The area has been called Uluru by the Aboriginal people. But then the British came along in 1873, and named it Ayers Rock after an Australian politician. That didn't set well with the original tenants, which considered it very sacred land. In 1993, it became "Ayres Rock/Uluru" after an agreement was reached with the locals. Nine years later, the names were flipped. Think of Mount McKinley/Denali, and you get the idea of what's going on.
The tourists arrived in the 1930s, and were quite thrilled by what they saw. Yes, Uluru looks pretty solid from a distance, but get up close enough to touch and you'll discover there are all sorts of interesting places around the edge of it. Erosion has put together a marvelous show. Heavy rains are rare here, but when they come they must be spectacular.
Uluru is part of a national park, which features a 99-year agreement about the operation of the area. There are some interesting rules concerning the area, such as designated spots that are sacred to the Aboriginals and thus can't even be photographed by visitors.
Uluru is an excellent place to visit early in the day and late in the afternoon, because the temperature frequently jumps above 100 degrees. The adventurous tourist will get up early, early, early in the morning and go out and see the sunrise. It's quite spectacular, as the photo shows. Sunsets aren't bad either, although they are a little more crowded.
The closest town is Yulara, a jumping-off point for visiting the park. There are some hotels, a supermarket, some restaurants, and a gas station. The airport also is in that area, and regularly scheduled flights arrive there.
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