Uluru has a rich and vibrant history that dates back thousands of years, encompassing Australia’s indigenous past. Across these many years, several facts and myths have come into existence around Uluru – including the fact that ‘aliens’ may live on top of the monolith! With the assistance of Emu Run, primary provider of exceptional Uluru tour packages in Australia, read on to bust these myths and record some truths yourself:
The Facts
- Uluru is the second-largest monolith in the world
At an astonishing 862 metres above sea level, Uluru is the second-largest monolith in the world. The largest monolith also belongs to Australia in the form of Mount Augustus, which is twice the size (and, perhaps a little more!) of Uluru.
- Uluru is known as an ‘inselberg,’ meaning ‘island mountain’
Uluru is an inselberg! This means that it was once a large, ancient mountain range that eroded over time, leaving the formation of Uluru behind as an isolated remainder of what it once was – in other words, an island mountain!
- Climbing is forbidden on Uluru
The indigenous Anangu people are stewards and owners of Uluru and the beautiful land it sits upon. Because this land is sacred to their culture – and that climbing Uluru, in their mythology, was the traditional route taken by their ancestors upon arriving there at the creation of the world – climbing is strictly forbidden, and has been since 2019. Climbing was also extremely dangerous, and there are many other fulfilling activities available for travellers who wish to appreciate Uluru firsthand.
The Myths
- Uluru is at the crossroads of all ivara in Central Australia
In the legends of the Anangu people, Uluru is at an important crossroads where all of the ivara – otherwise known as the sacred paths – that run through Central Australia meet. These sacred paths hold the important memories of demigods and other divine beings that thrived in Australia and adventured through here. Their souls are thought to still occupy the surrounding landscape.
- Aliens live on top of Uluru!
Aliens have long been thought to live on top of Uluru! And whilst this myth isn’t exactly incorrect, we can’t say it’s fact either. The truth is, after periods of heavy rainfall at Uluru, small crustaceans called shield shrimps hatch in the temporary rock pools on top of the monolith. They look fairly strange and alien-like! With “gill-feet” and a double-pronged tail, we can forgive people for being mistaken about their galactic origins.
To invest in Uluru tour packages that display the best parts of Uluru in a culturally respectful, sustainable and exciting way, contact Emu Run at your earliest convenience. We’re passionate about protecting Uluru whilst showing you the natural wonders of this area. Our tour packages can also be customised to meet your specific needs.
