Visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Australia
Ayers Rock Located in Uluru National Park, Northern Territory
Nov 8, 2009
Situated in the middle of the sandy desert in the south-west corner of the Northern Territory is Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, home to the world-famous Uluru / Ayers Rock. Visited by over 400,000 tourists every year, it is one of the most recognisable natural wonders in the world.
Uluru / Ayers Rock
Rising 348 m (1,142 ft) from the flat desert floor, the huge sandstone monolith dominates the landscape for miles around. Whilst staring in awe at the massive rock it’s hard to believe that the majority of this rock lies deep underground.
The rock has many waterholes, caves and ancient rock paintings and is considered a sacred place to the aboriginal people who originally named it Uluru.
In 1873, English born explorer William Gosse reached the rock and renamed it Ayers Rock after Sir Henry Ayers, the Chief Secretary of South Australia. The rock has been known by both names ever since and in 1993 it officially became known as ‘Ayers Rock / Uluru’. However, the names were reversed in 2002 and it is currently known as ‘Uluru / Ayers Rock’.
Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Not as well known but no less impressive is Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). Situated only 50km (30 miles) from Ayers Rock, these giant rocks are believed to have once made up a monolith far larger than Ayers Rock. As well as sunrise and sunset viewing areas, there are also several trails allowing visitors to see Kata Tjuta close up.
Getting to Uluru / Ayers Rock
Getting to Uluru is neither quick nor cheap. The nearest city is Alice Springs, located 462 km (288 miles) away and a long drive across the empty desert.
Ayers Rock Airport is situated just outside Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) with regular flights to/from Sydney, Perth and Cairns. The flight from Sydney takes 3.5 hours with costs starting at around $500 return. Several rental car companies have desks within the airport. However, advanced bookings are recommended in peak season.
Tourism at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
In the 1950s the tourist industry began to grow and motels and camping grounds were developed around the rock. In just 20 years these began to cause environmental damage to the surrounding area and the decision was taken to remove all accommodation from area around the rock and develop a tourist resort outside the national park.
Uluru Accommodation
Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort) is a purpose built resort just outside the national park entrance. Accommodation ranges from hostel style dormitories to top of the range $2000 per night rooms looking onto the rock. Prices are higher than visitors would expect to pay elsewhere. However, given its remote location and popularity, it's not particularly surprising.
As well as places to sleep, the resort offers a variety of places to eat, shop and drink and even has its own petrol station.
Climbing Uluru / Ayers Rock
The Uluru Climb is a major subject of debate. Aboriginals request visitors don’t climb the rock as it is considered sacred to them. The climb to the summit from the Mala car park is considered one of the most strenuous activities in Australia, mainly due to the steepness and the excessive heat experienced in the desert. However, for those wishing to complete the climb, it is open from half an hour before sunrise to half an hour after sunset, depending on weather conditions.
For those not wishing to participate in the climb, there are several shorter walks and a 10km base walk that circumnavigates the rock.
Sunrise and Sunset at Uluru / Ayers Rock
Most visitors to Uluru have heard about the changing colours of the rock. Throughout the day, Uluru is usually a shade of bright red as the iron reflects the sunlight. However, in the rising and setting sun, the colour of the rock appears change.
Without doubt, sunrise and sunset are the most popular time to visit Ayers Rock when the retrospective viewing areas are filled with tourists and photographers eager to see what all the fuss is about. No matter how sceptical a visitor may be, the phenomenal sight is one that has to be seen to be believed.
The Pride of Australia
Given its remote location and the costs involved with reaching Uluru / Ayers Rock, it’s understandable that many tourists visiting Australia will resist the urge to make the long journey into the outback with the assumption it’s 'just a rock'.
In truth, its remote and inaccessible location perhaps add to its wonder. To fully appreciate how special Uluru is, one must see it in the context of its surroundings. Until travelling through or over the hundreds of miles of flat desert it’s impossible to comprehend the wonder that is Uluru / Ayers Rock. There is a sense of excitement amongst the passengers as the plane finally touches down on the runway within sight of the giant monolith soaring up from the flat landscape.
The turmoil of every day life feels a lifetime away for visitors standing in the middle of a hot and sandy desert, gazing upon the natural wonder that lies before them. To watch in wonder as one of the most famous sights in the world silently changes from red to orange to purple in the setting sun is a true spectacle and one that no visitor to Australia should miss.
Whilst it may be ‘just a rock’, it’s a very special rock.
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