One of the world’s largest monoliths is the main attraction in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. There is a walking trail around the base of the rock and a two-hour climb to the summit, which is not as popular as it used to be, as more people respect the wishes of the local Aboriginal people and choose not to climb.

There is an informative cultural centre located about 1km to the southwest of the rock, which is a good spot to learn more about the Anangu people and to understand their reasons for not climbing Uluru.

If you do decide to climb, you’ll be rewarded by spectacular views that encompass Kata Tjuta and Mount Connor. Although the climb is relatively easy, it can be a dangerous venture and more than 30 people have died attempting it over the past 30 years. Hold on to the chain, wear hiking boots and take along a bottle of drinking water. As a safety precaution, the climbing route is closed during extreme weather conditions.

There are several hiking trails around the base of the rock; these include the 9.4km circuit walk that can take up to four hours. Shorter and easier walks include the Mala Walk (2km; one hour), accessible from the western car park and the Mutitjulu Walk (1km; 45 minutes), accessible from the southern car park.

After travelling so far, some travellers splurge on a scenic flight. Professional Helicopter Services operate scenic helicopter flights over Uluru ($110–115) or both Uluru and the Kata Tjuta ($220).

Kata Tjuta, meaning ‘many heads’, is comprised of 36 rocks and in many ways this rock formation is a more rewarding destination than the more popular Uluru.

There are several hiking trails among Kata Tjuta that include the relatively easy Wulpa Gorge Walk (2.6km; one hour) that takes you between Mount Olga and Mount Wulpa – two of the more imposing rocks. Another popular hike is the Valley of the Winds Walk (7.5km; three hours), which is a circuit taking in the Karingana and Karu lookouts.