Uluru, the World Heritage Site formerly known as Ayers Rock, is one of the world’s most recognizable natural icons – and along with the Sydney Opera House, an international symbol for Australia.
The sandstone monolith is culturally significant to the Anangu aborigines, the traditional landowners of Uluru.
In 1873 surveyor William Gosse, on an expedition to plot the route for the Australian Overland Telegraph Line, “discovered” Uluṟu.
In a move also known as “sucking up to the boss,” Gosse named the monolith Ayers Rock in honour of the then-Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers.
One hundred and twenty years later, the Australian government adopted a dual naming policy, allowing places to use both the traditional Aboriginal name and the English name.
So today you can soak in the split personality of this oddly moving place, marveling at Uluru while staying at Ayers Rock Resort.
More Uluru pictures here.
That reminds me on my geology class and the nature is really fascinating.
This is one of those things that you just have to see when you go to Oz, it’s like seeing the statue of Liberty in New York, you just have to.
Too bad Mr. Gosse’s boss wasn’t names Spiro!
Great pictures!!
Forgive me for not being able to spell
Your pictures are really quite amazing – I especially love the first close-up of Uluru’s rock formations!
When my husband & I were there, we went on a “walkabout” with one of the aboriginal leaders and were given insights into the aborigines’ culture & survival techniques. Fascinating!