The enormous monolith and World Heritage Site of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, fascinates and inspires people from around the world with its glowing presence at sunrise and sunset. The Uluru and Kata Tjuta you see today are the remains of erosion that began around 500 million years ago. Both formations are but visible tips of enormous slabs of rock that extend as far as six kilometres into the ground.
Archaeological work suggests that Aboriginal people have lived in the area for at least 22,000 years. The Anangu people are Uluru’s traditional custodians but until recently, the famous monolith was known as Ayers Rock, named after former premier Sir Henry Ayers by European explorer William Gosse, who first sighted the rock in 1873. Uluru was returned to the care and ownership of the Anangu in 1985 and they now jointly manage the national park with Parks Australia.
Due to it’s sacred history, it is important as a responsible traveller to consider the local history, people and customs of Ayers Rock.
You can help support the Uluru-Kata Tjuta region and the rich indigenous culture whilst learning about the area from an Aboriginal perspective, by visiting Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, buying local art or joining a tour with a local Aboriginal guide.
The main travel tip is that the Anangu people prefer visitors don’t climb Uluru because it’s a sacred site. Read more...