It’s nearly impossible to miss the towering monolith that is Uluru when visiting the Red Centre.
If you have stood in the middle of the Red Centre and looked at Uluru, you have probably wondered how it was formed. How can there be a towering rock jutting out of an otherwise mostly flat landscape?
Well, there are a few geological factors that came into play to form what we know today as Uluru.
A brief history of the formation of Uluru
There are many components that went into the formation of Uluru, but here is a brief run-down.
About 500 million years ago, there was the formation of a mountain range called the Petermann Ranges. These rocks quickly eroded because they didn’t have any vegetation to cover and protect them.
As the mountains crumbled and eroded, the sediment was eventually deposited. The sediment ended up turning into rock and formed the Alice Springs Orogeny. However, these mountains also eroded and eventually, Uluru and Kata Tjuta were the two formations that remained.
It has taken millions of years for Uluru to form, and the rock we see today is extremely hard and resistant.
Things to do at Uluru
Though Uluru is in the middle of the desert, there is plenty to see and do nearby.
Watch an Uluru sunrise or sunset
Viewing the sunrise and sunset over Uluru is truly a magical experience. There are different viewing platforms that offer panoramic views of Uluru and beyond.
Wake up early or stay up late to watch the massive red rock change colours as the sun drifts across the sky!
Embark on the Uluru Base Walk
The Uluru Base Walk is the best way to view Uluru up close. Whether you do part of the base walk or the entire thing, it’s completely worth it. You will see changing environments around the base, historic rock art, and much more.
If you decide to embark on the Uluru Base Walk, please be mindful of photo-sensitive sites. These are culturally significant parts of the rock that should not be photographed in order to respect the land.
Visit the Aboriginal Cultural Centre
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is a must-visit when in Uluru. This is where you can take time to learn about the location’s fascinating history and view impressive locally crafted art.
Hike around Kata Tjuta
Kata Tjuta is another famous rock formation located near Uluru. Rather than being one giant rock, this formation consists of 36 different domes. There are different hikes you can take to explore this famous location.
The Walpa Gorge walk is the easiest of the Kata Tjuta hikes and is about 2.6 kilometres long. The Valley of the Winds walk is more difficult and takes about three hours to complete. Don’t let that scare you! The scenery is 100% worth it.
Join an Uluru tour
If you’re eager to explore Uluru with an expert guide, there are heaps of different tours to choose from.
Spend the entire day exploring the highlights of Uluru and its surroundings on this unforgettable one-day tour. You will have plenty of time to get to know the famous Red Centre. Learn about the region’s history at the Aboriginal Cultural Centre, hike around Uluru, and then wrap up the day with a mesmerising sunset!