Tip Of The Monolith

Most people would probably be stumped if asked to give an example of a monolith. However, show a picture of Uluru rock and most people can easily identify one of Australia's most most famous landforms.  Of course, most Piranpa (non-Aboriginal people) will refer to the famous image as Ayers Rock, but the Anangu (Aboriginal people of the western desert) prefer that the spiritual landform is called by its native name Uluru.

Each year almost a half a million visitors make the long journey to the center of Australia to visit Uluru. Most visitors have seen pictures of the majestic, rich red sandstone mound change colors during sunrise and or sunset and they come to watch and photograph Mother Nature's light show in person. However, no matter how many pictures they have seen most will become overwhelmed by the spectacular event and many will leave touched in a way they never expected.

Viewing Uluru from a distance is just the tip of the monolith--literally. The 348 meter high rock actually extends several kilometers below the surface of the ground. Visitors are encouraged to become acquainted with the area walking the perimeter of the rock. The 9.4 km trail takes between 3-4 hours. As visitors make their journey around one of the greatest wonders of the world they are treated to an ever changing landscape. Similar to the shifting colors in the early morning or late evening light, each step walked brings subtle changes in the rock face--there are no two views that are the same.