Ayers Rock, Australia

Ayers Rock guide

The anangu aboriginal people are the owners of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta national park. Uluru is most commonly known as Ayers Rock. The Anangu people lease the land out to a government body called 'Environment Australia' who have built a beautiful resort in Yulara; this makes visiting the area a very pleasant and comfortable experience. Yulara is 20 km from Uluru and all the hotels and hostels in the complex are run through the same administrators. The complex has restaurants (most are in the hotels), supermarket, take away, bars, pharmacy, post office and tourist information. If you don't want to pay the restaurant prices visit the 'Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge' as they have plenty of BBQ's so you can cook your own food bought from the bar. All the hotels are beautiful which does make the high prices easier to swallow but if you don't want to spend lots of money on accommodation the 'Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge' has mixed and unisex dorms; there's also a campsite.

There's plenty to see in the area so it may be worthwhile spending a few days here. Uluru is 3.6 km long and 348 m high; it is believed that two thirds of the rock lies beneath the red dusty sand. The rock changes colour from the different levels of the sun throughout the day. Make sure you go and see the rock either at dawn or sunset (or both!). Just before sunrise all the tourists wait patiently in the dark for the first exposure of the sun; from the first rays the rock immediately turns to a burnt red colour and as the sun rises it gradually becomes illuminated into a burnished orange. Throughout the day the rock is a kind of ochre-brown colour and at night the colours will naturally be reversed. Different types of tours available from tourist information will allow you to spend different increments of time at Uluru to explore its contours, history, aboriginal stories, paintings, carvings, spirituality and beliefs. You can climb the rock but the anangu people would prefer you not to so you do not come to any harm but also because the rock has great spiritual significance (there have been injuries from people falling if the wind picks up). If you do not want to be restricted by time you can hire a car; it's quite straight forward to drive to the rock from Yulara.

One kilometer from Uluru is Kata Tjuta; here you will find aboriginal art and explanations of aboriginal law, religion and custom. There are more organic rocks and areas in the park to explore by foot.

Flights to Uluru Airport (AYQ)

Connellan Airport is 6 km north of Yulara.

To and from Uluru Airport

Activities and sightseeing at Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta National Park

Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta, dunes, scenic flights. There are many tours available which you will be able to book at tourist information. AAT Kings, Anangu Tours , Uluru Express , Discovery Ecotours.

Eating and drinking in Yulara

Pioneer BBQ at Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge sell BBQ combinations for you to cook yourself; you can try kangaroo, crocodile and emu if you're feeling adventurous! Veggie burgers are also available. If you're looking for something more up-market 'Sails in the Desert' is a 5 star hotel with several beautiful restaurants (also nice for breakfast!) and a piano bar. There are also cafes and takeaways available.