Is There a Rock Bigger Than Uluru? Discover the Facts

Ayers Rock, or Uluru as it’s more formally known, is one of Australia’s most famous natural wonders, with its stunning sights and deep cultural meaning. Rising up from the middle of Central Australia this ancient sandstone monolith is often considered the biggest rock in the world. But is that really true? Let’s find out while we look at some of the amazing rocks around Australia and beyond.

What’s special about Uluru?

Uluru is an ancient sandstone monolith in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It’s 348m (1,142ft) above ground and 9.4km (5.8 miles) around. It looks like one big rock but it goes deep into the ground, so it’s even bigger.

This fine grained sandstone was formed over millions of years and is sacred to the Anangu people who see it as a living, breathing landscape that is connected to Country. The surface is covered in colourful rock paintings and ancient rock art that tells the creation stories of the landscape.

Mount Augustus: The Biggest Rock

While Uluru gets all the attention and the tour buses in Central Australia, Mount Augustus, or Burringurrah, in Western Australia is the biggest monolith on Earth. Located in Mount Augustus National Park this giant rock rises 1,105m (3,625ft) above sea level and is 8km long, bigger than Uluru’s height and circumference.

• Geology of Mount Augustus:
  Mount Augustus is an asymmetrical anticline of coarse grained conglomerate and metamorphic rocks. The ancient rock layers are 1.65 billion years old, one of the oldest single rock formations on the planet. Unlike Uluru’s fine grained sandstone Mount Augustus has sedimentary and granite rocks which gives it its distinct look.
• Walking Mount Augustus:
  There are some great walking trails to Mount Augustus including the 12km Summit Trail which has views of the distant ranges. Mount Augustus Tourist Park is the perfect base to explore this natural wonder especially during heavy rain when the wildflowers bloom across the National Park.

Other Contenders for the Title of Biggest Rock

While Uluru and Mount Augustus get all the attention, there are other geological formations around the world that rock lovers can’t get enough of:

1. Zuma Rock – Nigeria

Zuma Rock is often called the “Gateway to Abuja” and rises 725 meters (2,379 feet) above the surrounding landscape. It’s taller than Uluru but smaller in circumference.

2. Stone Mountain – USA

Stone Mountain in Georgia is a coarse-grained granite rock. It’s 8km around and has a big carving but not as big as Uluru or Mount Augustus.

3. Wave Rock, Kokerbin Rock, Pildappa Rock – Australia

Western Australia has several other unique rock formations like Wave Rock, Kokerbin Rock and Pildappa Rock, all showcasing Australia’s geological diversity. None are as big as Uluru but their eroded surfaces and cultural significance make them special in their own right.

Is Uluru the Biggest Rock?

When we talk about the “biggest” rock, we need to distinguish between monoliths (single massive stones or rocks) and other geological formations. Uluru is often considered the largest monolith in the world because of its pure rock composition and cultural significance. But if height or circumference is the measure, then Mount Augustus is the biggest single rock formation.

Uluru vs Other Rocks – Cultural Significance

While size gets most of the attention, Uluru’s cultural and spiritual significance is what really sets it apart. To the Anangu people, Uluru is more than just a natural wonder; it’s a living, breathing part of their history and identity. Other rocks are impressive in scale but don’t have this deep connection to human heritage. For those looking to explore more of Australia’s rich cultural and natural landscapes, Darwin day trips to Kakadu offer another incredible opportunity to experience ancient traditions and stunning scenery.

How to See Uluru

For travelers who want to see Uluru for themselves, visiting the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a must.

• Anangu guided Uluru Tours.
• Watch the sunrise or sunset over Uluru.
• Visit Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) another geological and cultural site.

Autopia Tours for small group Uluru Tours to Australia’s most famous landmarks.

Conclusion

So, is there a rock bigger than Uluru? Geologically, Mount Augustus in Western Australia is the biggest rock in the world, even bigger than Uluru. But when it comes to cultural and spiritual significance, Uluru is still in a league of its own. It’s not just a famous rock or a beautiful landmark – it’s a sacred site that holds the Anangu culture. Whether you walk on the curved surface of Mount Augustus or the ancient sandstone of Uluru, these amazing formations are a reminder of Australia’s natural beauty and our connection to history. Exploring Uluru on a 2 day Uluru tour offers a unique opportunity to experience its cultural and spiritual significance up close.

FAQ

Is Mount Augustus bigger than Uluru?

Yes, Mount Augustus is taller and has a bigger circumference than Uluru. But it’s not a true monolith like Uluru.

What is the biggest monolith in the world?

Mount Augustus is the biggest monolith in the world but Uluru is the biggest single rock formation that is all sandstone.

Why is Uluru so famous?

Uluru is famous for its cultural and spiritual significance to the Anangu people, its connection to the creation stories and its uniqueness in Central Australia.

Can I climb Mount Augustus?

Yes, you can climb Mount Augustus with popular trails like the Summit Trail. You can’t climb Uluru because it’s sacred.

What other famous rocks in Australia?

Other famous rocks are Wave Rock, Kokerbin Rock, Pildappa Rock and Kata Tjuta all showcasing Australia’s geology and culture.