Uluru is big, like massive, but it might surprise you that it isn’t the biggest rock in the world.
Taller than the Eiffel Tower, as wide as 346 Melbourne Cricket Grounds, and weighing over 1 million tonnes Uluru is undeniably huge. Contrary to popular belief, however, Uluru isn’t the largest rock in the world. In fact, it’s not even the largest rock in Australia!
Uluru may be the world’s most famous rock but despite a common perception, it isn’t the world’s largest. Located in the state of Western Australia, Mount Augustus is the world’s largest rock. It is approximately two-and-a-half times the size of Uluru!
So why do many people think Uluru is the biggest rock?
Well, the formations of Uluru and Mount Augustus differ on some small technicalities. Because of this, depending who you speak to, some may rightfully argue that Uluru is still the biggest rock.
Monoliths
The defining difference between the two formations is their designation as a monolith. Uluru is the world’s largest single rock monolith. That is to say, there is no other single rock formation as large as Uluru.
Mount Augustus, on the other hand, contains a variety of rock types. Therefore, it cannot take the title of largest monolith from Uluru. Who would have thought that rocks could be so competitive
Despite Mount Augustus dwarfing Uluru that doesn’t take away from its incredible size and stature.
Uluru underground
You may have heard people calling Uluru a land iceberg. What people mean when saying this is that much of the rock continues below the ground’s surface, much like floating icebergs. Rising over 850m above the ground it’s almost unbelievable that this isn’t even half of Uluru’s height. Underground, the rock extends for at least another 2.5 kilometres.
Formation of Uluru
The explanation of Uluru’s formation differs between the local Anangu people and the scientific communities.
The Anangu people believe that before their ancestral beings formed Uluru, the world was flat and bare. Today they believe that the spirits of these beings still inhabit the landscape in the form of people, plants and animals. These creation stories, called Tjukurpa, are passed from generation to generation and Uluru remains a highly sacred site for the Anangu people.
Scientists, however, believe that Uluru dates to the formation of the Australian continent. Around 400 million years ago the centre of Australia became an inland sea. Geologists believe that Uluru was formed during this period. Sands at the bottom of the basin in the inland sea were under immense pressure from the weight of the water. Scientists believe this pressure turned the sands into sandstone which formed the Uluru we know today.
Learn more about the significance of Uluru
Regardless of how it formed, be sure to take a moment to step back and take in its incredible beauty. At the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, you can learn more about Uluru’s significance to the local Anangu people.
The cultural centre is home to an art gallery, where you can view locally crafted works of art. The art gallery also hosts various painting and carving workshops that you can enjoy. Or you may choose to bring home an item as a souvenir.
Spend a day exploring Uluru
Explore this iconic landmark by joining an unforgettable day tour of Uluru. The tour begins in the early afternoon as we head to the base of Uluru. You’ll learn all about this significant landmark before following some of the walking paths around the towering monolith.
We will visit the Mutitjulu Waterhole, a significant water source in the area. This is also where you will see some colourful rock paintings. In the late afternoon we will visit the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural centre to view artwork and gain more insight into the history of Uluru.
In the evening we will stop to watch the incredible Uluru sunset accompanied by nibbles and wine. You’ll be in awe by the changing colours of the landscape surrounding you. It’s impossible to fully explain this incredible phenomenon. After a day exploring Uluru, your day tour will come to an end.
The largest rock in the world or not, Uluru is a natural masterpiece. Its stature, colour, and stunning surrounds makes it a must-see on any Northern Territory itinerary!
Related article: What are the features of Uluru?
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.