Most are drawn to Australia for its perfect combination of beaches and city life, whereas others are drawn to the history of Australia’s red centre. Located in the middle of Australia, within the Northern Territory, is Ayers Rock, also known as Uluru.
William Gosse was the first non-Aboriginal to see Uluru in 1873 and named it Ayers Rock after Sir Henry Ayers, the Chief Secretary of South Australia.
By the 1950s tourists and miners began to visit Uluru causing many of the Anangu Aboriginal people who had been living nearby to scatter into other regions within Central Australia.
The tourist potential of the rock was soon recognised and people began camping in tents. As the years passed and tourism grew, so did concerns about the effect tourism was having on the land. In 1973, the government agreed to relocate accommodation facilities to a new site due to the detrimental effect tourism was having on the natural environment.
Six years on, it was acknowledged as a national park and is owned and leased by the traditional Aboriginal owners.
Uluru is one of Australia’s most recognisable and iconic natural landmarks. It is one of the world’s largest single rock formations and its formation itself has a colourful history. Composed of sandstone, Uluru was formed over millions of years of geological and erosional processes. As a result of tectonic plate movements, large Himalayas-sized mountain ranges were formed. After a long time of rapid mountain building and erosion, rising seawater turned the centre of Australia into an inland sea.
After compacting the sandstone to form a layer of hard rock, the sea disappeared and another mountain-building event began. Over millions of years, this created the folds visible today and exposed the formation to the elements. Uluru, as it is seen today has been shaped by erosion and intense weather, with the distinctive red colour caused by the oxidation of the iron-bearing minerals within the rock.
Whether you’re an Australian yourself or a visitor to this beautiful country, witnessing a sunset and sunrise over this massive natural formation is a breathtaking experience. Uluru itself seems to change colours with the rays of the setting and rising sun. Reflections from the rock and clouds in the sky enhance the vivid colours, while the ash, water, and dust particles in the air can act as a filter allowing the redder light through at different times of the day.
There is are many attractions to enjoy at Australia’s Red Centre, some of which are an absolute must. As the sun sets and darkness falls, Uluru’s Field of Light illuminates. Gentle rhythms of colour light up the desert as far as the eye can see. The exhibition by internationally celebrated artist Bruno Munro can be visited until 31 December 2020.
It is composed of 50,000 spindles of light swaying through ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white. The Field of Light can be viewed as a simple tour, or coupled with canapes and a beverage or indulge in a camel tour.
Another Uluru must, the Sounds of Silence offers an evening of dining under the luminous outback sky while listening to the sound of a didgeridoo. Attentive staff will keep your glass full while you enjoy the 3-course buffet and the resident star talker decodes the southern night sky.
If you’re after a new level of luxury upgrade your Sounds of Silence to ‘A Night at the Field of Light’ for a truly memorable night combining both the Field or Light art installation and unforgettable dining experience.
If this combination of history and beauty is your cup of tea, we’ve got you covered for where to stay. Longitude 131° has sixteen tended pavilions that offer both luxurious sanctuary and tranquillity. Floor to ceiling windows provides guests with unparalleled views of Uluru’s dazzling light as it changes throughout the day. The leisurely suites feature a king-size bed, a comfortable lounge, spacious bathroom and a private balcony with a fireplace.
Enjoy the allure of Australia’s Red Centre whilst relaxing in your private retreat at Longitude 131°.