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Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Travel Page by Restless-in-kl

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Page Views: 680            Last Visit to Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock): June, 2000      

The Rock in Australia

by Restless-in-kl - last update: Feb 23, 2006

Ayers Rock - Dream time

The rock at sunset
Even from a distance, Ayers Rock or Uluru (its Aboriginal name) is very impressive. Named after the Premier of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers, it extends down over 3 and a half miles beneath the surface. It's also more than 318 m (986 ft) high and 8 km (5 miles) around.

Approximately 500 million years ago it was part of the ocean floor at the center of Australia. Depending on the time of day and the atmospheric conditions, the rock can dramatically change color, anything from blue to violet to glowing red, making it a delight for photographers all over the world.
Ticket

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

This park where Ayers Rock is located, is owned and run by the local Aboriginals. As you walk slowly around it, there is a sense of mystery, history and sacredness. It is no wonder that the Aboriginals are strongly protective of this magnificent wonder.

The Aborigines believe that there it is hollow below ground, and that there is an energy source that they call 'Tjukurpa' the dream time.

Ayers Rock (Mount Uluru) is inhabited by dozens of ancestral 'beings' whose activities are recorded at many other sites. At each site, the events that took place can be recounted, whether those events were of significance or whether the ancestral being just rested at a certain place before going on.

Usually, there is a physical feature of some form at each ancestral site which represents both the activities of the ancestral being at the time of its formation and the living presence of Tjukurpa within that physical feature today. For the Australian Aboriginal people, that physical feature, whatever its form or appearance, animate or inanimate, is the Tjukurpa. It may be a rock, a sand hill, a grove of trees, a cave. For all of these, the creative essence remains forever within the physical form or appearance.

Kings Canyon

Often overshadowed by Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon located in Watarrka National Park has an interesting landscape that's desert-like with steep canyons, rock formations and interesting flora and fauna.
Kings Canyon

> Add to your Custom Travel Guide [What's This?]

Pros:"One of a kind formation with rich mystical stories"
Cons:"Very expensive accommodation with limited choices"
In A Nutshell:"A sight to behold"
Restless-in-kl's Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Travel Tips

OverviewThings to Do
Tips: 3 - Photos: 4
 
RestaurantsHotels & Accommodations
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NightlifeOff The Beaten Path
 
Tourist TrapsWarnings Or Dangers
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Transportation
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Local Customs
 
Packing Lists
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Shopping
 
Sports TravelGeneral Tips

Comments for Restless-in-kl about Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock)
Mandy23 Mon Feb 27, 2006 05:00 UTC
 Nice page. Would love to go there one day.
Tattugran Fri Feb 24, 2006 08:11 UTC
 very good points. and yes we should respect the aboriginals ....it was there land till the government took it

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