Found within the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, Uluru is one of the most iconic sites of the Australian Outback. Here are some incredible facts about this giant rock.
1. It’s big!
Uluru is 348 metres high, its circumference is 9.4km, it’s 3.6km long and is 1.9km across at its widest point. Classed as a monolith, this massive rock is one single piece of stone.
2. Most of it is underground
Like an iceberg, what you see of Uluru is only its tip. Uluru may have 348 metres visible above ground but under the earth it goes down for 2.5km!
3. It’s not the biggest rock in Australia
Mt. Augustus in Western Australia is not only 2 and a half times larger than Uluru, but it is also the largest rock in the world!
4. It’s really old
Geologists estimate that Uluru is over 600 million years old! At the time of its formation, it would have lived under the sea, created by the water pressure that compressed layers of sediment to form the rock.
5. It is a sacred site
Uluru holds massive spiritual importance for the Anangu people. They believe ancestral beings formed Uluru at the beginning of the world, a time period called tjukurpa. Rituals and ceremonies are still performed around the rock to honour this. Archaeological evidence suggests that Indigenous people have lived around Uluru for over 30,000 years. The rock art found on the walls dates back more than 5,000 years.
6. Uluru or Ayers rock?
When European settlers arrived in Australia, they named the giant monolith Ayers Rock. The explorer William Gosse was the first non-aboriginal person to see Uluru in 1873 and he gave it its new title. However, prior to this, the Aboriginal population named it Uluru. The original name derives from the Pitjantjatjara language and in 1993, the giant rock was officially renamed Uluru.
7. The red colour is rust
The red colour that symbolises the area results from the iron content in the rock. As the minerals are exposed to the elements, they begin to rust. If you were to cut Uluru open, the colour of the rock inside wouldn’t be red, but more of a grey colour.
8. The Anangu people own Uluru
The indigenous population of Uluru, the Anangu, own both Uluru and the Kata Tjuta (the nearby domed rock formation) and lease the land to the Australian Government. Until 1985, the government owned the land but after 35 years of campaigning, the Anangu were recognised as the traditional owners and had the land released back into their hands.
9. Sunrise and sunset or not to be missed
It is at these times of day that a gorgeous golden hue illuminates the red rock, showcasing its spectacular colours and unique structure.
10. Stargazing at Uluru is incredible
With no light pollution, Uluru enjoys uninterrupted views of the milky way on clear nights. As the blue sky gives way to an inky black, millions of stars twinkle in the sky and you could see a shooting star once every 15 minutes!
11. You can’t climb Uluru
As of October 26th 2019, Uluru cannot be climbed. This is in accordance with the wishes of the indigenous people who consider the rock to be sacred.
If you want to see these incredible sights for yourself then you can join one of the Uluru Tours offered by Sightseeing Tours Australia!
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About the Author
Sarah Adair is a Brit living in Australia and seeing as much of the world as she can! Sarah is the owner at Wandering Wills.
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