Ayres Rock, Uluru National Park and the Olgas

Ayres Rock is also known by it traditional aboriginal name, Uluru. Similiarly The Olgas are also known by their traditional name of Kata Tjuta.

Ayers Rock rank is one of Australia's most recognised icons and features at the top of the millions of travelers "must-see" lists that come to Australia.

Uluru is located virtually in the middle of Australia on a vast expanse of red-colored desert called the "Red Centre". In summer the Temperatures' climb with little regard to tourists to a izzling 120 degrees F (49 C), so its vitally important that you plan your trip to Ayres Rock.

Uluru is a huge sandstone outcrop that often glows bright orange, red and purple when bathed by the sun’s last rays. This world-renowned sandstone formation is 5.8 miles (9.4 km) in circumference and stands an impressive 1,142 feet (348 m) high.

Both Uluru and Kata Tjuta have huge cultural significance for the traditional aboriginal landowners, the Aṉangu tribe. Members of the tribe conduct informative walking tours covering local flora and fauna, bush foods and the Aboriginal dreamtime stories of the area.

The Uluru National Park Ranger Station sponsor nature walks which is the best way to learn about the area. These "bush tucker" walks by the ranger guides show you how to find a wealth of native foods that formed the Aborigines' food supply.

Climb Ayres Rock

During summer tourists start the climb to the top of Ayers Rock at sunrise to avoid the extreme heat which becomes unbearable by 10 a.m. Throughout winter the start times can be significantly later depending upon the conditions. .

Climbing Uluru takes about two hours of you are fit, or a lot longer if you are not. Guides recommend that the climb should be attempted by those with at least a moderate fitness.

The climb is tough but many suggest that the climb down Ayres Rock is actually more difficult. Climbing the rock when its raining or with high winds is not recommended and can be dangerous for anybody.

The Olgas - Kata Tjuta

The Olgas are in fact 36 huge rock domes that cover 13.5 square miles (about 35 square kilometers). They are considered by many visitors to actually be the more visually spectacular of the two attractions.

Three well established and worn trails go into this beautiful country -- to the Mount Olga Gorge, the Kata Tjuta Lookout and the Valley of the Winds. Another amazing view can be obtained from the air and the 35 minute flight over the area is a breathtaking.