Uluru

Uluru is a large sandstone monolith located in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park in the Petermann region of the Northern Territory, about 450 km southwest of Alice Springs. Standing 348 metres high and 9.4 km in circumference, it is an iconic natural landmark of central Australia. It is jointly managed and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its natural and cultural values.

Visitors can expect a vast desert landscape with the massive sandstone monolith as the central feature. The site includes marked walking trails around the base, viewing areas for sunrise and sunset, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre with exhibits, and guided ranger and Anangu-led tours. The surroundings are arid with sparse vegetation, waterholes, rock art sites and caves visible along the Mala and Kuniya walks.

Uluru is formed from arkose sandstone deposited about 550 million years ago. European naming as Ayers Rock occurred in 1873 by surveyor William Gosse. The area was established as a national park in 1958 and inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 for natural values and in 1994 for cultural values. Joint management arrangements were established in 1985.

Uluru holds deep cultural significance for the Anangu, the traditional owners of the land, and is central to Tjukurpa (traditional law and stories). The Cultural Centre and guided walks share knowledge of traditional stories, rock art, and connection to country for visitor education.