Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. Located in the red sandy outback of the Northern Territory, this sacred site holds great spiritual significance for the Aboriginal people. The area surrounding Alice Springs, known as the Red Centre, is often considered Australia’s spiritual heart.
In 1993, a policy was introduced that allowed for the use of both traditional Aboriginal names and English names for landmarks. As a result, the rock was renamed Ayers Rock / Uluru, and in 2002, the order was officially changed to Uluru / Ayers Rock.
Uluru / Ayers Rock is more than just a massive boulder; it’s a must-see for anyone visiting Australia. While you’re there, you can hike around the rock and learn about Aboriginal culture through various activities and tours. The accommodations in this unique area blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape. At Ayers Rock Resort, you can experience the majesty of the sacred rock through various resort experiences and guided tours.
Sails in the Desert is a hotel that focuses on Indigenous culture while offering resort amenities like a large swimming pool lined with gumtrees, and modern dining and bar options. You can enjoy cocktails, music, and meals inspired by Indigenous cuisine. The hotel’s Mulgara Gallery showcases Indigenous art. After a day exploring the red rock desert, you might want to treat yourself to a relaxing treatment at the Red Ochre Spa.
Longitude 131° offers a distinctive lodging experience, featuring 15 luxury tents with king-sized beds facing Uluru / Ayers Rock, providing a stunning view of the sunrise over this sacred site.
Seeing Uluru / Ayers Rock in person is awe-inspiring due to its enormous size. As one of the world’s largest monoliths, it stands over 300 meters tall (about 1,000 feet) and stretches 2 kilometers wide (over 1.2 miles). This ancient sandstone formation is about 500 million years old, dating back to the time when the Australian continent was formed. Originally named Ayers Rock by explorer Ernest Giles in honor of the South Australian Premier Sir Henry Ayers, the traditional name Uluru reflects the cultural heritage of the Anangu people, the area’s original inhabitants.
While climbing Uluru is considered disrespectful to the Anangu and is now prohibited, walking around it is highly recommended. The walk is a 9-kilometer (about 6 miles) round-trip, so wear good walking shoes and bring water.
The outback holds many hidden secrets, from rare wildlife to unique rock formations and oases. One of the best ways to explore it is by camel, as they are well-suited to the harsh conditions. Uluru Camel Tours offers daily excursions, including sunrise, daytime, and sunset rides around Uluru and the nearby Olgas, a collection of large rock domes.
The Anangu people have profound knowledge of Alice Springs and its surroundings. Whether you’re interested in bush tucker (native food), traditional Aboriginal art, or understanding the Anangu’s spiritual connection to Uluru, there are tours available to enhance your appreciation of this captivating part of Australian culture.
Whether you stay at Ayers Rock Resort or other nearby accommodations, you’ll likely have access to free Aboriginal cultural activities, such as dancing, boomerang throwing, traditional dot painting, and bush tucker tours.
In the heart of the desert, you’ll experience stunning starry nights due to the lack of artificial light. You can stargaze on your own or join a guided tour offered by Ayers Rock Resort. Their “Sounds of Silence” dining experience is truly memorable, allowing you to watch the sunset over Uluru while enjoying gourmet appetizers and drinks. Dine under the stars with a bush tucker-themed buffet featuring crocodile, kangaroo, and barramundi. Afterward, learn about the southern night sky from their resident guide while enjoying a didgeridoo performance.
To fully grasp the immense scale of Uluru and the surrounding outback, consider a scenic helicopter flight. Professional Helicopter Services offers breathtaking flights over Uluru, the Olgas, and other incredible landmarks, ensuring you capture unforgettable memories of your visit.
