Inspiring Uluru of Central Australia

We have the pleasure of bringing a great Aussie icon to our travel agenda.  Uluru, or Ayers Rock as it used to be called is located in the southern part of the Northern Territory in what we often call ‘Outback Australia’ or ‘Australia’s Red Centre’.  It’s located approximately 335 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs. 

This mammoth rock, which was formed over 600 million years ago, originally sat in a sea bed.  Today this sandstone rock is on top of the ground raised to approximately 348 metres.  This is about 28 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower!  But if that sounds big, its circumference is a whopping 9.4 kilometres.  From a geological perspective, the rock is called an Inselberg.  That is the term you give an island mountain or hill that is left over after the surrounding area has been eroded by either rainfall or running groundwater. 

Its original name of Ayers Rock was so named by William Gosse in 1873 after Sir Henry Ayers.  Its aboriginal name is Uluru and that is now its official name.  The Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people are the traditional owners of the land in which Uluru sits – which is the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.  They have their own language and ancient culture and they call themselves Anangu, which is pronounced ‘arn-ung-oo’ and that’s what they prefer people call them.  The Aboriginal people who reside in the area consider it a sacred place.  In fact, it’s been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

The Aboriginal people of this area believe that walking on it is being disrespectful and somewhat implies that the 37 climbers who died whilst attempting to climb the rock occurred because of that disrespect to their culture.  That may be so, although a dangerous activity is sure to have a consequence.   

If you’re wondering, no, you cannot climb Uluru at all.  It really is no longer a choice, particularly since 1985 when ‘The Rock’ was officially handed over to the Indigenous people and is now  protectied by the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, whereby penalties will be issued to visitors who attempt to do so.       

Having said that, there are still many things you can do at Uluru – including:

• Guided walks
• Camping
• Camel rides
• Having a picnic
• Walking around the base
• Meditating or just sitting
• Hikes and treks
• A BBQ dinner and more.

Some of the ‘more’ include a helicopter ride, where you can really take in the spectacular views of both the rock and the area.  Similar to this, you can also skydive in the area or parasail.  You can also partake in a segway tour.  The segways are somewhat 2 wheels, with a small platform to stand on, and a handle.  Definitely a cool way to get around.  Another cool option is to jump on the back of a Harley Davidson motorcycle or ride a three-wheel trike. 

The ‘Field of Lights’ is another must-see aspect of any visit to Uluru.  It was created with approximately 50,000 coloured lights that sway through a spectrum of colours.  The creator, international artist Bruce Munro, had the idea for over a decade, but in 2016, his idea was installed.  Originally it was set to be there for a limited period of time, but that time has been (at this stage) extended indefinitely.   

This rock truly transforms across seasons and even within a day.  A sunrise viewing will be quite different from a sunset view.  The colours are spectacular and range incredibly.  Whilst red and grey are the main true colours, due to the effects of sunlight, you’ll also be seeing yellows, pinks, ochres and oranges.   Remember also the seasons in this area change somewhat too.  Between October and March it can get extremely hot (often exceeding 35 degrees) but this is also the wet season in the area.  In the midst of the wet season, not only is the lightning in the sky spectacular, you’ll actually see waterfalls coming off the rock.  After the wet has occurred, everything comes to life, flourishes and turns somewhat green.  The yellow and brown tones of the grasses and plants change, flowers appear and clusters and carpets of flowers are in many colours on top of the deep red soil of the area. 

As well as a varying degree of colours and plant life, the national park is also home to quite a few animals in the area.  These animals include dingoes.  A dingo is a medium-sized canine which is quite lean but hardy.  Don’t however think it’s a cute dog.  They are wild and are not domesticated.  Never attempt to feed one.  There are also red kangaroos.  They are marsupials from the family called Macropodidae – which essentially means big foot.  They have huge feet and long, thick tails.  The red kangaroo is the largest of the species and can run (bound) up to 70 kilometres an hour.  However, their comfortable pace is 20-25 kilometres an hour.  The young are born just 33 days after mating, but spend up to a year in the pouch of the mother.  In the wild they live around 8 years, but under the good care of humans, can live up to 25 years.  The male red ‘roo can be over 6-foot fall.  They are extremely strong and muscular.  Their tail is used to help walk and balance.  To the other extreme you may spot the spinifex hopping mouse which are 9-12 cms long and weigh as little as 35 grams.   

Scattered around the area are many caves and overhangs, many of which contain ancient rock art drawn by the Indigenous people who resided there – for as long as up to 65,000 years ago!  The Anangu ancestors truly are an ancient culture.  Along with their art and spiritual life, they have a song which is accompanied by didgeridoos which are an end-blown long wind instrument that is usually carved out of wood.  Often these, and many other items are hand painted with traditional Aboriginal dots.  Their art tells their stories and often depicts events, occurrences and the things around them, such as kangaroos, turtles, snakes and more.  They don’t just paint on rock, or plates or canvas or didgeridoos, but also on themselves!     

Combining both the culture, gorgeous views and the history of the area is well-rounded within guided tours.  You’ll get to not only see Uluru in all its glory, but you learn a little of the local culture, history and experience their art.  At times dot art classes and workshops are being offered as well by local indigenous artists.  I’m sure too, you’ll have the opportunity to buy an art piece too.   

There is also a museum in the area, called the Wintjiri Arts and Museum.  This art gallery is located at the Ayers Rock Resort and features works by local artists. 

Remember that Uluru is located within a desert (the Simpson Desert) so it’s always much colder at night.  When visiting this spectacular sight, be sure to pack and dress accordingly.  You’ll want cool and breathable clothing during the day, along with sunglasses, hats and sunscreen.  However, at night, it can get down to 12 or 13 degrees, so be sure you’ve packed some warner clothes and footwear.  Speaking of footwear, be sure that you’ve got comfortable walking shoes, especially if you plan to walk that 9.4 kilometres around the rock.