Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park
Formerly known as Ayres Rock, Uluru rises from the surrounding
plains, protected within the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park, and
belongs to the Anangu Aboriginal people, for whom it holds a
special spiritual significance. In an isolated spot 280 miles
(450km) from Alice Springs, the power of the rock draws hundreds of
visitors taken on tours by Aboriginal guides who explain the
monolith's importance in Aboriginal culture. A visit to this
monolithic rock, the world's greatest, is an awesome experience. It
is composed of a type of sandstone that has been exposed through
folding, faulting, the erosion of rock and infill. At the base are
caves, inlets and overhangs formed by chemical degradation and
erosion.
Some opt for the 1,142ft (348m) climb to the top, which takes
about 45 minutes and is not for the faint-hearted; however, it
should be noted that for spiritual reasons the Anangu people
request that visitors not climb the rock. Visitors should try to
view Uluru at different times of the day - part of the magic of the
rock is its constant colour changes in different lights,
particularly at sunrise and sunset. Visitors can take a camel tour
of the Outback at Uluru, or enjoy an unforgettable flight in a
light aircraft or helicopter for a bird's eye view of the
monolith.
About 19 miles (30km) from Uluru is another fascinating
geological formation on the desert landscape. Known as Kata Tjuta
(formerly known as the Olgas), these comprise 36 domes of red-brown
earth, the tallest of which, Mount Olga, is 656ft (200m) taller
than Uluru. There is a range of accommodation at Uluru, from luxury
resorts to campsites. There is also an Aboriginal cultural centre
and an arts and craft centre, along with restaurants, swimming
pools, galleries, a supermarket, a medical centre and a post
office.
Address:
Ayers Rock, Uluru