THE OLGAS

Located in the center of Australia, the massive rock formations of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) are the most prominent and well known sacred sites of the Aboriginal people. Rising 346 meters high, with a circumference of 9.4 kilometers and covering an area of 3.33 square kilometers, Uluru is the single largest rock outcropping all of Australia.

The beginning of Aboriginal settlement in the Uluru region has not been determined, but archaeological findings to the east and west indicate a date more than 10,000 years ago, though some archaeologists estimate that human settlement in the region actually dates from at least 22,000 years ago. 'Uluru' is simply a place name meaning which is applied to both the rock and the waterhole on top of the rock. The thirty-six rounded rocks of Kata Tjuta (meaning "Many Headed Mountain"), are located in the same National Park as Uluru. By Aboriginal tradition only certain elderly males may climb the rock but despite this tradition the Australian government allows tourists to make the climb using a metal chain installed in 1964. The Aboriginal tribes also request that visitors do not photograph certain sections of Uluru, mostly gender-related, for reasons related to traditional beliefs. Ayers Rock was created a national park in 1950 and in 1958 was combined with the Olgas to form the Ayers Rock National Park. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Area for its natural and man-made attributes.

AVAILABLE HOLIDAY PACKAGES TO THIS REGION:

Adelaide to Alice Springs 10 Day The 10 day expedition is a special experience visiting all the well known outback icons such as The Flinders Ranges, Coober Pedy, Uluru, (Ayers Rock) and the Western McDonald Ranges. Also explore remote outback regions rarely visited by the average tourist, including The Painted Desert, Mt Dare, and the spectacular Simpson Desert. Rate : 9 Nights from $1,196.00 [per person]

Adelaide to Alice Springs 5 Day This 5 day fully accommodated bus tour, from Adelaide to Alice Springs includes Uluru. It has been designed to appeal to a much wider cross section of clients. There is a growing segment of the market that is looking for "a little bit of luxury" in cabin style accommodation. Rate : 4 Nights from $746.00 [per person]