Last Updated on October 24, 2023 by Home in the World
Some may be more familiar with the name Ayers Rock, though it is now rightfully referred to using its Aboriginal name of Uluru, which denotes the rock itself, as well as the surrounding area. Uluru is located on the land of the Yankunytjatjara people in Australia’s Northern Territory, and is considered sacred by many Aboriginal people. As such, climbing it is now (thankfully) prohibited. When I was there, it was still only discouraged but not officially banned, so it was not uncommon to see trails of tourists hiking up the red mound. Personally I think sites like this should be respected, not trampled over.
There is a definite energy emanating from the rock, not least because, apart from the Olgas rock formations approx. 50 km (30 miles) away, the sparsely vegetated terrain all around it is flat for as far as the eye can see. You really do feel you are at the very centre of Australia. At night, it is a haven for astrophotographers, with the sky appearing like a snow-dome of stars overhead. It is not hard to see why many of the local indigenous tribes revere it so much. People are believed to have lived in the region for some 30,000 years, and several cave areas of Uluru display paintings documenting Aboriginal Dreamtime creation stories.
The rich colours of Australia’s outback are all on show here, from the red of the rock and soil, to the greens and yellows of the trees and shrubs, to the bright blue (at least when I was there) of the seemingly endless sky.
The rock has a changing palette of its own as the sun begins to set (in October this was just before 7pm), the light and shadows seeing it transform from a blazing orange to a muted purple in the space of about half an hour. Every hue had its own distinct mood and character.
It is surprising how few Australians have actually visited Uluru. I am definitely glad to have done so, despite it only being for 2 nights. Anyone wanting to explore it and the neighbouring Olgas in more detail should allow an extra few days. All in all, a unique, iconic place with an unmistakable and almost intimidating power.
Trip facts:
When I visited: October 2007
Weather: October was a very pleasant time of year to visit. Daytime temperatures were around 28°C (82°F) and dry. The desert location means the nights can still get quite cool though, so it is advisable to pack accordingly. The UV in Australia is also often very high, particularly in seasons outside of winter, so sun protection is a must.
Where I stayed: Desert Gardens Hotel