Q 01/05

In which part of Australia is Uluru?

A) Northern Territory

B) Western Australia

C) South Australia

D) Queensland

Answer · why

A) Northern Territory

It lies 335 km south-west of Alice Springs, near the centre of the continent.

Q 02/05

What kind of rock is Uluru made of?

A) Limestone

B) Basalt

C) Sandstone

D) Granite

Answer · why

C) Sandstone

Specifically a coarse arkose rich in feldspar; fresh rock is grey and only weathering turns the surface rusty red.

Q 03/05

Which surveyor sighted the rock on 19 July 1873 and named it Ayers Rock?

A) Peter Warburton

B) Augustus Gregory

C) William Gosse

D) John Forrest

Answer · why

C) William Gosse

He was a surveyor; the name honoured a South Australian politician of the day.

Q 04/05

Who was Sir Henry Ayers, after whom the rock was named?

A) An explorer who died nearby

B) A British Prime Minister

C) Governor of New South Wales

D) Chief Secretary of South Australia

Answer · why

D) Chief Secretary of South Australia

The landmark was named for him in July 1873.

Q 05/05

Which language do the Anangu, the traditional owners of Uluru, speak?

A) Pitjantjatjara

B) Yolngu Matha

C) Warlpiri

D) Arrernte

Answer · why

A) Pitjantjatjara

In it, 'Uluru' is a proper noun with no other meaning, also used as a family name by senior traditional owners.