• Brief description: Uluru is the sacred rock formation of Australian aborigines. It is one of the largest monoliths on the planet, standing 348 metres high, with more than 2.5 km underground, and measures 9 km in circumference. This massive rock formation changes colours depending on the sunlight, and it is particularly beautiful at sunset when it becomes bright red. It's no wonder that the aborigines consider it to be sacred. The vision of it appearing in the middle of kilometres and kilometres of empty plain makes it seem like something from another dimension, almost as if it was a living thing about to emerge from its larval state. We recommend arriving at sunset, though early enough to see it in normal light and observe how it gradually changes colour.
• Recommended route: stop first in the cultural centre for information and maps. Then circle the rock formation by car. After that, get out and follow the road walking to Mutitjulu Waterhole (30 minutes there and back; it's our favourite place for getting close to the rock). Finally go to Sunset View Point, which is on the way back to town, for the best views of Uluru.
• Cost of visit: same admittance ticket to Kata Tjuta National Park (25 AU$ per person and valid for 3 days)
• How to get there: 15 minutes by car from Ayers Rock. Clearly marked.
• Hours: the cultural centre closes at 18:00. The park closes at 19:30, at sunset. We recommend going to the park at 16:30 so you'll have time to do everything and then catch the spectacular sunset.