Worth getting out of bed for...

Viewpoint

The best view of Uluru is at sunrise or sunset, preferably away from the hundreds of camera-wielding tourists that converge on the designated “viewing areas” within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Go for a walk around the base along the marked trail and pause in a quiet place and watch the giant red monolith change colour as the sun rises over the desert, it’s a spectacular sight.

Arts and culture

The indigenous people of Australia, the Aboriginals, have an incredibly strong relationship with the land. The stories told by the central desert tribe, the Anangu, are called Tjukurpa (not dreamtime like other tribes) and explain orientation, survival and law. A visit to the mud-brick Cultural Centre in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a must for learning about the important cultural significance of both Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). It’s open daily (7am-6pm) and there is also a gallery where you can purchase authentic aboriginal art and crafts. Anangu Waai offer guided tours around Uluru and share stories, explain Aboriginal laws and traditions, and offer demonstrations of bushcraft such as how to hold and throw a spear (www.ananguwaai.com.au; + 61 (0)8 8950 3030).

Something for nothing

Experience the magic of a desert sunrise and how the colours of rock change with the light – it’s a photographer’s dream.

Shopping

The Cultural Centre has a big selection of souvenirs and a wide range of Aboriginal Art. The Mulgara Gallery at Ayers Rock Resort also has aboriginal art, as well as glassware, pottery and textiles.

Daytripper

Kata Tjuta is about a 45-minute drive away where you can walk through the giant domes that form the Valley of the Winds. There are several lookouts where you get spectacular views and it’s well worth the trek. Tracks are well marked with distances and times and there is water along the way, but take plenty with you.

Perfect picnic

There are a few covered picnic areas with water and facilities in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park but you may have to share it with others.

Children

Try a dot-painting workshop at the Cultural Centre, guided by Aboriginal artists, where you can take your own painting home (adults $87, children $61; www.ananguwaai.com.au).

Activities

Other options for seeing the rock include Uluru Motorcycles Tours. Choose between a sunset or sunrise tour or head out on the highway to a roadhouse for lunch (+61 (0)8 8956 2019; www.ulurucycles.com). Professional Helicopter Services offer scenic flights that include Uluru, the Olgas, Kings Canyon or all three (+ 61 (0)8 8956 2003; www.phs.com.au). The darkness in the desert is the perfect place to marvel at the Milky Way and Discovery Eco Tours offers star-gazing sessions (www.discoveryecotours.com.au).