Day 546: March 30, 2026 – Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia
Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock) is one of Australia’s most recognized landmarks and a bucket list item for many a traveler. It’s true, as some say, that “it’s just a rock.” But to call it that is to call the Grand Canyon just a hole in the ground. The rock has geological and cultural significance, natural beauty, as well as being a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It is referred to as a geological oddity because it is a single piece of sandstone (monolith), 1,142 ft high. It is especially interesting at sunrise/sunset, when iron oxide deposits give it a red glow.
The rock has spiritual significance for the Aṉangu, the Aboriginal people who were the traditional owners of the land. In 1985 the Australian government returned ownership to them, with a 99-year lease-back agreement. A dual naming system, Uluru/Ayers Rock was later agreed upon. At the request of the Aṉangu and for safety reasons, climbing the rock has been prohibited since 2019.
A 6-mile walk around the base of the rock gave us the opportunity to view up close its caves, rock holes, water holes, and ancient paintings. Some sections of the rock are considered culturally sensitive zones by the Anangu and photography is not allowed. (Of course, none of the pictures shown here were from restricted zones.)
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