Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and Ayers Rock 4.8 (reviews)

You all know that famous image of that stunning red rock jutting out from the flat Australian desert? Of course it's Ayers Rock! Also know as Uluru, and part of the Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park (bonus points if you can pronounce that properly!)

The Central Australian desert otherwise being flat, Uluru and Kata Tjuta are spectacular rocks and domes that are millions and millions of years old! The image of Uluru has become somewhat of a national symbol for the entire country, and the Uluru and Kata Tjutu National Park has actually been recognised on the World Heritage List - pretty impressive! 

Your first stop will be the Cultural Centre, which is the perfect place to start learning about the Anangu culture and Anangu country.

For that little bit of extra information on the area, there are free ranger guided walks which run daily from the base of Ayers Rock. You journey along a shaded track (but take your hat and sunscreen anyway - it's the Australian desert!) where you learn about all the traditions and folklore associated with Uluru, including the traditional and modern Anangu life and culture. You may even spot some rock art!  The walk is about 90 minutes and is wheelchair accessible, so everyone can enjoy this magical experience!

Even though the Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park is a desert, you of course might be able to spot some of the local wildlife! Can you spot those sweet little blue-tongued lizards, or the sneaky marsupial moles? Perhaps you might even spot the dingo! Be careful of snakes though - don't approach them!  (If you see the cute Spinifex Hopping Mouse, you don't have to be careful of them!)

You can also explore the area at your own pace (a common choice for families) where you can head to Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and the West MacDonnell Ranges all in the same trip. 

The nearby town of Yulara has been developed to offer accommodation, restaurants, petrol and supermarkets, so don't think you will be stranded in the middle of the desert! You might get stuck into dessert though, but not the desert.