A Guide to Uluru: Visit the Heart of Australia

Walk around Uluru: I highly recommend getting up early for a walk around Uluru. The way the morning sun illuminates the rock is absolutely breathtaking.

Ride a camel: In the 1840s, explorers introduced six camels from Afghanistan to help with the exploration of inland Australia, which have since multiplied into a population of over one million. At the Uluru Camel Farm, located within Ayers Rock Resort, you can experience a unique desert adventure by riding one of these camels through the Outback. Take in the breathtaking sights of Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop.

Field of Light: You can also attend a mesmerizing light show at Uluru. Watch the magical illumination of the Field of Light as the desert comes to life.

Kings Canyon & Watarrka National Park: Only a three-hour drive from Uluru, Kings Canyon offers a breathtaking hiking experience. The canyon walk, which takes about three to four hours to complete — around 3.7 miles — offers stunning views and the chance to explore the rugged beauty of the Outback (picture above).

Explore the city center: The city center features two restaurants, a grocery store and a few gift shops where you can find souvenirs to take home.

Camp in the Outback: For an authentic Outback experience, consider camping at one of the many sites around Uluru. Drift off to sleep under the stars, immersing yourself fully in the natural beauty of the desert.

Visit Alice Springs: The largest and closest town to Uluru lies just 280 miles away. With a population of around 25,000, the town was named by surveyor William Whitfield Mills in honor of his wife, Alice. Whether you choose to travel by bus or rent a car, your trip will take you through the vast, iconic landscape of the Australian Outback.

Dine under the stars: For an unforgettable experience in the desert, attend a dinner by the Field of Light, where you'll eat next to a mesmerizing art installation. Or you can eat at the Sounds of Silence Diner, where you can enjoy a bush tucker-inspired menu featuring native ingredients, while you listen to the soothing sound of a didgeridoo. The stars here are unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The nearest town, Alice Springs, is over 200 miles away, meaning you are really in the middle of the desert surrounded by crystal-clear views of the Milky Way and the star-filled sky.

Ikkari Restaurant: Located in the Sails Resort, Ikkari offers some of the best meals in the Outback. Pick from a diverse menu ranging from salads to seafood to meats.

Walpa Lobby Bar: Perfect for coffee, lunch or an evening drink, this spot serves what I found to be the best coffee in the area. It’s an ideal place to relax and recharge.

Outback Restaurant: Situated in the Outback Hotel and Lodge, this restaurant feels like a classic Outback restaurant. Whether you're in the mood for a quick bite like pizza or burgers, or prefer to select your own cut of meat to grill on personal barbecues, it's an overall laid-back outback experience. You can also grab a drink from the bottle shop and then head to Pioneer Lookout, watching the sky shift from blue to brilliant orange as the sun sets over Uluru.

Mangata Bistro & Bar: Located within the Ayers Rock Resort, this spot offers a variety of food such as sandwiches, burgers, pastas, tapas and fresh salads.