Famous Natural Landmark Is Ayers Rock

Australia's most famous natural landmark is Ayers Rock also known as Uluru, the world's largest monolith and is an Aboriginal sacred site. It is near the heart of Australia. It is Australias most visited attraction with 400 000 visitors a year.

Geologically speaking, Uluru is the exposed stump of a vast miles long reef of rock buried under the earth there is far more to Uluru than meets the eye. Uluru measures 2.4km long and 1.6km wide and rises up to 867 metres above sea level.

No camping is allowed in the Park,

It is named after South Australian premier Sir Henry Ayres, by the white man who discovered it. Until recently a large numbers of tourists visited the rock and climbed it using a pole and rope path drilled into the side of the rock. As a result the rock was becoming eroded.

Once at the rock a lot of people make the steep climb to the top a long the marked walking track with handrail. This takes 90 minutes return The 10km walk around the rock takes 5 hours. There are three semi permanent pools from the water run off from the rock and there are aboriginal cave paintings in places.

On 26 October 1985, the Australian government returned the ownership of Uluru to the local Pitjantjatjara Aborigines, with one of the conditions being that the Auangu would lease it back to the National Parks and Wildlife agency for 99 years. The National Parks and Wildlife agency jointly manage it. It also regained its Aboriginal name of Uluru, which means Great Pebble.

Apart from the size of Uluru, what can make viewing it so memorable is the fact that as each day passes the rock changes colour depending on the atmospheric conditions and light and never remains the exact same permanent hue.

Sunset and sunrise are perhaps the most magical scene. Ayres Rock, is considered the largest rock in the world.

The Aboriginal community of Mutitjulu, who population is approximately 300, is located near the western end of Uluru.

There were several different shops within the resort, as well as the shops located at the cultural centre in the National Park. There are pieces from 20 Australian Dollars up to 10,000 Australian Dollars for purchase in these locations, depending on style and size. Craftworks is located in the heart of the Ayers Rock Resort. There was some beautiful art here.