Welcome to Uluru, Australia's Red Heart !
Uluru (Ayers Rock) is one of Australia's most famous natural landmarks and also a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site due not only to the dimensions of Uluru but also to Uluru's cultural significance to the indigenous Australian Aborigine tribes that inhabit the area. Officially part of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru is an important cultural icon for all Australians. Uluru is the name given to the rock by the Pitjantjatjara tribe who, along with the Yankunytjatjara tribe, claim the area that includes Uluru and Kata Tjuta (Olgas). The name Ayers Rock was bestowed by the explorer William Gosse in 1873 in honour of the Chief Secretary of South Australia at the time, Sir Henry Ayers, and was the name most popularly used by those not from the area. In 1985, however, the Aboriginal tribes of the Uluru area were successful in their ownership claims, and in 1993 the rock became the first dual-named feature of the Northern Territory, called Ayers Rock/Uluru. Later, in 2002, the names were reversed, so the official name became Uluru/Ayers Rock. The rock consists of sandstone and measures 346m high and approx. 8km in circumference. Although made of sandstone, Uluru has an abnormally hard surface which has prevented extensive erosion over millennia. Uluru is easily reached from Alice Springs, a large town almost in the exact centre of Australia.
Ancient Aboriginal Rock Art, Authentic Aboriginal Culture and Awe-inspiring Natural Beauty!
One of the attributes that made Uluru a UNESO World Heritage Site is its numerous ancient Aboriginal rock paintings that date back tens of thousands of years. The Aboriginal tribes of the area worshiped Uluru, and today tourists can witness traditional Aboriginal ceremonies as well as buy authentic Aboriginal arts and crafts. Uluru is also a mecca for photographers, and the National Parks service has conveniently set up lookouts at the most scenic spots, allowing easy access for great photographs of not only Uluru but also of Kata Tjuta (Olgas) and other landmarks of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park such as waterfalls and, of course, ancient Aboriginal rock art sites. Another feature of Uluru is the abundance of vegetation and wildlife that can be found around the base of the rock. This virtual oasis in the desert can be explained by the fact that Uluru acts as a water catchment, and the deep crevices and shaded areas reduce the evaporation of moisture and provide cool retreats for flora and fauna alike. The catchment areas include waterholes and even waterfalls, and it is no wonder the aborigines used Uluru as a base and for important ceremonial occasions.
Uluru Travel & Tour Information
This website has extensive information on all aspects of Uluru travel and tourism. There is an informative travel guide with sections on Uluru activities, Uluru attractions, Uluru accommodation, Uluru dining & nightlife, Uluru shopping as well as details on how to get to Uluru and how to travel around once you've arrived. In addition, the website has travel guides for other popular destinations in the region such as Alice Springs, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon, Tennant Creek, Katherine, Darwin, Arnhem Land and the world famous Kakadu National Park. Each of these travel guides have extensive information on attractions, activities, access, accommodation, dining and shopping. In addition, Uluru-Ayers-Rock.com has detailed airport guides for airports commonly used to reach Uluru, including Uluru Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ), Alice Springs Airport (ASP) and Darwin International Airport (DRW). For your convenience, there is an affordable and reliable online booking service for cheap hotels, flights, car rentals, etc., as well as a great Uluru-related travel bookshop and list of recommended websites related to Uluru Ayers Rock.
Climbing Uluru is at the top of every visitor's wish list, however the local aboriginal people consider it disrespectful, so please take into view their cultural sensitivity before deciding whether or not to climb. The climb to the top of Uluru itself is arduous and fatalities have been known to occur not only from falls but also from heart attacks and strokes. Heat exhaustion and dehydration are also common ailments of those hiking on and around Uluru, so take a broad-rimmed hat, wear light-coloured clothing and drink plenty of fluids on any excursions. In addition to the caveat on climbing, there are photographic restrictions on certain parts of Uluru, which are clearly marked by signs.
