Ayers RockPersonal travel impressions in stories and pictures from Ayers Rock, Australia. Click on the pictures to enlarge, send as a free e-card, or download for personal use. You can locate Ayers Rock and navigate the world using Google Earth Show on map
S 25° 20.650
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The symbol of Australia and the biggest rock on the face of earth, Ayers Rock merits a visit for several reasons. I must admit that I was not prepared to find what I found. The Rock has a strong meaning for the Aboriginals, and it turned out to be much more than just a huge stone. Before coming to Ayers, I had already seen the rock several times from the plane (this also gives an idea of its size!).
But of course, standing next to it is more impressive. Being a performer, the main thing on my mind was to climb it, until I read in a museum that the Aboriginals actually advice not to do it, out of respect for their culture. After an internal struggle, my performance-mind won, and I enjoyed the view of the top. Actually the beginning of the climb is not easy, and a lot of people already have to turn back there.
What I appreciated more than the climb, however, was a walk around the base of the rock, guided by an Aboriginal. A lot of stories came out, the history, traditions, the significance of several parts of the rock, the watering system, and a lot of other things. So, what initially seemed like just an interesting climb and a visit to a mountain, turned out to be an interesting mix between culture and nature.
