The Ayers Rock also called Uluru by the Aborigines is a large sandstone rock formation in central Australia. In 1873, the rock characterized by a width of 9km and a height of 863km, was discovered by the Europeans. Initially, the surrounding area was supposed to be used for agriculture. However, soon it became clear that the dry desert landscape was not arable.
For the Aborigines, the Ayers Rock is the holiest rock in Australia and furthermore plays a crucial role in their dreamtime stories that are an essential part of their culture. It is said that the first settlers lived here. According to the aboriginal mythology, those settlers were hybrids between humans and animals and lived in harmony at first. However, when they went to war against each other, the mountain ascended from the ground. The whole story was painted on the rock itself by the indigenous people.
The mountain consists of red-colored stone. But depending on the sun radiation, the colors vary and change. One thing that anyone travelling to Australia shouldn’t miss out on is experiencing and watching the sun set at the Uluru as it is an unprecedented and beautiful spectacle.
