Ayers Rock

Rising from the flat, red expanse of the landscape, Ayers Rock / Uluru and nearby Mt. Olga / Kata Tjuta appear to be the visible parts of some great submerged creature. They are the major draw card for visitors to Central Australia.

Ayers Rock, aka Uluru, is situated in Kata Tjuta National Park (Uluru) and rising 348 metres with a circumference of 8 kilometres, is considered by many to be one of the great natural wonders of the world. Visitors from around Australia and the world simply stand in awe and marvel at its very existence. The more courageous attempt a climb to its summit, no easy task when the ascent is 1.6 kilometres and particularly steep in parts. It might be noted that the local Aboriginal people prefer visitors to enjoy Ayers Rock / Uluru in other ways. There are many sacred and significant sites associated with Uluru, so a walking tour around its base with a guide is rewarding.

Depending on the time of day, position of the sun and atmospheric conditions, Uluru’s vast bulk metamorphoses through various shades, from glowing reds and soft oranges to delicate lilacs. It is an unmatched spectacular light show. The white sails of the adjacent Ayers Rock Resort herald its existence, with colour and form designed to blend in as much as possible with the environment. Hugging the contours of the land, the Resort offers a variety of accommodation from camping to luxury hotels.

A mere 30km away, as the ‘crow fly’s’ (50km by road), Kata Tjuta seems overshadowed by Uluru. The tallest peak, Mt. Olga, is in fact, more than 200 metres taller than Uluru. The distinctive domes and striated, weathered surfaces of Kata Tjuta match Uluru in colour and are an excellent subject for photographers. Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park with its famous landmarks is a special place and not to be missed.