Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Other Sacred Sites and Religious Art | March 26, 2010Uluru (formerly called ‘Ayers Rock’) is a mammoth sandstone rock located in central Australia (south of Northern Territory). Uluru, along with Kata Tjuta (‘the Olgas’) were considered sacred places by the Anangu (aboriginal people). A new sunrise viewing site called ‘Talinguru Nyakuntjaku’ (meaning ‘place to look from the sand dune’) has been recently opened on the eastern side of Uluru.
The land here is owned by the Anangu and is jointly managed by the Anangu and the Australian parks and management services.
Uluru is a beautiful tourism site and features many caves, waterholes and ancient rock paintings. The rock derives its rust colour from oxidation while the glowing effect at sunrise and sunset is caused by its arkosic sandstone.
History:
Archaeological evidences suggest that the earliest human settlements that had grown in Uluru date back to 10,000 years ago. The earliest non-native man to have sited the Uluru was explorer Ernest Giles in 1872. The rock was named Ayers Rock by surveyor William Gosse in honour of the Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. The name Uluru returned to use when in 1985 the land was handed over to the traditional native owners. The two names are used interchangeably. The rock and its surrounding park have been designated as National Park in 1987.
Geography:
One of Australia’s best known natural features and national symbols, Uluru is a monolithic stone extending upto 5 km beneath the desert plain and measuring 3.6 km by 2.4 km in surface area. The rock rises 863 metres above the sea level and undergoes splendid colour changes with the rays of the rising and the setting sun.
Climate:
December and January are months of blistering heat here. Some areas are even closed for the travelers’ safety during this time. July and August, on the other hand, witness a drastic contradiction with temperature dropping down to as low as minus 10 degrees. April and September offer a more temperate climate.
Flora and fauna:
Uluru is devoid of any vegetation, a feature that adds to its mysterious beauty. The base of the rock is nourished by rain runoff from Uluru and thus is a fertile oasis of water pools, rich greenery and wildlife.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is home to several hundred plant species, native mammals and reptile species.
Uluru Ayers Rock Activities:
- Climb:
It is always advisable to climb the rock early in the day. Carry water, stay to the track and avoid heat. However, sometimes climbing the Uluru is said to be against the Anangu people’s religious beliefs. Proper footwear is recommended. - Uluru base walk (about 10 km, duration: 3-4 hours)
- Mala Walk (2 km):
Begins at the Mala Walk car-park and ends at Kantju Gorge. - Liru Walk between the Cultural Centre and the base of Uluru (distance: 4km; time taken: about 1 and a half hours)
- Kuniya Walk:
An 1km walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole on the Southern side of Uluru.
Reaching Uluru:
By air:
Ayers Rock (Connellan) Airport is located 15 km from the park and serves the resort town of Yulara.
By road:
From Alice Springs (distance: 450 km)
Accommodation:
- Hotels at Yulara
- Curtin Springs Station near Yulara
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It is sometimes reported that those who take rocks from the formation will be cursed and suffer misfortune. There have been many instances where people who removed such rocks attempted to mail them back to various agencies in an attempt to remove the perceived curse.