Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock, is a large sandstone monolith in the Northern Territory of Australia with rich Indigenous cultural significance and notable physical features. Here are concise, well-sourced facts to get you started.
Core facts
- Height and size: Uluru rises about 348 meters (1,142 feet) above the plain and has a circumference of roughly 9.4 kilometers (about 5.8 miles). It is roughly 3.6 kilometers long and 1.9 kilometers wide. These measurements make Uluru one of the world’s most recognizable monoliths.
- Age and composition: The rock is composed primarily of sandstone and is believed to be around 400–600 million years old, formed long before the arrival of humans in the region. The distinctive red color comes from iron oxide coating on the surface.
- Color and lighting: Uluru is famous for appearing to change color at different times of day, especially glowing hues at sunrise and sunset due to the angle of sunlight and the rock’s mineral composition.
Cultural and historical context
- Traditional owners: The Anangu people are the traditional landowners and consider Uluru a sacred site with deep spiritual importance. Visitors are encouraged to respect sites and local guidelines.
- Indigenous narratives: The area features rich Indigenous stories and connections tied to ancestral beings and the landscape, underscoring Uluru’s significance beyond its geological prominence.
- European exploration and modern status: Uluru/Kata Tjuta National Park was gazetted in the late 19th/early 20th centuries and was returned to Aboriginal ownership in 1983, now part of a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area.
Park and visitor information
- Location and protection: Uluru is located within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a protected area in the Northern Territory. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its natural and cultural values.
- Accessibility and activities: The base walk around Uluru is a popular way to experience the monolith up close, offering views of caves, springs, and ancient art sites; climbing has been discouraged and is restricted in many areas to respect cultural significance and visitor safety.
If you’d like, I can tailor these facts to a specific focus (e.g., geology, Indigenous cultures, travel planning) or add more precise measurements and citations from a chosen set of sources.
