A New Era for the Red Centre as our Uluṟu–Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk Joins Great Walks of Australia

Read all about the exciting announcement in this media release from October 2025:

The pinnacle of Australian hiking just grew more spectacular. Great Walks of Australia has officially expanded its exclusive collection of world-class, multi-day hikes to 14, welcoming the highly anticipated Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk into its prestigious ranks.

Originally launched in 2013 as a cornerstone of Tourism Australia’s Signature Experiences of Australia program, Great Walks of Australia represents the absolute gold standard of premium, nature-based tourism. For a trek to be included, it must meet incredibly rigorous criteria—delivering safe, fully guided, all-inclusive multi-day journeys that celebrate the country's most awe-inspiring landscapes, pristine wilderness, and rich cultural tapestry.

According to Genevieve Matthews, Executive Officer of Great Walks of Australia, the addition brings an extraordinary emotional depth and a completely unique terrain to the collective.

"The Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk perfectly captures what makes an experience truly iconic," Matthews noted. "It seamlessly weaves together deep nature immersion, elite guiding, premium comfort, and authentic storytelling. Walkers are invited to journey through the ancient geography of the Red Centre, encountering legendary monoliths, dramatic desert light, and the living heritage of the Aṉangu Traditional Owners."

Expanding a Legacy of Premium Eco-Tourism

This addition marks the sixth inclusion for the Tasmanian Walking Company within the Great Walks collection, joining their already celebrated itineraries like Cradle Mountain, the Bay of Fires, the Three Capes, and the Twelve Apostles Signature Walks.

Brett Godfrey, Co-Owner of Tasmanian Walking Company, highlighted the profound privilege of guiding walkers through this sacred landscape while continuing a long-term collaboration with Great Walks of Australia.

The five-day, fully guided premium hike takes place directly inside the World Heritage-listed Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Developed in close, respectful consultation with Aṉangu Traditional Owners, the itinerary honors a culture stretching back more than 40,000 years.

For the team, securing overnight access to operate inside the National Park represents the realization of a long-held dream. Guests traverse the stunning landscape by day and spend their nights in low-impact, premium private eco-camps and lodges—creating an experience that balances high-end comfort with a profound, authentic connection to the heart of the country.

What to Expect: Light, Culture, and Desert Majesty

The five-day itinerary is deliberately paced to align with the natural rhythms of Central Australia, giving hikers time to absorb the environment physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Sunrise to Sunset Immersion

- Dawn in the Dunes: Wake up to dramatic desert sunrises that paint the red sands in pale pinks and golds. Early mornings include crisp treks through Kata Tjuṯa’s famous Valley of the Winds.

- On Foot at Uluru: Explore peaceful Mulga woodlands and approach the mighty monolith on foot, watching its famous iron-rich surface shift colors as the sun moves across the sky.

- Extended Twilight: Central Australian sunsets are famous for their longevity. As guide Rory Oates explains, the low desert horizons allow the vibrant colors to change in slow motion, lingering until only a final sliver of light remains behind the dunes.

Cultural and Emotional Connection

Along the trail, Aṉangu Elders share invaluable cultural insights and traditional stories at the sacred Muṯitjulu Waterhole, while expert guides interpret the delicate desert ecology and natural history.

The evenings are reserved for quiet reflection, wellness therapies, local gourmet dining, and stargazing with fellow travelers under an unpolluted sky. As trail guide Heath Garratt notes, witnessing the desert wake up in absolute silence puts everything into perspective, creating a shared appreciation for the landscape that stays with walkers long after they return home.

A Direct Endorsement from Tourism Australia

The integration of this walk further solidifies Australia's reputation as a top-tier destination for luxury adventure travel. Robin Mack, representing Tourism Australia, emphasized that the new addition elevates the entire national nature-based tourism market.

By providing both domestic and international travelers with a safe, luxurious, and deeply educational gateway into one of the world's most recognizable landscapes, the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk sets a brilliant new benchmark for sustainable adventure.