with hotel pickup and a local guide leading you around Uluru’s base, sharing ancient Anangu stories and showing you hidden rock art near Mutitjulu Waterhole. As sunset paints Uluru in wild colors, enjoy sparkling wine and snacks — or stay for an Outback BBQ dinner under desert stars if you want that extra bit of magic.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled up to Uluru in the late afternoon, sun already low and that weird quiet you get in big open places. Our guide — Dave, who’d lived out here for ages — started us off at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. I’m not usually one for museum-y stuff but there was this tunnel (the Tjukurpa tunnel) with old photos and stories from the Anangu people. The air inside smelled faintly like eucalyptus and dust. I tried to read every sign but honestly got distracted by a group of kids laughing at something in Pitjantjatjara — wish I knew what they were saying.

The walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole was shorter than I expected. Dave pointed out some rock art — ochre reds and faded lines that looked almost alive in the late light. He told us about Kuniya and Liru, two ancestral beings whose story is written right into the stone. There was this moment where he just stopped talking and let us listen: wind through desert oaks, distant bird calls, someone’s water bottle clinking against a rock. It felt respectful somehow — like we were guests.

By sunset we were at this lookout spot with everyone quietly waiting for “that” color shift. Someone popped open the sparkling wine (included, which was a nice surprise), and we all just watched Uluru go from rusty red to deep purple while munching on snacks. If you do the optional BBQ dinner after, it’s set up right among sand dunes — I still remember how smoky-grilled kangaroo tasted next to cold potato salad. The sky gets so dark out here you can actually see constellations; our guide did this whole bit with a torch pointing out stars but honestly I lost track after Orion’s Belt.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Uluru base visit and sunset experience

• Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
• Walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole
• View ancient rock art and hear stories
• Travel to Uluru sunset viewing area
• Enjoy sparkling wine at sunset
• Return to resort or optional BBQ dinner

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Uluru tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Yulara resorts.

How long is the walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole?

The walk is short and suitable for most fitness levels.

What food is served at the Outback BBQ dinner?

The BBQ includes Australian meats, salads, dessert, plus wine or beer (menus may change).

Can I join just the base tour without dinner?

Yes, you can book only the base & sunset tour or add on the BBQ dinner option.

Are drinks included during sunset at Uluru?

Sparkling wine and nibbles are provided at sunset viewing.

Is there commentary about Aboriginal culture?

Yes, your guide shares stories about Anangu traditions, history, flora and fauna.

Will I visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre?

Yes, entry to the Cultural Centre is part of your itinerary.

Is this tour suitable for families or kids?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Yulara resorts, entry to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre where you’ll learn about local history and culture with your guide’s commentary, a guided walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole to see ancient rock art up close, sparkling wine with snacks at sunset viewing area — plus an optional Aussie BBQ dinner under desert oaks if you choose that add-on before heading back in comfort.