Grandpas Guide to Driving in Uluru

I took a stroll around the neighborhood. It’s been a long time since I’ve last soaked up this much sun and it puts me in a good mood. And now, Grandpa’s back in front of his typewriter.

Let’s look for a car because it’s a beautiful day for a drive around Uluru.

Log in to vroomvroomvroom.com.au and find the right car with the right price just for you. Finished booking? Then, let’s go and soak up the beauty around Uluru, but let’s start with a brief description of it first.

Uluru, also known as the Ayers Rock, is a huge sandstone rock formation located in the southern part of the Northern Territory, central Australia. It lies 335 kilometers southwest of the nearest large town, Alice Springs. And is about 450 kilometers if driven by road.

Uluru, together with Kata Tjuta, are the major attraction of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It is it listed as a World Heritage Site.

Uluru is not just a huge rock. It is sacred to the area’s aboriginal people, the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunvtjatjara. Many springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings can be seen around the sacred Rock.

It is also one of Australia’s most recognizable natural attractions. The amazing sandstone formation stands up to 348 kilometers with most of its bulk below the ground, with a circumference of about 9.4 kilometers.

The Rock is said to be an inselberg or an island mountain ―an isolated remnant left after the slow erosion of an original mountain range. The remarkable feature of Uluru is its homogeneity and lack of jointing and parting at bedding surfaces, leading to the lack of development of scree slopes and soil. These characteristics led to its survival, while the surrounding rocks were eroded.

Drive around Uluru and experience its striking features that made it qualified as a World Heritage Site.

If you plan to travel to Uluru, be sure to first check the temperature forecast for the day. Since Uluru is located in the midst of the Australian desert, temperature can be very hot during the day and cold during the night.

The weather is fairly consistent throughout the year so, you can visit any time you like. But during summer or winter, Ayers Rock is definitely a great place to see. And you should not forget to bring a lot of sun block, as well as weather appropriate clothing and lots and lots of water. Being ready all the time is advantageous in life.

Being one of the most stunning natural sites that travelers will see when coming to the Northern Territory, Uluru is said to appear to change color as light strikes it at different times of the day and year. You will also be impressed by the constant changing of the shadows on rock surfaces as the sun moves across the sky thus, altering the look of the rock from moment to moment. During sunset, you’ll witness a remarkable sight as it momentarily “glows red”. And, although rainfall is uncommon in the aria, during the rare wet periods, the rock “acquires” a silvery-grey color with streaks of algae forming on the areas that serve as channels for flowing water. Just imagining the sight sends shivers down my spine what more if you’ll see it with your own eyes?

For those wanting to climb the Rock, the northwestern side is the ideal area to start. Climbing is generally open about 5am until 8am, due to the extreme daytime heat of the area. Tourists should be sure to check personal fitness levels before attempting an ascent as it is not an easy climb. One alternative to climbing the rock is taking a scenic helicopter ride over the area, to take in views and avoid the strenuous heat.

In addition to viewing the rock itself, there are also a host of other activities within in Kata Tjuta National Park. The Cultural Center is full of interesting information about Uluru, as well as other ancient Australia rocks, and it is recommended that all visitors stop by the Cultural Center before traveling to the rock itself. Another fun way to experience Uluru is through the, "Sounds of Silence" dinner. Beginning at sunset and continuing for another three hours, the dinner is served out under the open stars within view of Australia Ayers Rock, and other Australia rocks.

Camel tours are also available. The camel tours winds through the red sand dunes of the Uluru Australian desert and ends up at an observatory with expansive views of the Rock, the desert and all of the magnificent changing colors that take place. The camel tours are ideal during sunrise and sunset.

Well, to sum it all up.

Visiting Uluru is not just a journey through unique Australia rocks and mesmerizing landscapes. It’s about witnessing and living a new experience that will sure stir up your senses. Have fun driving around Uluru.