Visiting Ayres Rock – How to Plan an Excursion
Planning a Trip to Uluru – Some Important Facts
Sep 17, 2008
Ayres Rock – Uluru to the Native Aboriginals – is one of the icons of Australia. Those who can include a visit to Ayres Rock on their itinerary will be greatly rewarded.
Geology of Ayres Rock
Ayres rock is a sandy megalith that stands 1,140 feet high and goes 3 miles down into the bedrock. It is 2.25 miles long and 1.5 miles wide. These sedimentary rocks are originally green but, due to the high iron content, weather to a rich terracotta color.
550 million years ago sediments washed down from the Peterman Range were covered and pressurised into sandstone rocks. 200 million years ago these rocks were turned on their side, exposed, and now we see the variably eroding strata clearly visible in slanting light.
The Anangu
To the Anangu, the local native aboriginal tribes who are the custodians of Ulurua Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territories, this is a place of great religious and cultural significance. Anthropologists have estimated that the Anangu have inhabited this area for 22,000 years.
Respect for Sacred Sites
For spiritual reasons, Anangu prefer the visitor not to climb the rock. Some areas are clearly signposted as sacred sites that should not be entered or photographed. Failing to comply can cost the tourist a fine. Many visitors prefer to respect the Anangu's religious views and instead purchase an “I didn’t Climb Ayres Rock” tee shirt at the cultural centre.
The Cultural Centre
This award winning building is an excellent starting place for a tour of Ayres Rock. It offers a wealth of information about the area and about Anangu culture and art. Anangu guides can be booked here to take parties on daily walking tours of the rock, visiting sites of special interest such as rock paintings and caves.
For those who are interested inpurchasing aboriginal art, there is a shop in the cultural centre. However those expecting “rock bottom” prices for quality carvings and original dot paintings may be disappointed.
Walking Tours
There are four main walks to choose, all of which can be done with a native guide or solo.
- Base Walk – 3-4 hours to walk the 6 miles around the base of the Rock allowing time to stop at the sites of interest
- Mala Walk – 1 ½ hours, incorporates the creation story of the Mala men. Wheelchair friendly.
- Mutitjulu Walk – takes in a permanent water hole – home of the Wanampi, a water-snake ancestor. Hear the creation story of the battle between Kuniya and Liru. Starts close to the car park. Wheelchair friendly.
- Liru Walk - This 3 mile track wanders through mulga scrub from the cultural center to the base of Uluru. Walking time is 45 minutes one-way.
Costs of Tours
The guided walking tours around the Uluru area are priced from $63 AU for self drive to the start point, to $250 AU for a full tour including coach to the starting point. All of the tours can be booked on line or at the cultural centre. These tours do not include any accommodation.
Entry to the Park
The entrance to the National Park from the Yulara road is open daily from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm in winter and 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. in summer and costs $25 AU (free for children under 16). The ticket is valid for three days.
How to Get there & Where to Stay
Take a shuttle flight to Alice Springs and change planes for Ayres Rock. Most visitors stay at the Ayres Rock resort, which is owned by the Voyages chain.
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