Uluru/Ayers Rock is one of Australia’s most recognisable natural icons. The world-renowned sandstone formation stands 348 metres high and 863 metres above sea level (with most of its bulk BELOW the ground) and measures 9.4 kilometres in circumference.
Kata Tjuta, also called Mount Olga or The Olgas, is another rock formation about 25 kilometres west of Uluru. Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great cultural significance for the Anangu traditional landholders, who conduct walking tours to inform visitors about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the Aboriginal dreamtime stories of the area.
Uluru is notable for appearing to change colour as the different light strikes it at different times of the day and year, with sunset the most popular time of day as The Rock takes on a red glow. Rainfall is uncommon in this semi-arid area but, during wet periods, The Rock acquires a silvery-grey colour – with streaks of black algae forming on the areas that serve as channels for water flow.
Ulura and Kata Tjuta are the two major features of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Uluru is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara – the Aboriginal people of the area. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site and has many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings.
Special viewing areas with road access and parking have been constructed to give tourists the best views of both sites at dawn and dusk.