Uluru (Ayers Rock): Central Australia's Iconic Monolith

The massive sandstone monolith in central Australia is Uluru (Aboriginal name) / Ayers Rock (colonial name, 1873). Dual-named officially since 1993.

Location

• Region: Northern Territory
• Park: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park (UNESCO World Heritage, 1987)
• Coordinates: 25.3444° S, 131.0369° E
• Nearest town: Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort), 18 km
• Nearest city: Alice Springs, 450 km (4.5h drive)

Physical Specs

• Height: 348 m (1,142 ft) above plain; 863 m (2,831 ft) above sea level
• Circumference: 9.4 km (5.8 mi)
• Geology: Arkose sandstone, ~550M years old, tipped vertical by orogeny
• Color shifts: Iron oxide surface — glows red at dawn/dusk

Cultural Significance

Anangu (Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara) traditional owners. Tjukurpa (law/creation stories) embedded in features. Climbing banned Oct 2019 (cultural respect + safety — 37 deaths). Base walk (10.6 km) preferred.

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

36 domed rock formations 25 km west — same geological origin, equally sacred. Valley of the Winds walk.

Visiting

Fly: Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) from major cities. Drive: Stuart Highway (sealed). Park pass: $38 (3 days). Respect photography restrictions (sacred sites).