Uluru and the Red Center (Australia)

Sunset over Uluru (Ayer’s Rock)

On the way to Uluru there are only a few “towns” between Alice Springs and Adelaide. Most are primarily just a roadhouse with a few other buildings and sometimes a gas station.

I recommend stopping for a day in Coober Pedy though as it has the unusual distinction of having underground hotels, hostels, book stores, etc.  I have a separate post about CP if you want to know more.

Once you get to Uluru, you know why you went through all that boredom, as it is amazing.

In the Red Center of Australia, Uluru is the main attraction.  You can fly directly to the area, or drive south from Alice Springs, or north from Adelaide.  The road is very long and has very little to see other than a few dead kangaroos, some tumbling weeds, and a plant that has dry gourds that look rather like tennis balls.

Walking around

 The signs around Uluru tell the history of the rock and local indigenous people.  Several areas are marked as sacred and signs request you take no pictures.  There are occasional benches for resting and water refill stations.

If you decide to walk around Uluru, as many do, there are two main things you need to know.  The first is that there are only bathroom facilities at one parking lot.  There is nothing else the entire way around the giant rock.  Second, you are supposed to drink a lot of water because it is so hot and dry.  Plan ahead for these limitations.

Flies – so many flies

Also, note that there are lots of flies that really really want to get some of the water from you. Water that you have unluckily stored in your eyes, nose, and mouth.

So make sure to have mosquito nets for your head, like these.  They are really cheap to get and will save you a ton of annoyance. The bugs are super-aggressive there, and will happily swarm you in an attempt to get some water. Click the picture for more info.

Additionally, if you walk around Uluru, the red dirt will get everywhere, and will likely ruin your shoes, socks, and any long pants you wear, so bring stuff you don’t care about (here’s some ideas how to do that).

Happy travels!

My favorite thing in the area was the art installation called “The Field of Light”.  And if it’s still available when you go I highly recommend it.