What is interesting about Uluru?

The most famous natural landmark on earth, Uluru is truly a worthwhile site to see when travelling about Australia.

But other than its recognisability, what’s so interesting about this red rock? Follow our list for the most impressive facts about this rock formation you should know before your trip to the Red Centre!

• Uluru has two names

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• Back when the first European, William Gosse first set eyes on Uluru in 1873, he named it Ayers Rock, naming it after the Chief Secretary of South Australia. However, the original title of the rock was Uluru, given to it by the traditional owners of the land, the Aboriginal people. In 1993, the name was changed to Ayers Rock / Uluru, to acknowledge the Aboriginal name, with the titles switching in 2002 to put Uluru first.

• The Indigenous community of the land own Uluru

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• The local Anangu people have been living within this region for thousands of years, with the entire community holding a strong bond with both Uluru and its surrounds. Due to this, the community became legal owners of the region in 1985, who lease the land to the Australian government to allow visitors to see Uluru in person.

• Uluru is taller than the Eiffel Tower

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• It may not seem like it from photos, but Uluru stretches up to about 348 metres. Being taller than the majority of the famous buildings of the world including the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

• Its diameter base is just as big

  Uluru is 3.6 kilometres long and 1.9 kilometres wide, equal to a circumference of 9.4 kilometres. Due to its immense size, it can take up to 3.5 hours to walk completely around, being an incredible trek in the fascinating landscape.

• The majority of Uluru is underground

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• Uluru may seem big when you, but the majority of its mass is buried under the surface. Extending down a further least another 2.5 kilometres. The reason we can see the surface’s section of the rock is due to millions of years of erosion.

• It has two UNESCO World Heritage listings

  Back in 1987, Uluru was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, due to its unique geological formation. However, in 1997, Uluru’s cultural significance to the Aboriginal people came into consideration, with the rock formation being a significant site for tridiagonal customs and scared beliefs. Leading to the second UNESCO World Heritage Listing on this unique and ancient rock formation.

Related article: What are the features of Uluru?

Cameron Ward

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.