Uluru also known as Ayers Rock to some, is a huge chunk of rock, known as a monolith, set the middle of Australia. Although there is a similar rock in Western Australia, as well as the nearby Kata Tjuta, World Heritage site Uluru is unique in its composition and is world famous, attracting thousands of tourists each year.

Uluru with Kata Tjuta in the disctance

Aborigines consider Uluru sacred. Australia’s first people have been in the area for thousands of years, and the rock is now contained within the aptly named Uluru National Park, which is overseen by the Anangu and Australian government.

Uluru National Park, the home of Uluru and Kata Tjuta,  lies 463kms by road – about five hours drive – southwest of Alice Springs.

What is Uluru made of?

What is Uluru made of? The 300 million-year-old rock is comprised of sand, feldspar (various crystalline minerals) and rock, and originally hailed from a sea floor. A large chunk is above ground today (348m), and the flat top and grooved sides are a result of weathering.

Uluru was ‘discovered’ by William Gosse in the 1800s, who named it after the Chief Secretary to South Australia, Henry Ayers.

While it’s no longer possible to climb up the side of the rock, it is possible to walk around it (about 10kms by path).

There are also several noted caves in the flanks, although parts are off-limits as they are particularly sacred to the Aboriginal people.

There are also dozens of birds and mammals in the area which visitors will usually see on a tour of the rock.

People typically watch the sunset from the viewing spot to the west, while there is another in the east for the sunrise.

Guided Tour of Uluru

The town of Yulara, just north of the national park, provides facilities and accommodation for tourists, as there are none within the park itself.

Most people arrive by bus from Alice Springs, but there’s also an airstrip nearby.

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Map of Australia's Red Centre

Explore more with our Uluru map and find your way around Australia’s world famous icons at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Zoom out on the map to discover more.

Uluru / Ayers RockUluru / Ayers Rock
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Experiences at Uluru + Kata Tjuta

Most visitors would have seen photos featuring Uluru, but nothing prepares you for the experience of being exposed to this expansive living cultural landscape. Experience many wonderful features of this region, including Uluru or Ayers Rock, and Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas.

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