Northern Territory Attractions

Venue: Uluru    When: Daily

Deep within the relentless desert of the Red Centre lies Australia's most enduring symbol. Rising out of the flat, biscuit-baked outback, Uluru is a giant monolith 9.4km in circumference and 345 metres high, thought to be the tip of a mountain that extends many kilometres below the surface.

It's not just its size and shape that makes Uluru so spectacular. Made of arkosic sandstone, the rock responds to the changing light of the sun by turning from deep red to burnt orange, terracotta and all the colours in-between. Sunset and sunrise produce the most stunning effect, making it an awesome site to behold. It's little wonder that for the Aboriginals, this is a sacred site of great importance.

Uluru and the surrounding area is the homeland of the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people (also known as the Anangu), but until recently it was known by its European name of Ayers Rock, named after former premier Sir Henry Ayers by European explorer William Gosse, who first sighted the rock in 1873. Eventually, in 1985, Uluru was returned to the care and ownership of the Anangu as part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and is now jointly managed to allow visitors to enjoy this essential Australian experience.

Theories abound about the origins of the rock, ranging from the geological to the fantastic (aliens from outer space). The Aboriginal understanding of Uluru has to do with the beginning the world - ancestral beings emerged from the void and journeyed widely, creating all the living species and the characteristic features of the desert landscape you see today. No one is sure when the first Aborigines moved into the area, but the best evidence suggests that it was at least 10,000 years ago.

Many people choose to climb the rock, but your decision to do so must be based not only on your level of fitness but also on your level of respect for the Aborigines and their understanding of the rock as a sacred site. Signs set up around the rock by the Anangu ask that visitors "respect our law by not climbing Uluru". While many remain unable to resist the temptation to climb, hiking around the base of the rock is an excellent alternative. The Anangu have chosen not to close the climb, but prefer instead that people make an informed decision. Remember that you are a guest on Anangu land.

Also in the national park is Kata Tjuta. Located 48km from Uluru, Kata Tjuta (also known as The Olgas) stands about 200 metres higher and is made up of 36 individual domes. Its name means "the place of many heads" and experienced walkers can enjoy the Valley of the Winds track that winds around several of the domes. The Olga Gorge walk is shorter and provides excellent views of Kata Tjuta.

Most people start out on their journey from Alice Springs 335km away and many then stay at Yulara, a resort located 21km from the base of the rock. While it is not possible to camp, the park does have picnic areas, BBQs, café, toilets and a visitor information centre. Alcohol is banned from the park.

When visiting, carry plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, long sleeves and a hat, and only walk in the cooler parts of the day.