Ancient rock, young humans: Uluru with kids

Keep the kids entertained for days and make a lifetime of memories.

Two children on the path around Uluru, one on a bike and another in a pram being pushed by a parent. Image credit: marcobrivio.photo/Shutterstock.com

Jetstar
June 2021

Despite being world-famous for its remote and rugged location, Uluru is a surprisingly family-friendly destination. From bike rides to dot painting and bush tucker sessions, there’s a load of kid-friendly things to see and do. Get started with these family favourites.

Join the dots in a painting workshop

Get creative at a dot painting workshop taught by local Anangu artists. For kids of all ages, these workshops are a fun and fascinating introduction to traditional art. Kids get to create their own story and painting to take home, and even learn some Pitjantjatjara words. The workshops are run by local not-for-profit organisation Maruka Arts, so you’ll be supporting locals artists too.

Close up of artist creating dot painting at Maruka Arts, Uluru, Northern Territory. Image credit: Tourism NT/Felix Baker — Desert painting at Maruka Arts. Image credit: Tourism NT/Felix Baker

Pedal around the rock

For kids who love pedal power, hire a bike from Outback Cycling. They’ve got pushies for all ages, including tag-a-longs for kids aged 4 to 6, and toddler seats for the younger ones. Bike hire includes a helmet and 3 hours of riding, which is more than enough time to cycle the 10km loop around the base of Uluru. The path is sandy in parts, but flat and an easy ride. Bookings recommended.

Couple on a bike ride around the base of Uluru, Northern Territory. Image credit: Tourism NT/KWP! — Easy riding. Image credit: Tourism NT/KWP!

Add bush tucker to the menu

Take junior Masterchefs along to a bush food experience. They’ll learn about Australian and local bush tucker, as well as traditional hunting, gathering and food preparation. The free session ends with a fun cooking demonstration using bush tucker ingredients, so the kids have something to try when they get back home. Backyard camping, anyone?

Close up of someone holding a witchetty grub in the palm of their hand. Image credit: Tourism NT/Jordan Hammond — Grub’s up. Image credit: Tourism NT/Jordan Hammond

Go for a (guided) wander

Stretch legs little and long on the Mala guided ranger walk. An easy 2km on a pram-friendly route, the walk takes you along the base of Uluru, past caves, ancient campsites and rock art. An expert Indigenous guide leads the way with stories and insights into local nature, wildlife, history and cultural traditions – plenty of fodder for enquiring minds. The 90-minute walk ends at Kantju Gorge, a dramatic near-vertical wall that becomes a spectacular waterfall when it rains.