The Ayers Rock, also referred to as Uluru is a large sandstone located in the Northern Territory of central Australia. Together with Kata Tjuta, Uluru forms the major features of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. The plethora of physical features that surround the rock such as caves, springs, waterholes and ancient paintings make this sandstone rock formation a very beautiful place.

The Anangu Aboriginal people that reside in the area consider the rock a sacred place and thus the rock has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Below are some facts you may want to know about the rock.

1. The rock was named by William Gosse in 1873 after Sir Henry Ayers. However, Uluru is the aboriginal name and thus its official name.

2. The rock was formed some 600 million years ago and it previously sat at the sea bed. Today, it is on top of the ground, some 348 meters.

3. 2.5 kilometers of the rock is located beneath the ground.

4. The rock measures about 3.6kms long and 1.9kms wide and contrary to popular belief, it is not the world’s largest monolith. That tag goes to Mount Augustus in Western Australia.

5. The Ayers Rock is located in Australia's Simpson Desert, a few minutes’ drive from Australia's Red Center.

6. Most of the Aborigines of Central Australia consider Uluru a sacred ground. The Ancestral owners of the land on which the rock stand - the Anangu tribe - has conducted their prayers on the site for many years.

7. Believe it or not, climbers of the rock who disrespected the Aboriginal Culture and went ahead and climbed it died. To date, some 37 climbers have died while attempting to climb the rock. Call me superstitious, but 37 is quite a large number to have died for just attempting to climb a rock.

8. A tour in the park costs $25 per adult. Kids do not pay. The tour will last 3 days.

9. The Ayers Rock is an Inselberg, a term used to refer to an island mountain or hill that is left after the surrounding area is eroded by rainfall and ground running water.

10. The rock stands about 348 meters above sea level - 28 meters more than the Eiffel Tower.

Uluru is one of the notable landmarks of Australia. It is particularly mesmerizing during dawn and sunset when it appears to change color. It glows red during both times. If you want to have the best views of this Aboriginal tribesmen holy place, you are well advised to visit it during the early hours of the morning or as the sun sets.