Car Hire in Ayers Rock, Australia

Ayers Rock (Uluru)

Uluru is a giant sandstone monolith in the middle of the central Australian desert which has enthralled the native Aboriginal peoples for thousands of years. They held it in awe, treated it with caution, made it a place of worship, and told stories about its role in the creation of the world.

Since it was first sighted by Europeans in 1872, people from all over the world have flocked to marvel at this gigantic anomaly; the rock rises out of featureless desert like an island from the sea. Uluru is the most prominent and easily recognisable image of Australia, the number one attraction that should not be missed. Rather than blundering straight in like the early European explorers and settlers did, it is worth taking a few hours to learn about this fascinating landmark and the folklore that surrounds it, in order to be able to experience it ethically without causing offence to the traditional landowners.

The move towards using Uluru, the indigenous Aboriginal people’s original name for the site, is indicative of a nationwide move towards respecting Uluru’s ancient significance. The Australian government handed the land back to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara peoples in 1985, and it is now a national park owned and managed by Aboriginal landowners.

Eighteen-kilometres from the rock, the purpose-built town of Yulara, also known as Ayers Rock Resort Town, was developed on the outskirts of the national park in order to accommodate the tourists visiting the area. Yulara is a unique community in that the entire town is owned by a single company – Voyages – who lease the land from the Northern Territory Government.

Attractions

Sunrise and sunset are the most exciting times to view Uluru, and visitors should aim to spend at least a day and a night in the area. The rock is famous for its changing colours – as the quality of the sunlight alters throughout the day, the hue of the rock also varies: the landscape, though arid, is never monotonous.

The walk round the base of the rock is highly recommended: see Uluru from all angles and learn about the Aboriginal creation myths from informative signs at significant points. The rock is over 8km around, so take plenty of water and wear a hat – the desert sun can be scorching.

Historically, westerners have enjoyed conquering the rock by scaling its sheer sides – at nearly 350 metres high, with just a couple of ropes for assistance, this is no mean feet in the central Australian heat. Climbers have died in the attempt, but the real reason for staying on the ground is the polite request from Aboriginal landowners that visitors show their respect for the rock’s history by not touching it.

Entering the Kata Tjuta National Park costs $16.25 per person for a 3 day pass. The park is open between sunrise and sunset, 7 days a week. Don’t miss the Cultural Centre, created and managed by traditional landowners, which is a fascinating exhibition relating to the spiritual legends surrounding the rock, as well as its more recent history.

Uluru is not the only landmark of the Kata Tjuta National Park, which may come as a surprise to some people. The Olgas, a cluster of huge boulders of smooth sandstone, provide a variety of beautiful and different landscapes, and whilst they are less iconic than Uluru they can be just as striking. Take half a day to explore the area.

Shopping

Yulara is a truly tiny desert town, composed of the full range of tourist accommodation but little else. It can meet your immediate needs with food and souvenir shops aplenty, and a post office (the only business in the area NOT owned by Voyages). For a more satisfying consumer experience, make the 400 km journey to Alice Springs, which is a relatively bustling city with a pedestrianised mall.

Eating and Nightlife

Go upmarket at the renowned Sails in the Desert hotel, with two in-house restaurants on offer – the elegant and sophisticated Kuniya and the funky brasserie-style Winkiku. Both offer delicious meals and a tempting cocktail list. However, if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to that then you’ll be pleased to learn that the campsite and the YHA hostel both have their own bar and restaurant at affordable prices.

Information

Visitors Centre
Yulara Drive, Yulara

• Tel (08) 8956 7377
• Open 8.30am-8pm daily

Cultural Centre, Uluru

• Ph: (+61) 8 - 8956 1128
• Fax: (+61) 8 - 8956 2360
• E-mail: uluru.info@deh.gov.au

Airport and Transport

Yulara has its own airport, with flights arriving from Cairns, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Alice Springs. Alternatively, you can drive from Alice Springs (400 km). The 18 hour train known as the Ghan runs between Alice Springs and Adelaide.
The Yulara Resort operates a free shuttle bus which meets all flights to the airport and serves all accommodation in Yulara. A free shuttle is also provided around the main destinations in the resort town.