It is the second-largest monolith in the world (after
Mount Augustus, also in Australia), more than 318 m (986
ft) high and 8 km (5 miles) around. It also extends 2.5
km (1.5 miles) into the ground. Ayers Rock is arkose, a
course-grained sandstone rich in feldspar. It was
described by explorer Ernest Giles in 1872 as "the
remarkable pebble".
The local indigenous Aboriginal community request that
visitors respect the sacred status of Ayers Rock by not
climbing the rock, with signs posted to this effect. In
1983 the former Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke,
promised to respect the request from the community that
climbing Ayers Rock be prohibited, but broke his promise
when title was handed to the traditional owners in 1985
because access for tourists to climb Ayers Rock was made
a condition before they could receive the title.
Ayers Rock climb crosses an important dreaming track,
which has been a cause of sadness and distress among
traditional owners. Nevertheless, they are unable to
prohibit climbing, and climbing Ayers Rock is a popular
attraction for a large fraction of the many tourists who
visit it each year. A rope handhold makes the climb
easier, but it is still quite a long and steep climb and
many intended climbers give up partway up.
Depending on the time of day and the atmospheric
conditions, the rock can dramatically change color,
anything from blue to violet to glowing red! Many avid
photographers set up for days and record the many
changing colors of Ayers Rock
ACCOMMODATION
Some kilometres north of Ayers Rock is the resort
community of Yulara, which provides traditional creature
comforts (air-conditioning, hotels, restaurants and
bars, swimming pools & stores) while maintaining the
ambience of the Australian Outback. [Ayers
Rock
Accommodation] |
