 |
1 of 2 |
 |
Extended Description:
Uluru is sometimes known as Ayers Rock and it is one of the most beautiful and mysterious visions in the world. Uluru is a large rock formation in central Australia's Northern Territory. It is 450 kilometres from Alice Springs, and is part of the Uluru-Kata Tiuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the Aboriginal people of the area and it is listed as a World Heritage Site.
Uluru is possibly one of Australia's most recognisable icons along with kangaroos and koalas. The formation stands almost 350 metres high and measures just under 9.5 kilometres in circumference.Walking tours of Uluru are a great source of information and entertainment, as visitors have the opportunity to hear all about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the mysterious Aboriginal Dreamtime.
Activity Info:
What to Do
The Kata Tjuta National Park is home to Uluru as well as many native flora and fauna. Kata Tjuta is another rock formation 25 kilometres from Uluru. Special viewing areas have been constructed so tourists get the best views of both sites at dawn and dusk and there are a wide variety of different tour co-ordinators who offer a range of tour options.
If you're an amateur or professional photographer, Uluru offers some of the most splendid landscapes and contrasts. From the changes in colour during the day to the incredible thunderstorms that light up the background around the rock, many photographers lose themselves in this place and spend years dreaming of going back.
Watch the stars at night. An astronomer guides you through a ninety minute show of the stars in the clearest sky you will ever see at night. The zodiac constellations are revealed, discover how to find south using the Southern Cross or explore the Milky Way, the planets and stars using a range of large telescopes.
Harley Rides are popular around the resort, or perhaps go all the way to the airport and back. Stop off where you like and take some photos.
Take a Tour and listen to Aboriginal legends or visit the caves with ancient paintings. Why not visit a painting workshop and learn how the Aborigines create their remarkable artworks. Tours of Uluru or Kata Tjuta are available.
Take a camel tour. Yep, it's true, you can take a ride on a camel at sunrise or sunset and experience the incredible serenity of Ulura at its most beautiful.
You can climb Ulura but locals do ask that you don't for safety and cultural reasons. The path will cross a traditional Dreamtime track and it can be quite a long and demanding journey to the top. You will need to be fit and it can be quite windy, despite this it's very popular.
Be warned though, there have been a number of deaths and injuries caused by climbing incidents. There is also the legend of a curse to those who take rocks from the site of Uluru. Over the years there have been many rock souvenirs returned from all over the world after people hear of the curse. We believe the rock is best viewed from a distance rather than climbing it and the traditional land owners should have their wishes for people not to climb the rock respected.
Places to Eat
The Sounds of Silence is award-winning dining under the stars at Uluru. Sounds of Silence is truly special and includes entertainment, canapes, beer, wines and beverages, gourmet barbecue, dessert, tea, coffee, port, star talk and stargazing. Prices vary and children under ten years old are not permitted. Average price is approximately $150 per person.
The Pioneer BBQ and Bar is as Australian as you get. Try the full Aussie outback grill, a combination of crocodile, emu, kangaroo and salad. It's self serve, you cook for yourself using their facilities and the crocodile tastes just like chicken.
Weather Info:
At Ulura, the seasons change subtly throughout the year. The months of August and September are when the desert comes to life. Animals commence breeding, flowers start to bloom and reptiles end their hibernation and come out of hiding. It's the best time to visit Uluru and experience the many facets of the Australian icon.
By December the area becomes very hot and spectacular thunderstorms can be an incredible sight. The storms bring very little rain this time of year but do offer a once in a lifetime show. Average temperature during summer is 37 degrees C and can peak at 45 degrees.
January, February and March are usually the wettest months of the year and the National Park can come back to life in just a few days. It's still very hot this time of the year.
April and May are cooler months and the reptiles begin to hibernate, so if you don't get excited about reptiles or hot summer days this would be a good time to visit. Average temperature during winter is 4 degrees C but individual days can get to below zero.
May, June and July are traditional cold months throughout Australia, wait another month and catch Uluru and the National Park at their best.
|
Brief Description:
Uluru
Travel Info:
How to Get to Uluru / Ayers Rock
The most popular ways to get to Uluru are to drive, catch a bus or join a tour from Alice Springs. Alice Springs airport, which is also known as Connellan Airport, has limited flights serviced by Tiger Airways and Qantas. The airport is located just outside the National Park.
|
