European explorer William Gosse called the rock Ayres Rock in 1873. In 1985, the region, including the Olgas was returned to its traditional owners and re-named Uluru. It rises 348m from the ground and stretches an enormous 6km below the surface. The rock is 863m above sea level. A trip around the rock at its base measures 9.4km.
Kata Tjuta National Park: 280 miles (450km) southwest of Alice Springs. Ayers Rock/Uluru, the world’s largest monolith and an Aboriginal sacred site is Australia’s most famous natural landmark. Visitors may wish to make the tough 1.6km ascent to the top or take a walking tour around the rock with an Aboriginal guide, learning about its fascinating history with the Uluru people and its importance in dreamtime legend.
Uluru features stunning aboriginal rock art sites that can be viewed on guided walks and tours around the base. The spectacular changing colours of Uluru at sunrise and sunset are visions not to be missed. Uluru and Kata Tjuta and the surrounding land became a national park in 1958 and lies in the territory of the Anangu People.
Kata Tjuta, also more commonly known as the Olgas, is Uluru’s sister formation, meaning “many heads”, and comprises 36 magnificently domed And coloured shapes covering about 35 sq. km. Take the three-hour Valley Of The Winds Walk, which winds through the crevices and gorges of this magnificent rock system, with spectacular views and a variety of flora And fauna.