Many experience the dramatic and solitary splendor of Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock. Geologists call it a bornhardt, a weather-resistant rock left standing when everything around it has worn away. From a distance it has a pleasing, smooth symmetry. A walk around the base allows for inspection of natural markings, all symbols that tell the Aborigine story of creation. A peek inside caves reveals gray to be the true color of the rock.
Water holes fed by the rock's runoff are crucial to survival.
Desert nomads find shelter among a small grove of trees and hunt the animals that also depend on the water source. They use the porous rock as if it was a chalkboard, posting notices and recording stories. Ochre-colored paintings dating back 1,600 years depict animals and symbols. They make the white powder for drawing from the bark of the ghost gum tree. The 36 domes known as Kata Tjuta, or The Olgas, have tremendous cultural significance to the native people.