The Mala Walk: The best short walk at Uluru?

The Mala Walk is arguably the best short walk at Uluru. It is 2km return, wheelchair accessible and shows off Aboriginal rock art in caves.

What is the Mala Walk?

The Mala Walk is a walking route at Uluru, the monolith formerly known as Ayers Rock in Australia’s Northern Territory. It is inside the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, and gives an up-close look at the big red rock that has become an Australian icon.

8 great Uluru experiences to book before you arrive

• 1. Understand Uluru’s caves, bulges, gullies and spiritual stories on a guided base walk.
• 2. Be awe-struck by the changing colours on a SUNRISE tour.
• 3. Eat great food on a dune top, and enjoy an expert-guided stargazing session during a once-in-a-lifetime desert dune-top dinner.
• 4. See an entirely different kind of dramatic outback scenery on Kings Canyon day trip.
• 5. Do a lap of Uluru by Segway.
• 6. See the big picture on an outback helicopter flight.
• 7. See Australia’s most spectacular light show – the Field of Light at sunrise.
• 8. Admire the colour-shifting giant rock domes on a Kata-tjuta sunset trip.

How long is the Mala Walk?

The Mala Walk is a 2km return walk from the Mala car park to Kantju Gorge. On the way there are several caves lined with rock art.

The Mala Walk is wheelchair accessible, and is generally regarded as the easy walking option for visitors to Uluru.

This once-in-a-lifetime dune-top dinner experience, with special stargazing session included, is our top Uluru recommendation.

What is the difference between the Mala Walk and the Uluru Base Walk?

The Uluru Base Walk is the walk around the circumference of Uluru, and it is about 10km long. The Mala Walk is a small section of the Base Walk, showcasing one of the more interesting sections.

If you’re doing the free ranger-guided walk at Uluru, then this is the section you’ll cover.

It is a good section of the Base Walk, and arguably the best short walk at Uluru, but the Mala Walk is not exactly a hidden secret.

When is the best time to do the Mala Walk?

Lots of tour groups do the Mala Walk, which means it can get busy. Mid-morning and the late afternoon are the busiest times, while the middle of the day can be uncomfortably hot. The best times to tackle the Mala Walk, therefore, are around sunrise and sunset, when everyone else is at the Sunrise or Sunset Viewing Area.

If you want to see more art at Uluru, sign up for the Wintjiri Wiru drone show experience or the Field of Light installation. You can also browse modern Aboriginal art at the Gallery of Central Australia inside the Ayers Rock Resort and take dot painting workshops.

Which Uluru accommodation should I book?

Let’s not sugar-coat it: Accommodation at Uluru is expensive. Specialist Australian accommodation website Wotif lists Uluru accommodation for from $300. Check the top deals page to search through the options.

However, if you stay for three nights rather than two, hefty discounts tend to kick in.

The Uluru accommodation options are designed with different target markets in mind. Book which one fits you best.

• For the lowest prices: Ayers Rock Campground.
• For best quality: Sails in the Desert.
• For families and self-caterers: Emu Walk Apartments.
• For mid-range solidity: Desert Gardens.

More Northern Territory travel

How long is the Pine Creek to Darwin drive?

How to find the best walking tours.

The best stops on a Mackay to Darwin road trip.

What’s the best way to get from the Ayers Rock Resort to Uluru?

Take a Darwin Harbour brunch cruise aboard a 20 metre schooner.