Uluru is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 kilometres south west of the nearest large town, Alice Springs.
The only way to truly experience Uluru (Ayers Rock) is to visit it. No Uluru photo can show the magnificence of the size and colours of the rock (348 metres high). Like the Olgas, Uluru is set within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
There is an entrance fee into the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The fee is $25.00 per adult (16 years and over) for a 3 day pass. Children under 16 years enter free.
Uluru holds deep Aboriginal significance to the Anangu people, and many stories are told as you wander around the base. You can also learn about Ayers Rock at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre. Anangu Tours is also based here, and can take you on numerous tours around the base, although they do request that you respect their culture and do not climb the rock.
There are different walks that you can take around the base of Uluru. The first would be the long 9.4km walk around the whole of the base. The walk is worth it, although as with all of the walks you should start early in the morning before the sun has got too hot.
Around the base you will see numerous Aboriginal paintings, along with descriptive boards explaining about the paintings. Some areas of the rock are sacred and are clearly marked, so the Anangu people request that you do not take pictures or enter these areas.
Two shorter walks that you can do are the Mala Walk, which is 2km, and the Mutitjulu Walk, which is 1km. The Mala Walk tells the story of the Tjukurpa (traditional law) of the Mala (hare-wallaby people).
The Mutitjulu is a permanent waterhole and the walk tells the story of the clash between the two ancestral snakes Kuniya and Liru. You can either follow a guided tour or take the walks on your own.
If you do decide to climb Ayers Rock, then make sure that you have comfortable footwear and take lots of water. You should also aim to be down by 9am during the summer months as it is too hot to climb any later than this. (The Climb is also closed at 8am if the temperature is due to reach 36 degrees).
The walk takes about 3 hours in total, with breathtaking views of the Olgas and surrounding area. Just remember to take your time and step carefully. Several people have died from climbing the rock, mainly due to heart attacks although some by falling down the steep rock. A chain helps you on the steepest section, although this stops nearly half way to the top.
If you don't fancy walking around Ayers Rock, you should definitely go to watch it during sunrise or sunset, when the rock changes colours, from greys, to browns, to reds, to oranges, to yellows. It really is an amazing experience to watch this happening.
Accommodation is just a short drive away at the Ayers Rock resort, with a wide selection of accommodation including a camping ground, hostel, apartments and hotels. The resort also offers a servo, as well as numerous restaurants and shops.
Featured Ayers Rock Activities
TOUR NAME
LOCATION
RATES (AUD) from
Sounds of Silence Dinner(EX1002) (Romantic Dining Experience) Enjoy a Sounds of Silence Dinner, complimented by Australian wines under a million stars as the sunsets over Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta. Sip on a cool drink with the sound of a lone didjeridu filling t...
Yulara (Ayers Rock) To Darwin Safari(EX1161) (Adventures) The 11 day Yulara (Ayers Rock) to Darwin package has the best of what the Red Centre and Top End has to offer and time to enjoy it. Package includes 4 Day 4WD Red Centre Safari, 3 day Alice Springs to...
Ayers Rock
$1657.50
Uluru Highlights from Ayers Rock Resort(EX1275) (Bushwalking, Nature & Wildlife) Nature overwhelms you in the Red Centre. Uluru, an awesome red monolith of stone protruding from the desert and Kata Tjuta, a vast collection of rock domes.
Ancient spiritual beliefs of the tradit...
Purchase this DVD that showcases this unique part of Australia. Includes footage of Kakadu, with its lush rivers, billabongs and wetlands. Yellow Waters, Twin and Jim Jim Falls. The mysterious paintings of ancient Aboriginal artists including Arnhem Land at Ubirr and Nourlangie Rock.
Visit Litchfield National Park, Katherine Gorge and the warm waters of Mataranka Thermal Pool, plus the sandstone shapes in the Lost City near Cape Crawford.
Experience Darwin, the capital of Australia's Tropical North with it's many attractions. Learn about Alice Springs, where legendary tales of the Royal Flying Doctor Service and the Old Telegraph Station can be heard. The MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm and Glen Helen Gorge, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and the magnificent domes of Kata Tjuta ( The Olgas ) also feature.
