Ayers Rock

Ayers Rock (Uluru) is the most famous Australian icon in the Red Centre. It is the largest sandstone in the world with a height of 348m and a circumference of 9,5km. Furthermore, 2/3 of its bulk is below the ground, just like an iceberg. No wonder that Ayers Rock is listed as a World Heritage Site.Ayers Rock, Uluru, is traditionally owned by Anangu people. Both Uluru and The Olgas (Kata-Tjuta) are spiritually very important for Anangu's. Therefore, they kindly request to not to climb on the rock. However, climbing is officially allowed. If you are planning to get to the top, you will have to get up really early. Since it gets pretty hot during the day, the walks can close at as early as 8am or otherwise, you should get down from the rock latest by 9am. A number of injuries and deaths happen during this relatively tough climb every year mostly due to heart attack. If you would like to avoid climbing on Ayers Rock for any reason, there are also many other ways to admire this masterpiece of the nature. Just make sure to secure a place to watch Ayers Rock (Uluru) during sunrise and sunset. You'll witness stunning views as the rock changes color from pink to red, purple and brown. Moreover, a scenic helicopter ride offers bird's eye view of Uluru and its surroundings.

There are numerous moderate walks that take between half an hour and 3-4 hours that give a great sight of Uluru and Anangu Culture. A very popular, and the longest, one is the base walk. It is a 9,5km long track that circulates around Uluru. Among other walks, Mala Walk starts at Mala car park, situated at the northwest side of Uluru, and ends up at Kantju Gorge taking around an hour. Kuniya Walk starts from Kuniya car park, on southern side of Uluru, and finishes at Mutitjulu Waterhole taking approximately 45 minutes. Both are easy walks and are also great to see some Aboriginal rock art and paintings. Self-guiding is also possible. However, Anangu people have amazing stories about their culture and the history of Ayers Rock.

Uluru is located at Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park together with Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) which are another 25km away. Although it seems to be pretty close to Alice Springs on the map, Ayers Rock is still 500km away from Alice Springs.

The easiest way to get to Ayers Rock is taking a direct flight from many capital cities in Australia to Ayers Rock Airport. It is also possible to get there by car from Alice Springs but please keep in mind that this is around 6 hours drive.