Hi all. We're visiting Uluru for just one night and I'd love to hear anyone's advice for making the most of our time there. We plan to rent a car and visit Kata Tjuta straightaway, drive to Ayers Rock to view the sunset that evening, and then get up early the next day to view the sunrise (also at Ayers Rock). Does this sound like a good plan? We would miss seeing the sunset at the Olgas, which I understand is just as spectacular, but this seems to be the best way of maximising our time there.

Also, we do not intend to climb the rock but would love to hear people's opinions of the various walk options around both rocks (not the guided tours, just the walks). Did you enjoy them? Or were they more like hard work? Can we drive right round both locations and just get out at various points? TIA

Given your limited time, I would not see Uluru at both sunset and sunrise. I would do Kata Tjuta at sunset, maybe taking the excellent Discovery Eco tours trip called something like Olgas Sunset and Dunes (which includes a very nice hike into the Olgas) and see Uluru at sunrise either with a tour group or on your own.

Two of the hardier members of our family walked around Uluru. It took them less than two hours walking at a good clip and they loved it. If you are up for a good walk, that's a great way to see Uluru.

I definitely agree with Miranda. I actually enjoyed Kata Tjuta more than Uluru and loved seeing the sunset there. I think most people agree & you won't feel like you wasted your time.

Walking around Uluru is quite the experience & I would highly recommend it if you're up for a 1.5-2hr walk. If you don't feel up to it, you can always drive around and stop at places of interest, but it's not the same.

Also, remember your day doesn't have to end at sunset ... the stars are amazing there, so I would definitely recommend getting out & enjoying it for a little while.

Enjoy your trip!

There is a good walk in Kata Tjuta through the Valley of the Winds. It took us a leisurely three hours.

I just wanted to add that I also liked Kata Tjuta better than Uluru. We had a stunning view of it from the Dunes viewing area, a short walk from the main road. The separate sunset viewing area was far more tranquil than the sunset viewing area of Uluru, not as much a big lineup of cars, buses, and people. And best of all was being able to walk right into the Olgas. I really enjoyed the short walk (1 or 2 miles) we took there, called the Gorge Walk if I am remembering the name correctly. It was beautiful and not overly crowded. If you are up for a longer hike, then the Valley of the Winds walk Marg mentioned would be great.

Thanks for all the tips. It's a shame we're only there for 1 night. It would be nice to view the sunset at Kata tjuta but I think we'd feel like we missed out if we left Ayers Rock without seeing the sunset there.

But has anyone watched the sunRISE at either location? Would love to hear some opinions.

The sunrise at Uluru is spectacular, although I think that sunset is better for some reason. I also think that both are not necessary, as the effect is pretty much the same.

I'd suggest a guided walk around part of Uluru. We took the 'Mutijulu Walk', booked out of the Cultural Centre, and our aboriginal guide was extraordinarily informative about ancient legends and the pre-European culture that occupied the region.

I agree that the Valley of the Winds walk in Kata Tjuta is worthwhile. If you go during fly season, bring a headnet, as they can be thick as, well, flies!

Consider going on an astronomy activity during the evening. The Uluru Observatory has a few small (8-12 inch) telescopes that are great for night sky viewing, and they give a talk about aboriginal legends associated with the constellations.

We stayed three nights and found it wasnt quite enough to do all we wanted to do. Having your own transport will help though. I agree that sunset at Uluru is better but do try to do the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta. Once you have done sunset sunrise doesn't really add a great deal but we did it and enjoyed and followed it with a walk around Uluru.