Uluru (Ayers Rock)
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.
Important Information
For safety reasons, the local Anangu request that visitors do not climb Uluru. Although not prohibited, it’s recommended that travellers respect their wishes while on Anangu land.
Browse more of our tours below to learn about experiencing Uluru with AAT Kings
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