Uluru (Ayres Rock) is one of Australia's most recognizable natural icons. The world-renowned sandstone formation stands 1,142 feet high  ,2,831 ft above sea level, with most of its bulk below the ground, and measures almost 6 miles in circumference. Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta have great cultural significance for the Traditional landowners, who lead walking tours to inform visitors about the local flora and fauna, bush foods and the dreamtime stories of the area.

Although the local Aborigines discourage climbing "The Rock", many still do. For those that do, the view at the top is well worth the long climb!

For those that climb, the only assistance available is a waist high chain for one to grab on to as one makes his way up the sometimes almost vertical path.

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Upon reaching the top , the view is spectacular! Making one's way across the rim, the view is breathtaking, not only in the distance, but also on the rock itself.

At the top of this giant monolith, can be seen several pits and circles that were carved from the rock itself that must have been used from some ancient ceremony.

One of Uluru's most unique feature is that it appears to change color as the different light strikes it at different times of the day and year, with sunset a particularly remarkable sight when it briefly glows red. Although rainfall is uncommon in this semiarid area, during wet periods the rock acquires a silvery-gray color, with streaks of black algae forming on the areas that serve as channels for water flow.

Kata Tjuta, also called Mount Olga or The Olgas owing to its peculiar formation, is another rock formation about 16mi from Ayres Rock. Special viewing areas with road access and parking have been constructed to give tourists the best views of both sites at dawn and dusk.

A journey back in time, A Modern Day Walkabout!

Gary is a Travel Writer and Photographer, Click here to see more of his work!

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