Sightseeing - Uluru (Ayers Rock)

"Right in the middle of no-where mate - the biggest of its type in the world"

Little Wonder Why it is a Sacred Place to the Aborigine

"Uluru" Some of the most fantastic sunset ever seen!

Uluru is one of Australia's most recognisable natural landmarks and is one of the most fascinating places on earth. It has been known to inspire those that visit with its glowing presence at sunrise and sunset.

Uluru (Pronounced U-lu-ru) is a large sandstone rock formation situated in the more southern section of the Northern Territory, situated some 450 kilometres south west of Alice Springs in central Australia. This area is sacred to the A?angu, the Aboriginal people of the area.

Once named Ayres Rock by William Gosse, he was a surveyor with the South Australian government. After climbing the rock in 1873, He named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then-Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. The year before, Ernest Giles had named Kata Tjuta the Olgas, after Queen Olga of Wertemberg.

Archaeological work in the area more or less proves that Aboriginal people have resided in the area for some 22,000 years. The Anangu people are Uluru's traditional custodians.

Uluru was returned to the caring ownership of the Anangu peoples in 1985 and now is jointly managed with the national park with Parks Australia. The name AyresRock / Uluru was officially change to Uluur On the 6th of November 2002

Now days the Anangu people PREFER visitors do not climb Uluru because it's a sacred site. Anangu have a spiritual responsibility to teach and safeguard visitors to this land. Not only is Uluru sacred but the climbing of this Mammoth creation can be dangerous. Some 35 people have already died while only, attempting to climb it and many others have been injured. Most visitors do understand and complete the interesting base walk instead.

Uluru is an enormous, round shaped, red sandstone monolith it is some 9.4 kilometres in circumference and risers to over 340 metres above the plain. The spectacular rock formations and surrounding sand plains provide rare habitats for an incredible variety of plants and animals and there are a number of springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. The rock art in the caves around its base are further evidence of the enduring cultural traditions of Anangu.

Fees do apply when entering the into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and there is a range of good accommodation ranging form the crocodile shaped five-star Ayers Rock Resort - The Ayers Rock Resort complex also contains six hotels, self-contained apartments, budget rooms and campgrounds. There are a number of dining options and a supermarket in the township of Yulara.

The Yulara Visitors Centre has all the information on local history, geology, flora, fauna and culture, sells all type of souvenirs, educational gifts and there are a number of local tour operators ready and willing to show you around.

Be sure to take the Valley of the Winds Walk it is an excellent experience. This is a place of remarkable beauty and unique cultural value and has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Area.

learn more about Australia's NATIONAL PARKS and BUSHWALKING