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Articles Ancient landformsKata Tjuta's domes began as sediment in a shallow inland sea. Forced upwards under pressure, the landscape developed fissures that have been eroded over millions of years to form the domes that are among Central Australia's most unusual landforms.  Bird's eye viewAn unforgettable way to experience Uluru is a flight in a light aircraft or helicopter for a bird's eye view of the monolith and surrounding plains. The experience varies with the season or time of day, but the memories can last a lifetime.  Bountiful birdsKata Tjuta is a haven for birds that have adapted to life in the harsh, arid conditions. The magnificent wedge-tailed eagle, brown and peregrine falcons, Australian kestrel, black-breasted kite and the woodswallow are among the birds that can be seen.  Creation significanceUluru holds a significant place in the Anangu people's creation stories and laws, known as Tjukurpa. Many stories relate to how ancestral beings formed the rock. Aboriginal guides share these ancient tales with visitors on tours around Uluru's base.  Desert explorersVisitors can experience the outback from the backs of camels, once the main way of getting around in the outback. Camel tours at Uluru capture the essence of camel-back exploration with a choice of escorted rides across the desert sands.  Scenic ridesAside from a walking tour, one of the best ways to enjoy Uluru is a motorcycle tour. About a dozen companies offer scenic rides or rent out bikes. Sunrise and sunset are prime times to be out touring, as the rock changes colour with the light.  See Uluru and Kata TjutaAlthough less famous than its neighbour Uluru, Kata Tjuta holds its own as an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Sightseeing and walking tours offer opportunities for great photography. The spectacular sunsets rival those of Uluru.  Spiritual significanceAs sites sacred to the local Anangu Aboriginal people, the forms of Kata Tjuta - which means many heads - incorporate the actions, artefacts and bodies of ancestral heroes celebrated in the Tjukurpa creation stories, laws and culture of the Anangu. more  Uluru's true meaningWalks around Uluru with Aboriginal guides offer a spiritual interpretation and an understanding of its history. Visitors can retrace the path the Liru ancestors made to Uluru and see scars left on the rock from battling Kuniya thousands of years ago. more  Valley of the WindsKata Tjuta's Valley of the Winds is best enjoyed on foot. For the fit and experienced, a four- to five-hour walk meanders around several domes. Tatintjawiya (Olga Gorge) can be seen on a walk of about an hour. On very hot days walking is restricted. more  Visit legendary UluruA ruddy sandstone monolith, Uluru, lies five hours south-west of Alice Springs, an irresistible challenge to adventure-seekers. It rears 348 metres above the land and hides many secrets. more |
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Uluru / Ayers Rock is Australia's most recognisable natural icon. Standing 348 metres high, the monolith has a great cultural significance for the traditional Aboriginal owners, the Anangu people. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is located 440 kilometres by road south-west of Alice Springs and encompasses both Uluru/Ayers Rock and the 36 domes of Kata Tjuta / The Olgas, an both dating back hundreds of million of years. Visitors to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park can also browse through the informative and award-winning Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. When exploring the base of Uluru / Ayers Rock, there are a number of excellent interpretative walks, including the Uluru Base Walk and the Kuniya Walk. The Valley of the Winds Walk winds through the domes of Kata Tjuta and includes spectacular lookout points. These walks can be done independently or as part of a tour. Visitors stay at Ayers Rock Resort, which is the focal point for the township of Yulara.