  Uluru National Park (Ayers R...
Click to get the inside scoop from
real travelers here at VirtualTourist. See the Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Travel GuideInside advice from real people on:Overview, Hotels, Things to Do, Restaurants, Nightlife, Shopping, General Tips, Transportation, Off the Beaten Path, Tourist Traps, Warnings or Dangers, Local Customs, Packing Lists or Sports Travel.
 484 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Tips.990 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Photos.1 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Videos. Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Pages by willy_wonka
Tips 1 - 10 of 13 Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Things to Do
|
|
 |
Things To Do: colors of the outback
|
Tip Rating:  |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
as anyone who has been to the desert would know, the colors out here are breathtaking, and simply stunning! uluru is no exception. the rock changes color in various parts of the day, from dark browns to reds, rich golds, and even sometimes grey!
this photo was taken at around midday, when the sun was at it's brightest.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: many aspects...
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
uluru is not just a rock to be climbed. it is an important cultural place for the traditional anangu people. another surprising thing is that the rock has many caves, gorges, creekbeds & other natural features which are of importance to the people. i was quite surprised, as i thought it was just the rock, meeting with the earth. but it's not. there is heaps to explore, all without climbing and going against the wishes of the traditional owners.
and while im at it, i just have to say, i have seen some people on vt who have climbed the rock. while i respect each person can do what they like, i think its pretty disgusting that you still ignore all the signs and the wishes of the people.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: waterholes
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
located at the base of uluru you can sometimes find beautiful watering holes that have a year round water supply. to the aboriginals this is very sacred ground, as obviously, water gives life out here. compared to the outside areas, getting deep into the gorge and sitting by this little lake was such a relief and change of temperature. i can see why it is so important to the anangu people.
even though its tempting to go in for a swim, please do not. not because of crocodiles (there are none this far inland) but because it is a sacred watering hole.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: don't, please don't
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
this holiday changed me in a lot of ways. i learnt to respect a new culture i knew little about, even though i am australian, i know little about the anangu aboriginals.
what should a traveller do at uluru? definitely NOT climb the rock. it's just wrong, it's like, a muslim climbing a catholic church and jumping on the roof, or me going onto a mosque and taking photos on it. kind of wrong ya know?
if you do want to ignore the pleas of don't from the anangu people, then here you go, a photo of the start of the climb. do so at your own risk. its steep, and very very hard. most days its not even open for climbers anyway, because there are strict rules. if its wet, or too hot, or windy, they cancel the climbing. they should cancel it full stop in my opinion, i feel that strongly about it.
one thing i learnt that most aboriginal people in the area have not even climbed the rock! only the chief elders can climb up on special occasions. so if they don't even do it, why should we?
sorry if i offend those who have/want to climb the rock, but i just really admired and respected the upholding of such wonderful culture and traditions, and if they ask you not to, i dont see why we should.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: sunset at the rock
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
as the day comes to a close and the earth starts to cool slightly, the rock changes color and puts on a spectacular show! there are various lookouts around uluru, which around sunset time are packed full of tourist buses with people taking in the sunset. everyone gets a view, and with a nice block of chocolate and some champagne, its a perfect way to end a tough day walking!
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: wave like rock
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
located at the base along the walking path, you will see cool things like this feature. it's shaped like a wave, and you can go in and pretend your riding a barrel. it's not a sacred area, so you can take photos and go on it. if there is a sacred area you come across along the path, it will be well signposted, and you know not to touch, or take photos of it.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: dreamtime stories
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
the features of the rock all have a story to tell. the local anangu people (the traditional owners) have a story about the markings on this bit of the rock.
basically, it involves a snake (represented as the black horizontal line in the photo) who guarded the area. it was really evil, and caused alot of trouble. the anangu were scared of it, so this area held special importance for them, as nearby there is the water hole. when our guide pointed out the characters of the story, it was unreal to see the likeness of them on the rock. pretty cool how these 'stories' come about from simple features on the rocks surface!
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: kata tjuta - many heads
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
located a 15 minute drive or so from uluru, the kata tjuta formation is another unique feature of this region.
kata tjuta in anangu language loosely translates to "many heads" and you can see why, as there are over 20 of these 'heads' sticking out of the desert. the domes are huge!
your uluru-kata tjuta national park pass means you can come and visit here at many times of the day. sunset of course is a special time to see kata tjuta.
the national park pass costs $16, but lasts for 3 days. well worth it, as it also helps the running costs of these precious places.
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: 1km walk...
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
take a walk into the heart of the domes. you will begin to realise just how huge the domes really are, as they tower over you. the 'path' is very rocky and tough in the heat, so wear good shoes and bring plenty of water. the reward at the end is a little oasis in the shade, which is oh so welcoming!
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Things To Do: the sun is out...
|
Tip Rating: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
and my heart is pounding! this really was a tough walk. it didnt help that it was over 40 degrees celcius! i looked back as i got into the gorge, and was amazed at how huge it was. our guide had told us that numerous people have begged to be able to abseil/rock climb down the walls of the gorge, but they are not allowed to, as this is sacred land, and the aboriginals would not allow such a thing. it is state/national park, so we all have to follow the rules!
Leave a Comment
|
|
|
|
|
|
 | 1 | 2 |  |
More Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Tips
|
Join a Discussion 3 days in Ayers Rock
(1 replies, Wednesday, Jul 2, 2008, 6:18 PM UTC) What is actual drive time between Uluru and Alice Springs?
(2 replies, Thursday, Jun 26, 2008, 8:09 AM UTC) Do I have time to visit Kings Cyn, should I visit Kings Cyn?
(5 replies, Thursday, Jun 12, 2008, 12:39 PM UTC) Be the first to reply to these questions From melbourne to Alice Springs
(no replies yet, Monday, Oct 22, 2007, 6:04 AM UTC) Uluru tour
(no replies yet, Thursday, May 17, 2007, 9:56 PM UTC) Campground at Ayers Rock
(no replies yet, Tuesday, Aug 29, 2006, 6:18 PM UTC) » All Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Posts
» Ask about Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) |
 Comments for willy_wonka about Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) | | | | |
desert_princess Thu Apr 3, 2008 15:29 UTC
yea , weird sky effect must be some solarization or extra terestrials of course :)) | high_d Tue Mar 18, 2008 04:03 UTC
bwahaha...it was inevitable...whacky matty meets wonky;)) | TheTravelSlut Mon Jan 7, 2008 03:04 UTC
Great info and GREAT photos. I can't wait to get here this year! Thanks for the tips. Ann, The Travel Slut | mad4travel Tue Dec 4, 2007 21:56 UTC
Wow thats a weird sky at ayers rock. It was on the homepage today. |
|
More Sponsored Links for Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Ayers Rock Hotels
Six great Uluru Ayers Rock Hotels from AUD$180 per night - Book now!
Flights Ayers Rock
Travel to Ayers Rock and Save Flights Ayers Rock at Yahoo! Travel
V Australia Airline
Australia's newest international airline, daily flights now on sale
|
email me
add as friend
on Apr 20, 2005
