Australia Tourist AttractionsAyers Rock
Along with the Sydney Opera House, Ayers Rock is one of the most famous attractions in Australia and it is also one of the great wonders of the world. Millions of tourists visit Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru, its aboriginal name, each year. The Rock is located in the Northern Territory in Kata Tjuta National Park which is 350km southwest of Alice Springs. The aboriginals view Ayers Rock as a sacred site and request that tourists do not partake in the popular activity of climbing the monolith. Unfortunately, the tourists often ignore this plea and most visitors to the site climb the steep 1.6km to the top. Along with the spiritual significance of the site, the aboriginals also discourage climbing the mound due to safety reasons. Many tourists have died or been injured during the climb due to the heat and strenuous conditions. Visitor should not attempt to climb the Rock unless they are in top form. There are plenty of other activities to partake in besides the climb such as ranger guided and self guided walks along one of the many trails in the park or a visit to the cultural centre to learn about the history of the area and the Anangu tribe, the original land owners of Uluru.
For more information on Ayers Rock visit the Australian Department of Environment and Heritage . Entry to the park is only $16.25 and that allows visitors access for three days.
Getting to Ayers Rock
Yulara is the closest town to Uluru (20 km) and there are shuttle buses running the distance between the two destinations several times a day. The Uluru Express offers a number of options and packages.
It is possible to see Ayers Rock on a day trip from Alice Springs but this is a very long day and travelers may feel rushed. Emu Run offers excellent day trips to Uluru. Besides day trips from Alice Springs, there are several package tours available that last for a few days. These tours offer travelers the option of camping or staying in hotels/hostels. They are a great value and often show visitors sights off the beaten pathway.
Some good tour companies include:
Red Rock Sararis - http://www.redrocksafaris.com.au/
Kakadu Ayers Rock Tours - www.kakaduayersrocktours.com
Wayward Bus - www.waywardbus.com.au
Wayoutback Desert Safaris - www.wayoutback.com.au
It is possible to get to Yulara from Alice Springs by a Greyhound bus. Visit their website here for schedule and fare information. Yulara also has an airport which has flights to and from Alice Springs.
The best way to see Ayers Rock is by car. It is highly recommended to hire a car in Alice Springs or Yulara and drive there yourself. This enables complete freedom to stop where you please and to go at your own pace.
Ayers Rock Accomodation
The best place to stay when visiting Ayers Rock is in Yulara where there are a number of lodging options. Another option is the Ayers Rock Resort which has several different hotels in the compound.