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Ayers Rock / Uluru, Australia
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Submitted by by
Kim Kinrade
1 year(s) ago
(via
travelmills.com
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In the southern–most area of Australia's Northern Territory is a massive landmark called Uluru, or Ayer’s Rock, a natural structure that rivals the Great Pyramid in both size and splendor. In fact it is one of Australia’s icons like the Sydney Opera House or kangaroo. Because of this status thousands of tourists descend on Kata Tuja National Park for the purpose of taking pictures of Ayer’s Rock at all times of the day, but especially at dusk when the giant, natural wonder seems to change colors minute-by-minute.
Uluru, as the aboriginal, Pitjantjatjara people call the huge sandstone monument,seems very out of place on the featureless Australian desert. In fact except for the Olgas, a collection of huge round stones some distance away, it is almost the only outcropping for as far as the eye can see. Measuring 1,142 feet high and 5 miles in circumference it is an “island mountain” made up of mostly feldspar and quartz. The large rock formation also extends 2.5 miles into the ground making it the second largest monolith in the world, after Mount Augustus, which is also in Australia.
The Pitjantjatjara people believe in a spiritual creation process called “dreamtime.” They believe that every person exists eternally in this “dreaming” and that the huge rock was formed when two boys built it up out of mud and left it to dry. Therefore, to them it is a very sacred monument.
The rock is also a recreational pursuit where tourists climb the huge formation and then sign a guest book at the top. Although frowned upon by the spiritualists of the aboriginal peoples climbing Uluru has become a big part of exploring the Northern Territory. In fact the formation is so incredible that it has been named a World Heritage Site and that, in itself is a huge draw.
As for accommodation at Uluru there is Voyages Ayers Rock Resort that includes five hotels or the traveler can “rough it” and experience more of the land at the Voyages Ayers Rock Resort Campground. There are another dozen places to stay that are more modestly priced.
In addition, with over 65 Uluru tours, local activities and attractions geared to “the Rock” and Tjuta National Park there is always a great adventure. You can ride a camel or hop on a Harley but the most popular is still a base walk around Uluru with an experienced guide who can explain the flora and fauna of the area. In addition, the traveler will have to learn the aboriginal myths like “dreamtime.”
Ayer’s Rock/Uluru is situated 281 miles southwest of the nearest large town, which is Alice Springs. This bustling little community has a major airport and the adventurers can shuttle to Uluru by bus.
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