Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Visit ancient campsites, learn about ceremonies and rites of passage, and discover Anangu daily life.

This walk goes from the Mala carpark to Kantju Gorge. It’s the same path taken by the daily ranger-guided Mala walk and most tours of Uluru.

Enter the caves where the Mala (rufous hare-wallaby) people camped when they first arrived at Uluru and see the kitchen cave where they prepared their meals. The Mala story is one of the most important stories of Tjukurpa.

Admire the fine examples of rock art along this walk before arriving at Kantju Gorge, a place of profound peacefulness surrounded by sheer vertical walls.

Drinking water is available on this walk.

Beat the crowds

The Mala walk is often busy with guided tours in the mid-morning and late afternoon. However, it is surprisingly quiet at sunset.

If you’ve already seen an Uluru sunset from afar, head to Kantju Gorge for a deeply serene sunset experience at the foot of the rock. There are a couple of benches near the waterhole where you can sit and soak up the atmosphere.

Tip for photographers

The setting sun hits Kantju Gorge directly, bringing it to life with fiery red hues that contrast with the electric blue sky. Bring a wide-angle or fish-eye lens to capture the perfect sunset snap.

Map

Map showing the Mala walk

Site accessibility

  • Tick icon Open today
  • Tick icon Wheelchair access

Amenities

  • Tick icon Water
  • Tick icon Toilets

Type of walk

Return track

Walk grade

Easy

Walk distance

2 km

Time required

1 hour 30 minutes

Region

Uluru