| AYERS ROCK - NORTHERN TERRITORY - 0872 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
Population: 100 Height above sea level: 348m Latitude: 25.2100 Longitude: 131.0400 Location: 1,950km south of Darwin Highway: Lasseter Hwy from Erldunda. Nearest Major Town: Alice Springs 450 NE. Nearest Airport: Yulara Touring Area: Central Australia |
 |
 Ayers Rock during rain - a rare sight. | |
 | ||||
|
The Ayers Rock, Uluru National Park in Central Australia is one of the world's
better known landmarks. Steeped in aboriginal mythology, and stunning in its
appearance and sheer size, it has been a magnet to visitors for years. This
popularity has resulted in the building of a modern tourism complex 'Yulara',
completed in 1984, a major airport and other visitor facilities.
Ayers Rock (Uluru) was named by explorer William Gosse who visited there in July, 1873, and named it after Henry Ayers, then Governor of South Australia, The largest monolith in the world, it rises 348 metres above the surrounding plains and is nearly 9km. around its base. Some 30km. west are the Olgas (many heads) a group of domes of which Mt. Olga, a massive outcrop, is the tallest. The Ayers Rock-Mt Olga/ Uluru National Park lies 478km. south-west of Alice Springs and is accessible by plane, coach or private vehicle. The all-bitumen Lasseter Highway to the National Park was opened in September 1983. In the 1980's the Australian Federal Government considered in its wisdom that the future of Australia would best be served by giving Ayers Rock to the indigenous aboriginals and then leasing it back. It is now under aboriginal management and is a National Park. The nearby, purpose built resort town of Yulara Village has plenty of accommodation and facilities in the village are adequate. Coach tours, hire cars and air transport are all available to Uluru from Alice Springs and major cities. The rock itself is renowned for its changing colours as the light reflects from its surface at different times of the day. A climb at the western end provides access to the summit, however it is only recommended for those of average or better fitness. Deviating from the marked track is dangerous and several people have fallen over the years. Significant points of interest are 'The Climb', 'Maggie's Springs', the 'Kangaroo Tail', and 'The Brain'. Mount Olga (Katatjula) is some 25 km. west of Ayers Rock and has a number of walks for visitors. 'The Olgas' are a spectacular collection of rocks, carved by erosion and time, and offer plenty of variety in photographic and painting aspects. There is an entrance fee to Uluru National Park, and professional photographers will need a permit in advance to take photographs or film, and sun-hats and creams are advised.  
PLACES OF INTEREST:
|
© Copyright Peter W. Wilkins