Ayers Rock is not just the geographical heart of Australia, it is also its spiritual soul. Formed around 600 million years ago, this gigantic monolith has been held sacred by generations of indigenous Anangu people. Officially recognised in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest monolith, the rock stands 350 metres high and measures a staggering 2.4km long and 1.6km wide, with a circumference of more than 8km. Even more remarkable is the fact that only a tiny proportion of the rock is visible above the ground. Scientists believe that as much as 80 per cent of the rock is buried beneath the ground.

     According to Aboriginal legend, Ayers Rock, or ‘Uluru’ as it’s called by the people of the land, was ‘built’ during the certain creation period by children playing in the mud after a heavy rainstorm. Geologists offer a rather different explanation, but whatever its true origins, nothing can prepare you for the first starkly beautiful sight of the red rock set in the vast emptiness of the Australian outback.

     Just outside the Anangu’s sacred land, in sharp contrast to the surrounding shrub land, Ayers Rock Resort sits like an oasis in the desert. The carefully constructed low level architecture (no building is taller than the highest sand dune) aims to be as unobtrusive as possible, while 2300 solar panels provide for much of the resort’s energy needs.

     In keeping with his eco-friendly approach, a stay at one of the handful of hotels is designed to be as much about education as is about relaxation. Guests are encouraged to learn about their surroundings in the extensive Visitors’ Centre and library, attend lectures and movie shows on the area’s history, and join nature walks in the ‘native’ gardens.

     As a logical extension to the leisure tourism, the resort is now actively courting the conference and incentive markets. By far the most important development in this area to date is the opening in 1994, of the resort’s conference centre, named Uluru Meeting Place. Outstandingly equipped with state-of-the-art audio, video and lighting systems and full video-conference facilities, it is one of Australia’s most modern convention centres. But what really sets it apart is its unique setting.

     Like all guests, business clients are gently cajoled to explore rather than stay put. The resort’s facilities are intended to complement the natural environment and there is a range of  special packages to entice visitors to experience something of traditional aboriginal culture and belief.

Sun setting over Ayers Rock

Eucalyptus (Gum) trees

     One of the most popular tours is an early morning walk around the base of the rock, accompanied by a local guide. The 9 km stroll is taken at an easy pace with plenty of stops to examine ancient cave paintings and learn about the rock’s sacred sites. There’s also a break for a picnic breakfast. The walk which starts off  chilly at the dark crack of dawn, soon turns blissfully warm to hot as the sun rises, and it’s hats and sun cream on. Although the outback is notorious for its poisonous snakes, spiders and other creepy crawlies, (a dozen or so species of snakes are found in Uluru area), hardly anyone gets bitten. And as the guide will point out “no worries, just keep to the paths”. Nature lovers will be rewarded by the local flora and birdlife like Galah Parrots.

     Although discouraged by local people, tourists have sought to climb the rock. The smooth surface of the stone was no easy challenge. Around 37 people have died in the attempt, either as a result of losing their footing or through heat exhaustion. Thankfully, in 2017, a ban to climb the rock was implemented, because of the spiritual significance of the rock, as well as for safety and environmental reasons.

     At the end of the day, cocktails at sunset has become a resort tradition. A small group of guests is driven to a remote bush location and perched atop one of the area’s highest sand dunes to enjoy a stunning view of the sun setting behind the rock while being served champagne cocktails and canapés.

     Although Uluru is the area’s main crowd puller, it isn’t the only one. Some 50km from the resort and within the site of  Uluru, is another extraordinary rock formation.  The Olgas consists of 36 massive stone domes. The aborigines call it Kata Tjuta meaning ‘many heads’. Like Uluru, much of the rock is thought to be below the ground.

     One of the most memorable ways to view Kata Tjuta is at one of the regular ‘Sound of Silence’ dinners. A gourmet barbecue of Baramundi fish and Kangaroo steaks is served al fresco beneath the stars, with the darkening shadow of the rocks forming a dramatic backdrop. After dinner, the table lamps are turned off, and in total silence and darkness, diners are invited to listen to the orchestra of insects and night creatures while gazing at the bright canopy of thousands of stars above. Finally, the evening is rounded off with a short performance by a didgeridoo player.

Digeridoo player

The Olgas, at dusk