Astonishing anecdotes about the mythical rock of Australia
1. Uluru or Ayers Rock: a double denomination
Ayers Rock has indeed a second name: Uluru. It is an aboriginal term, related to the geological and geographical structure of the monolith.
2. An old pebble
Ayers Rock is believed to be nearly 330 million years old. It would have formed following various erosions and sedimentations, but we still do not know how deep it descends.
3. Huge, you say?
348 meters high, 3,6 kilometers long and 1,9 kilometers wide: Ayers Rock occupies an area of 3,33 km2, nothing less!
4. The two extremes
Side temperatures, we can go down to -8 ° and go up to 48 °. Between cool nights and days under a blazing sun, visits to the Ayers Rock site are not always in good shape.
5. A great discovery
It was not until 1872 and 1873 that the rock was found and then explored for the first time. William Gosse, an English emigrant, obtained this honor and was even the first to climb the gigantic rock.
6. A place far from desert
Each year, nearly 500 people come to admire this beauty of nature, but not all climb it. And fortunately !
7. To climb or not to climb?
In 1983, there were rumors of a ministerial decree to ban rock climbing (Bob Hawke). Project later abandoned when it was decided that the Anangu would co-manage the site. But the ban on climbing on Ayers Rock has come back to the fore ... and since October 2019, a decree has been passed. Henceforth, it is therefore forbidden for all travelers to climb on the rock!
8. A place full of prohibitions
As a protected natural site, some places prohibit photos and videos. The same goes for alcohol throughout the site.
9. Where to sleep near Ayers Rock?
To enjoy the surroundings, only the Yulura Resort welcomes tourists for miles around, for a night as close as possible to the stars. Otherwise, a little further on, you will be reminded of the existence of a crocodile-shaped hotel in Kakadu National Park.
10. Australian humor
Two books on which you can put your pen are available: “I did not climb Uluru” or “Sorry book” (if you are tempted to steal a stone on the site).
