7 Best Things to Do at Ayers Rock, Australia

Ayers Rock, or Uluru as Aboriginal landowners know it, is one of Australia's most iconic landmarks. Found amid the red sand hinterland in the Northern Territory, Uluru/Ayers Rock is sacred to the Aborigines. The Red Center, the area around Alice Springs where Uluru is located, is said to be the spiritual epicenter of Australia.

In 1993, a policy was adopted allowing official names consisting of both the traditional Aboriginal name and the English name. Then in 1993, the rock was renamed Ayers Rock/Uluru and the order of the two names was officially reverted to Uluru/Ayers Rock in 2002.

There are many things to do while you are there, from walking around the rock to learning about Aboriginal culture.

Uluru/Ayer's Rock is more than just a big rock and should be on your list of must-see trips to Australia!

There are unique places to stay in this special place that seems to merge with the dunes and rock formations. At Ayers Rock Resort, you will experience the sacred rock and all its wonders through some of your resort experiences and tours.

Sails in the Desert emphasizes indigenous culture. Still, the hotel has resort facilities with a large pool with gum trees and modern dining options, a bar, and a lounge where you can enjoy indigenous-inspired cocktails, music, and cuisine. The Mulgara Gallery of Sails in the Desert exhibits indigenous art and culture. And after a day of hiking in the red rock desert, you can indulge in one of the treatments at the Red Ocher Spa.

The most exclusive hotel in the resort area is Longitude 131 °, with 15 glamping tents complete with king-size beds facing Uluru/Ayer's Rock for an incredible view of the sunrise over the sacred red rock.

1. Admire the Rock's Sheer Size

When you see Uluru / Ayer Rock in photos, it is difficult to imagine the size of this natural phenomenon. As one of the largest monoliths in the world, Uluru / Ayer’s Rock rises above you more than 300 meters (or about 1,000 feet) high and 2 kilometers (or more than 1.2 miles) wide.

This sandstone rock dates back around 500 million years, around the same time that the Australian continent was formed. The name Ayers Rock was chosen by Ernest Giles, an Anglo-Australian explorer who named it after the Prime Minister of South Australia at the time, Sir Henry Ayers. However, Uluru is the traditional and cultural domain of the Anangu people that certainly predates the arrival of Giles.

2. Walk, Hike, or Ride Around the Rock

Uluru / Ayer Rock is even more impressive up close; its apparently smooth surface is covered with scales, scars and caves. Although it is considered incredibly disrespectful for the Anangu people to climb Uluru / Ayer's Rock, and climbing the landmark is now prohibited, it is highly recommended that you take the time to explore it. Walking around the rock is a 9km round trip, or about 6 miles, so remember to wear good walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.

3. Take a Camel Tour

The interior has many secrets hidden in its endless red sand, from some of the most diverse animals in the world to rock formations and hidden oases. The best way to explore the interior is on the back of a camel, as they are ideal for the heat and drought.

Uluru Camel Tours offers daily tours, including sunrise tours, day trips, and sunset tours around Uluru/Ayer's Rock and Olgas, a group of large rock formations on the summit.

4. Experience Aboriginal Culture

The Anangu people are the original inhabitants of Alice Springs and as a result, they have infinite knowledge of the area.

Whether you are interested in native food, traditional Aboriginal art, or simply understanding the spiritual and historical connection that the Anangu people have with the Uluru / Ayer rock, there is a tour that can give you an even deeper appreciation of this incredible part of Australian culture.

Whether you are staying at Ayers Rock Resort or any other accommodation option, you will likely have access to some free Aboriginal exhibits, such as dancing, boomerang throwing, traditional point painting, or bush tours. You can see yourself participating and learning to do things like throw a boomerang.

5. Go Stargazing

Being located in the middle of the desert has its advantages, that is, the absence of artificial light pollution, which provides an incredible view of the stars.

6. Dine Al Fresco

The Sounds of Silence, managed by Ayers Rock Resort, offers an unforgettable dining experience in the Red Center.

Watch the sunset over Uluru/Ayer's Rock as you sip gourmet canapes and sparkling wine, then dine under the stunning night sky while enjoying a bush-tucker-themed buffet, complete with crocodile, kangaroo, and barramundi.

As the sky darkens, you'll hear the resident star announcer decode the southern night sky and didgeridoo performance.

7. Take to the Skies

Seeing the Uluru/Ayer Rock from the air is a sure way to fully understand how incredibly large it is and the best way to appreciate the vastness of the Australian outback. Professional Helicopter Services offers scenic flights over Uluru/Ayer’s Rock, the Olgas, and other incredible places.

Their helicopters are specially designed to ensure you have the best possible view so that you can take home some memories to last a lifetime.

We hope you enjoy watching this video about top things to do and see in Ayers Rock, Australia

Source: Sydney Private Guided Tours

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