Car Rental Ayers Rock Downtown

In the middle of the Northern Territory lies one of the world’s most spectacular natural attractions. Just falling short of a place on the official list of the world’s natural wonders, Ayers Rock, known more traditionally as Uluru is so much more than a photo opportunity.

Uncover Uluru’s ancient past with a hire car

Uluru is a vibrant red sandstone formation emerging, almost unbelievingly, from vast flatness iconic to Australia’s red centre. The sheer enormity of Uluru is something that needs to be seen to be believed, rising 1,142 feet above the desert plain and spanning 2.2 miles long. Getting up close to the rock means marvelling at how and when it came to be, spinning the heads of onlookers gazing upon its astonishing beauty. 

Hailed as Australia’s spiritual heart, Uluru and its neighbouring Kata Tjuta are the homeland of the Northern Territory’s Anangu people, who laid their roots here over 30,000 years ago. Central to the Anangu way of life is the land itself, a poignant focal point of the original owners’ tales of creation and laws by which they still live today. 

‘Tjukurpa’ [pronounced ‘chook-orr-pa’] is the title given by the original owners to this guiding philosophy, which in itself, contains lessons about the harsh landscape and how to survive it. Fascinatingly, Tjukurpa stories are used as verbal maps, detailing important spiritual sites, as well as where food and water can be found. Complex indeed, Tjukurpa contains explanations regarding the origins of the universe according to the Anangu people, and like many religions of the world, provide answers to some of the world’s least understood questions of how and why we came to be. As such, Tjukurpa is not so easily understood by outsiders, but a few locals are willing to share a glimpse into this deeply spiritual culture with those with an open mind. 

To really understand this unique culture is to walk the land, following in the footsteps of its ancient ancestral owners. The Mala Walk is one such trail. Park your hire car and begin the trek from the Mala car park before taking off on this 2-kilometre trail through the stunning red landscape, past ancient landmarks and centuries-old cave drawings, before arriving at Kantju Gorge. This remarkable natural attraction is a must-see for visitors to Uluru, especially at sunset when the rock is set alight with vibrant hues of red, pink and gold. 

Stepping up the intensity, the Valley of the Winds walk welcomes visitors to test their endurance along a steep, rocky incline towards the Kata Tjuta domes. Here, visitors are spoiled with breathtaking views over the landscape which proves to be the perfect reward after a 3-4 hour journey.  Park your hire car at the Walpa Gorge car park to start your climb, and don’t forget to bring enough drinking water.

Car hire isn’t the only luxury amenity on offer at Uluru

Experience ultimate luxury in one of the world’s most remote destinations at the famous Longitude 131 campground, just 8 minutes by hire car from Ayers Rock Downtown. 

Enjoy unobstructed views of Uluru from the comfort and convenience of a luxury tent, featuring king beds, a private balcony, floor to ceiling windows, fireplace, as well as your own private ensuite with a rainwater shower. Sounds extravagant? Perhaps, but what better way to take in your surroundings than from the comfort of designer day beds with a cold beverage in hand as you watch the sun descend behind the iconic rock formation?  With packages starting at $1,700 per person for a 2-night minimum stay, you’d be hard-pressed finding anything more luxurious than what’s on offer at Longitude 131. 

During your stay, watch Uluru by sunset from the exclusive popup bar, or explore the history of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park with a private tour around the base of the rock. Here, guests are treated to canapes as they take a moment for quiet reflection. 

No matter where you decide to stay, or how you decide to experience the national park, a visit to the breathtaking Field of Light art installation cannot be overlooked. Created by visionary artist, Bruce Munro, this astonishing exhibit comprises 50,000 light stems that illuminate an open-air space the size of seven football fields, swaying in the wind as they change from blues and pinks to reds and yellows - not unlike Uluru itself. 

This critically acclaimed installation can be explored through a self-guided tour, but many opt to experience it over an indulgent feast, titled the ‘Sounds of Silence’ dinner, a three-course meal made from traditional ‘bush tucker' ingredients.

Whatever it is you’re seeking from your stay in Australia’s spiritual heartland, from the raw to the refined, a once-in-a-lifetime encounter awaits those with a hire car.