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Uluru (Ayers Rock)

Known by Aborigines as Uluru, Ayers Rock is a place of great cultural and spiritual significance. It is not a rock but a huge bed of arkose sandstone, deposited on the floor of an inland sea some 600 million years ago. It is properly described as a monolith and is a world famous rock formation. Uluru was first sighted in 1872 and was given its English name after the then Governor of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers.

Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park is home to the world-famous Uluru (Ayers Rock), the red heart of Australia and one of the world's most iconic natural landmarks. The monolith stands at a towering 348 metres tall and has a circumference of over 9 kilometres, with the bulk of its mass lying underground. Known for the dramatic changing of colour as the sun rises and sets,the perfect place to capture the mesmerising landscape is from the Talinguṟu Nyakunytjaku viewing area. Offering uninterrupted 360° views here you can witness the magnificent glow of the sun bring the surrounding desert landscape to life.

Things To Know About Uluru

Before you book the trip of a lifetime, there are a few things you should know in order to enhance your experience. 

• History of Uluru

  In 1873, surveyor William Gosse sighted 'the Rock' and in honour of the then Chief Secretary of South Australia Sir Henry Ayers, named it Ayers Rock.

  It wasn't until 1993 that Uluru became the first icon in Australia to be given back its Aboriginal name and making it the first official dual-named feature in the Northern Territory.

   

• Art & Culture

  There is an incredible amount of Indigenous Australian's art and culture in the area and surrounds.

  Stop by the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park Cultural Centre, the best place to get acquainted with the Anangu country. A wander through the 'Tjukurpa Tunnel' will introduce you to the culture of the Anangu people and Aboriginal law (Tjukurpa).

  Learn about Aboriginal creation stories, ancestral beings, admire local art and discover the significance of the several walks available around the area. 

   

• Walking Uluru

  The Kuniya Base Walk is an insightful track that leads to Muṯitjulu waterhole, home of a wanampi, an ancestral watersnake. You'll gain a unique insight into the sheer physical and spiritual enormity of Uluru and pass ancient cave paintings and other sites significant to the local Anangu and the early explorers.

  The Mala Walk leads you past several areas of rock art and sacred sites where Aboriginal communities live and prepare for ceremony. It's believed that as you walk through this area, you'll be surrounded by the spirit of the Mala Tjukurpa - the hare-wallaby people. The walk will take you to the peaceful Kaṉtju Gorge.

   

• Local Wildlife

  There is plenty of local wildlife to see in Uluru and surrounds such as the Dingos, Red Kangaroos and the Rufous Hare-Wallaby.

  Birdwatching is also a popular activity for those that visit the area as many take shelter within the rocky slopes of the park. Keep an eye out for the brown falcon, the blackfaced woodswallow and zebra finches.

   

• Uluru Climb Information

  The Uluru climb is permanently closed.

Tour Highlights

• Depart the resort mid-afternoon for Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park
• Join your Driver Guide for a short walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole at the base of Uluru
• View ancient rock art and hear stories of traditional Anangu life
• Learn the Tjukurpa (creation) story of Kuniya and Liru
• Visit the Uluru–Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre – explore the Tjukurpa tunnel and read about the history, and flora and fauna of the park
• Enjoy sparkling wine and nibbles as you view the iconic Uluru sunset – if you take a photo every few minutes you'll capture the famous colour change