ULURU

Posted: December 8, 2015 by admin

One of the truly iconic spots in the world, Uluru (Ayers Rock) is a must see when going to Australia. We have all seen the photos of it, but to experience it first hand is quite different.

It and it’s sister area, Kata Tjuta rise abruptly out of the essentially flat high desert of this part of Australia. Both are highly significant to the native cultures to the point that some areas are not even to be photographed.

Both are part of one National Park and the well planned tourist facilities are all together in a village outside of the park. I was fortunate in my timing as this was a quiet period before the holiday travel rush. I am told that the sunset viewing area could have thousands of people there, when my experience was a “crowd” of about 35.

I did just a few short walks at Uluru, saving the longer hikes for Kata Tjuta (next post) Besides the close to 100 degree heat, there are those famous Australian flies. Being a slave to fashion, I refused to get the hats with the mesh screen to drape over your head. I did get a roll on repellent that mostly kept them at least 6” away. How people live daily with these pests is hard to fathom.

After doing sunset at Uluru on day one without major fly issues, I drove 30 miles each way the next day to experience it at Kata Tjuta, but gave up immediately as the flies there were overwhelming. Swarms I guess would be the term instead of individual pests.

But all that aside, it was a beautiful experience. Lots of shots below.