Ayers Rock is one of Australia's most widely recognised national icons and most popular outback tour destinations. Set in the stunning red desert landscape of Central Australia, it is always a magnificent sight and should form part of any Australian outback tour itinerary.
Ayers Rock is located within the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park about 450 kilometres southwest of Alice Springs. It is more than 318 metres (986 feet) high and 8 kilometres (5 miles) around, and extends 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) into the ground. Ayers Rock is famous for appearing to change colour throughout the day and the seasons, and is a particularly impressive sight at sunrise and sunset.
Kata Tjuta is a group of over 30 rounded rock formations situated about 30 kilometres west of Ayers Rock within the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. The tallest dome of the group, Mt Olga, actually stands taller than Ayers Rock at 457 metres.
Ayers Rock is about 20 kilometres from Yulara, a modern tourist town of 3000 inhabitants situated just outside Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park precinct. Yulara is well provisioned with quality accommodation, shops and services, and also has an airport serviced by major airlines flying directly from most Australian capital cities.
Few regions of the world can match the beauty of Central Australia's outback desert landscape and its natural features like Ayers Rock and Kata Tjuta. Whether you prefer to travel in lavish luxury or on an authentic four-wheel-drive safari adventure, Ayers Rock and outback Central Australia have something for everyone.