Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage-listed national park is likely to come to mind when you think of Australia's Outback. Uluru (a massive sandstone formation with a red hue) and Kata Tjuta (a group of 36 red geological domes) are located in the heart of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, both of which have cultural ties to the local Indigenous Australian community. Though both locations are stunning at any time of day, the best photo opportunities are at sunrise or sunset.
Everyone raves about the Uluru sunset, but there’s a hell of a lot more to do in the park than sit in an overcrowded car park with a gazillion other tourists. The park has plenty of hiking, photography and birdwatching opportunities.
Something else not to miss is the round trip to Kata Tjuta, and the Valley of the Winds walk. The Valley of the Winds walk is the best walk in the national park. You’ll see waterholes, shady, narrow gorges, and tree-lined creeks and you’ll get away from most of the Uluru crowds. Don’t let the 8km walk deter you. Unless you have a serious health problem, any normal person can do this beautiful walk. If you’ve got children, then try some geocaching. There are several geocaches hidden at various locations around the park, and none are too hard to find. Like birdwatching, geocaching is an addictive and low-cost activity.
Rankings:
- #8 in Best Places to Visit in Australia and The Pacific
Location: Northern Territory of Australia
