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Ayers Rock
Experience all things to do in Ayers Rock! Located in the Red Centre of the Northern Territory, Australia, Ayers Rock or Uluru is one of the greatest natural attractions and an iconic landmark of Australia. Now commonly known by its Aboriginal name, Uluru, The Rock is extremely important to Aboriginal (Anangu) society and is central to their indigenous culture and history. At Uluru you can take part in cultural tours to understand its historical and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, see ancient rock art and learn about the traditions and stories of the Dreamtime.
Uluru / Ayres Rock is a giant sandstone monolith that towers over the desert landscape of the World Heritage Listed Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. Its famous red hue is recognisable the world over and for many travellers arriving at Uluru is the most anticipated moment of their Australian holiday and offers a wealth of spiritual and cultural experiences. Located near the famous Outback town of Alice Springs, Uluru is just one of many natural wonders of the Northern Territory. While you are there be sure to check out:
- Uluru's sister formation - The Olgas or Kata Tjuta: is a large group of domed rock formations, these impressive natural giants are made up of a conglomerate of rock types that, like Uluru seem to change colours at sunset and sunrise. Kata Tjuta also features the famous "Valley of the Winds" walk, a must when visiting Australia's Red Centre.
- Kings Canyon: part of the Watarrka National Park, the canyon sits at the western end of the George Hill range; a track takes visitors to the top with spectacular views of the gorge below and of the surrounding desert landscape.
- The MacDonnell Ranges: both of these mountain ranges contain many spectacular gaps and gorges as well as areas that are of spiritual and cultural significance to Aboriginal culture. and
- The Simpson Desert: an vast expanse of seemingly endless red sand dunes, the Simpson Desert is the symbolic heartland of the Australian Outback; containing some of the worlds longest parallel sand dunes, the desert is more than just dust and rock it is a thriving eco-system and an awe-inspiring sight to behold.
In addition, if you're looking for more information on what to do in the Northern Territory as a whole, be sure to check out our state page!
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The Top 10 Things to Do in the Ayers Rock / Uluru Region
Ayers Rock, also known as the Uluru, is located in the Northern Territory of Australia. This historically significant landmark is a sacred site for the Aboriginal people and many Aboriginal cave paintings can be found at the base of the Rock. Ayers Rock/ Uluru is also the most famous natural landmark of Australia, and many visitors make the trip to the Red Center to experience the history and culture for themselves.
The best times to view The Rock is at sunset and sunrise, when the light seems to change the colours of the rock to stunning mauves, pinks, reds and orange hues. Ayers Rock is not only physically beautiful; it also has a spiritual element and it could be attributed to the fact that Uluru is located on a major planetary grid point, much like that of the ancient pyramids in Egypt! Even though it seems to rise out of nowhere, a trip to Ayers Rock / Uluru leaves you with the opportunity to enjoy a variety of cultural activities and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage that makes Australia so unique.
As a spectacular natural attraction and an Australian icon recognised around the world, Ayers Rock or “Uluru” and its surrounding areas are very popular tourist destinations.
1. See the sun set on Uluru
Physically, Uluru is not only known for its massive size but also for its distinctive red colour, which is most vibrant at dawn and at sunset. Be amazed as you watch the setting sun brighten the giant red sandstone.
- Enjoy a BBQ Champagne dinner with views of the sunset on Uluru after a full day tour around the magnificent site.
2. Climb Uluru
Uluru is a spectacular vision, but a visit to this icon does not have to be a passive one. Enjoy views you can’t see from a base walk by climbing Uluru! While it is a fairly steep climb, there is a chain handhold to help with support. Climbing from the base to the highest point takes approximately one hour. Many of the tours that bring you to Uluru offer hours of free time; this is your opportunity for an unguided climb!
3. Visit the West MacDonnell Ranges
The West MacDonnells offer a perfect blend of the outback’s most impressive sites. Marvel spectacular ochre coloured mountains and swim in refreshing waterholes. Explore the region’s massive gaps, gorges, clefts, dry riverbeds, creeks, and waterholes.
- Take a guided tour to some of the West MacDonnell’s key sites, such as Mt Gillen, Standley Chasm, Angkerie Creek, Ellery Creek Big Hole, Glen Helen Gorge, Ormiston Gorge, and Simpons Gap.
- Join a guided tour that brings you to the highlights of both the MacDonnell Ranges and the outback town, Alice Springs.
4. Stay overnight at Uluru
Ayers RockOne of the fascinating qualities of Uluru is that it appears to change colour in different conditions and different times of day. To get a full experience, it is ideal to spend the night near the red rock. You can spend the day walking or climbing it, watch the sunset on it, enjoy the night sky’s stars, and wake up to the sunrise above Uluru.
- Join a 3 day, 2 night all-inclusive camping tour.
- Join a 2 day, 1 night all-inclusive tour with motel accommodations.
5. Tour Alice Springs
With Aboriginal and European influences, Alice Springs is a charming town, rich in history. Located in the Red Centre, Alice Springs is an outback town, consisting of a desert environment with several creeks running through (which gave the town its name). Tour the natural environment, the historical buildings, and the cultural sites of Alice Springs.- On a Hop On Hop Off tour, explore the town at your own pace or stay aboard, listening to the live commentary, for 70 minutes.
- Join a guided tour that brings you to the highlights of Alice Springs, as well as to the MacDonnell Ranges.
6. Walk the rim or base of Kings Canyon
This large gorge has 300 metre high walls. The loop around the rim is 6km and takes approximately 3 hours, while the base walking route is only 2km. While the top walk is gorgeous, the summer’s heat can sometimes make this walk difficult.- Join a tour group to walk around the rim or, if it is too hot, walk the base and visit Kathleen Springs and Kings Canyon.
7. See an outback farm
- Visit a historic cattle station and learn about the industry and the challenges of working in the harsh conditions of a remote and dry farm.
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