For the first time ever, visitors will soon be able to stay overnight inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park whilst on a brand new, five day, 54km guided hike between the park’s two iconic rock formations.

 

The Northern Territory is getting a new multi-day hike in the heart of the desert, created in consultation with Anangu Traditional Owners and to be exclusively guided by the Tasmanian Walking Company. 

A New Multi-Day Hike for the NT

Beginning amongst the towering red domes of Kata Tjuta, the new Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk will feature five days of desert landscapes and Anangu-led cultural experiences before finishing up at the base of Uluru.

The hike will feature Anangu-led cultural experiences

and three-course meals in the desert | Images by Tasmanian Walking Company

‘We hope that over five days, they [hikers] will better understand our stories and our art, respect our traditions and land management practices and help us protect the environment’, says Tapaya Edwards, Chair of the Anangu Steering Committee.

‘By walking in our footsteps and on our trails, they will also come to see that our ancient culture is still very much alive today’, he said.

The multi-day hike is exclusive to patrons of Tasmanian Walking Company and each guided hike will cater to up to 14 people, including Anangu-led art workshops and lessons in land management, daily three-course meals, and nights spent in environmentally sustainable accommodation.

 

Artist’s impression of the living area of the accommodation

 

‘International travellers are increasingly on the lookout for tourism offerings with a focus on wellness, adventure and cultural experiences so the opportunity for a multi-day walk through the heart of Australia will no doubt be highly sought after’, said Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia.

 

Map of the walk | Image by Tasmanian Walking Company

The Problem of Privatisation

The exclusive nature of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk has been called into question by campaigners concerned about the privatisation of national parks across the country.

‘While the exclusive nature of this experience may seem appealing, it raises significant concerns regarding the ongoing trend of privatisation in our national parks and wilderness areas more broadly’, says Darren Edwards, Founder of Keep It Wild.

‘Such exclusive experiences can limit access to national parks for individuals with lower incomes or disabilities, creating disparities in who can enjoy these natural treasures.’

The cost for a place on the walk is yet to be announced, but if the $3,995 per person price tag of Tasmanian Walking Company’s six-day guided walk along the nearby Larapinta Trail is anything to go by, it’s not expected to be a cheap holiday.

‘Furthermore, the long-term sustainability of these commercial projects is often uncertain and can be difficult to reverse. While eco-tourism has the potential to provide economic benefits, we must prioritise sustainable alternatives that flourish outside of protected areas and do not compromise their integrity, Edwards said.

The experience is expected to open in April 2026, but expressions of interest are open now.

 

Feature photo by Tasmanian Walking Company

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