Ayers Rock, or Uluru, as the Aboriginal landowners call it, is one of Australia’s most famous landmarks. Located in the middle of the Northern Territory’s red sandy outback, Uluru holds sacred significance for the Aboriginal people. The region around Alice Springs, known as the Red Centre, is considered the spiritual heart of Australia.
In 1993, a policy was introduced to include both the traditional Aboriginal and English names for places. That year, the rock was officially named Ayers Rock / Uluru, and in 2002, the order was changed to Uluru / Ayers Rock.
Uluru / Ayers Rock is more than a massive boulder; it’s a must-see for travelers in Australia. Visitors can hike around it and learn about Aboriginal culture. Unique accommodations blend into the landscape, such as those at Ayers Rock Resort, where you can explore the sacred rock through various experiences and tours.
Sails in the Desert is a resort highlighting Indigenous culture, complete with a vast gumtree-lined pool and a selection of modern dining and lounge areas where you can enjoy cocktails, music, and dishes inspired by Indigenous cuisine. The hotel’s Mulgara Gallery features Indigenous art, and after a day’s hike in the desert, you can unwind with a treatment at the Red Ochre Spa.
Longitude 131° is the most unique hotel in the resort area, featuring 15 luxury tents with king-sized beds that offer stunning views of the Uluru / Ayers Rock sunrise.
Seeing pictures of Uluru / Ayers Rock makes it difficult to grasp its immense size. As one of the largest monoliths globally, it stands over 300 meters (about 1,000 feet) tall and spans 2 kilometers (over 1.2 miles) wide. This sandstone formation is around 500 million years old, dating back to the formation of the Australian continent. It was named Ayers Rock by Ernest Giles, an Anglo-Australian explorer, in honor of Sir Henry Ayers, a South Australian Premier, although Uluru is the Anangu people’s traditional and cultural territory, predating Giles’ arrival.
Up close, Uluru is even more astonishing. Its seemingly smooth surface is marked with grooves, scars, and caves. Climbing the rock is both disrespectful to the Anangu and now prohibited, but walking around it is highly recommended. The loop is 9 kilometers (nearly 6 miles) long, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
The vast red sands of the outback hide many secrets, from unique wildlife to hidden rock formations and oases. Exploring the outback is best done on camelback, well-suited to the hot, dry climate. Uluru Camel Tours offers daily rides, including sunrise, day, and sunset tours around Uluru / Ayers Rock and the Olgas, another impressive rock formation.
The Anangu people, the original inhabitants of Alice Springs, possess extensive knowledge of the area. Whether you’re curious about bush tucker (native foods), Aboriginal art, or the spiritual and historical connection the Anangu have with Uluru, there are tours that offer deeper insights into this incredible part of Australian culture.
Staying at Ayers Rock Resort or other nearby accommodations provides access to free Aboriginal cultural displays, such as traditional dancing, boomerang throwing, dot painting, and bush tucker tours. You might even join in and learn new skills like throwing a boomerang.
Being in the desert has its perks, such as minimal light pollution, offering spectacular views of the stars. You can opt for solo stargazing or join a guided tour at Ayers Rock Resort to help identify constellations.
The Sounds of Silence, hosted by Ayers Rock Resort, is an unforgettable dining experience. You can watch the sun set over Uluru / Ayers Rock while enjoying gourmet canapés and sparkling wine, followed by a bush tucker-themed buffet featuring crocodile, kangaroo, and barramundi under the starry sky. As night falls, a resident star talker will explain the southern night sky, accompanied by a didgeridoo performance.
Flying above Uluru / Ayers Rock provides a breathtaking perspective of its vastness and the surrounding outback. Professional Helicopter Services offers scenic flights over Uluru, the Olgas, and other stunning landmarks, ensuring unmatched views for lifetime memories.
