Tourist Attractions Around Ayers Rock (Uluru) | Relax and Enjoy a Camel Ride

Ayers Rock, one of the world’s largest monoliths, is located almost in the center of the Australian continent. As a major tourist attraction and a quintessential symbol of Australian travel, it is home to the Ayers Rock Resort, which features accommodation facilities and shopping centers. This vast red-soil land holds the strong cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people, and Ayers Rock is known in their native language as "Uluru." Due to its distinctive shape, it is also referred to as the "navel of the world," and attracts visitors from all over the globe. Here are four recommended sightseeing spots around Ayers Rock.

1. Uluru

The name Ayers Rock originates from Henry Ayers, the Premier of South Australia at the time of its discovery. Its official name, however, is "Uluru," which comes from the language of the Aboriginal people. In 1987, it was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Uluru is the second-largest monolith in the world, standing approximately 340 meters tall with a circumference of about 9.4 kilometers. Interestingly, only about 10% of the rock is visible above ground—the rest lies beneath the surface. It is believed to be connected underground to Kata Tjuta, a group of 36 large rock formations located around 30 kilometers away.

One of the highlights of visiting Uluru is watching how the rock changes color depending on the position of the sun—sunrises and sunsets are especially breathtaking! While climbing Uluru has been prohibited since October 26, 2019, visitors can still enjoy views from observation decks or from the sky, take a relaxed camel tour, or even speed through the desert on a Harley-Davidson!

2. Kata Tjuta

Another major sightseeing highlight located about 30 kilometers from Ayers Rock is “Kata Tjuta.” In the Aboriginal language, Kata Tjuta means “many heads.” This tourist spot, also known by its English name “Mount Olga,” is a group of 36 massive rock domes. You will be captivated by the sight of these strange rock formations spread across an area of about 22 square kilometers. Like Ayers Rock, it is also recognized as a World Heritage Site.

Walking trails are available, including a 4-kilometer trail that takes about 1 hour, and a 7-kilometer trail that takes approximately 4 hours. On the 7-kilometer trail, there is a point called “Valley of the Winds,” where you can enjoy a refreshing breeze and breathtaking scenery just as the name suggests. There are water stations along the way, but be sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen.

3. Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is a place where you can learn about history during your visit to Ayers Rock. It is located at the base of Uluru. The centre explains, through panels and videos, the story of how Uluru and Kata Tjuta were returned by the Australian government to their original owners, the Aboriginal people, in 1985.

Inside the facility, you'll also find Aboriginal murals. You can even watch Aboriginal artists at work. The centre also displays animal taxidermy and traditional tools, making it a great place to gain insight into local knowledge. There is also a souvenir shop, so it's a nice spot to pick up a memento from your visit to Ayers Rock.

4. Field of Light

How about spending a magical night during your Ayers Rock (Uluru) tour? Starting at sunset, the "Field of Light" is a dazzling light entertainment show that glows across the desert. This grand solar-powered illumination show was created by internationally active British artist Bruce Munro. Over 50,000 lights illuminate an area equivalent to four soccer fields. You can witness the collaboration of Uluru’s silhouette and the lights!

In addition to the night view, you can also enjoy sunrise tours—there are various options. Although originally a limited-time event, its popularity has led to an extension until December 2020. Don’t miss the chance to make this part of your Ayers Rock tour memory.

Summary

We introduced four recommended tourist spots around Ayers Rock (Uluru). We included both well-known attractions and relatively new ones such as the "Field of Light." Be sure to visit Ayers Rock, where you can truly experience the natural beauty of Australia. Just remember to protect yourself from sunburn and stay well-hydrated to make the most of your visit!

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Tourist Attractions Around Ayers Rock (Uluru) | Relax and Enjoy a Camel Ride