It’s a big rock in the middle of the desert. Famous, for sure, but just a big rock . . . right? This is the general view of many people who haven’t visited Uluru – Ayers Rock – before. In reality, the experience offers so much more:
#1 The rock itself is just huge – 3.6km / 2.2miles long, rising 348m / 1140ft up, and, with two-thirds of the rock still lying beneath the sand, it is the largest single monolith in the world. So, simply staring at it from close or afar is an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
#2 The rock gives the mesmerising impression of changing colours through the day from red to orange to purple, and the changes are surprisingly dramatic – enough to make you gasp looking back at your photos, especially for sunrise and sunset
#3 The site is not only about Uluru (Ayers Rock). 35km / 22miles from Uluru are Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) – domed rocks that are actually taller than Uluru, typically a bit less busy and no less impressive
#4 So much of the trip is about being in the red centre of Australia – the red sand, big skies, Aboriginal culture, sapping heat and general feeling of adventure. A great feeling.
Overall, a superb experience and a truly Australian one
Only one tip – I wish I’d cycled around Uluru. It’s only around 15km / 9miles all the way round, including stops right next to the rock itself. Would really add to the “fun factor”.