Mala Walk

Walk alongside the imposing form of Uluru to the Kantju Gorge and waterhole, on land held sacred by the Anangu indigenous people. The Anangu have walked this land for thousands of years, and once held religious ceremonies here. They believe that the shape and physical features on this section of the monolith represent the activities of the Mala (or rufous hare wallaby), which they see as one of their ancestral beings, during the time of the Tjukurpa (creation time).

The sheer cliffs of Uluru look amazingly different from every angle, and scroll through a vast array of colours as the sun moves across the desert sky. You will never tire of looking at this incredible figure, as it is always changing. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during heavy rain you will see quite a show, since small streams and waterfalls cover Uluru, transforming it into a completely different natural wonder.

Though the walk can easily be self-guided, a free ranger-guided tour will provide much more insight into the ways of the Anangu, their rock art, and the story of the Mala. These tours can be accessed all year round, by meeting a ranger at the Mala Walk sign at either 8am from October to April, or 10am from May to September.

This is one of the shortest walks at Uluru, covering a 1km stretch of its west side.

Practical Info

Uluru is best visited from the nearby town of Yulara, which can be reached on one of several airlines that have direct routes from Sydney. A shuttle bus operates between the airport, Yulara, Uluru, and Kata Tjuta. It’s complimentary when taken from the airport to Yulara, but getting to Uluru and Kata Tjuta attracts a fee. Coach tours operate from Alice Springs, which will include a visit to Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park must pay an entrance fee and observe park opening hours, which vary from month to month throughout the year.