On leaving Kulgera Roadhouse we topped up the tank and set off for Uluru. At Curtin Springs we paid $2.25/litre. Its getting more expensive the further north we get.
Again we drove through a flat landscape with long periods of straight road. As we drove closer to Uluru the vista changed to combination of rich red soil, pale cream long grasses and dark green scrub. It looked awesome.
We checked into Ayres Rock Resort caravan park ($41 power & water), and set up camp. The resort has 4 hotel/apartment/lodge complexes, a camping ground and shopping centre. It is very well designed and slots into the local landscape beautifully.
On our 2nd day, we drove out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, where we purchased a 3 day pass for $25 per person and then drove out to Mala carpark at the base of the rock. Here we joined a free Ranger guided walk, which lasted about 1 1/2 hours. We walked the Mala walk (about 2km) around the base of the rock while the Ranger explained the Anangu Aboriginal culture and the significance of Uluru. The walk was very informative and gave us an idea of what to expect the following day when we did the Base Walk. We then drove out to Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and stopped along the way at Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing site where we ate our picnic lunch whilst enjoying the wonderful landscape.
After lunch we continued our drive to the Valley of the Winds where we hiked to Kara and Karingana Lookouts. This was a round trip of 5.4km along a track that was as much a climb as a walk, at times over very rocky, rough ground but it was worth every step as the scenery was spectacular. Although the day was hot and dry, when we walked in the shade of the huge rocks, the temperature dropped quickly and was quite cool. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to complete and by the time we finished we were ready for happy hour!!!
We were up early on our 3rd day as we planned to do the Uluru Base Walk and wanted to beat the heat. This walk is a 10.6km loop. It was a good, flat track and we did it comfortably, carrying plenty of drnking water. The scenery in this area is all about colours, which change constantly, according to the sunlight.
We are surpised about the complete lack of wild life. We haven't even seen a kangaroo and there is no road kill in this area at all. Before returning to camp, we visited the Cultural Centre which was worth a visit.
We had arranged to meet some travellers who we first met at Coober Pedy (Pat & Warrick, Debbie & Eric from Sydney) at Naninga Lookout in the caravan park to watch sunset over Uluru. We all turned up with drinks, nibbles, chairs and a table and enjoyed the sunset in comfort.
On on our last day at Uluru, we rose early to watch sunrise. The morning was really cold and we rugged up and walked up to Naninga Lookout again. It was a pretty ordinary sunrise, but something we had to see while we are here. Should have stayed in bed!!!!
We spent our last day doing a little shopping, preparing for moving on to Kings Canyon and having a bit of a lay day. Tonight we are going down to the Outback Pioneer Bar and Restaurant to have a few drinks and dinner and watch State of Origin. Go the Blues!!!!!!!
Next blog from Kings Canyon.
Cheers
Rhonda (Sam) & Pete
No comments:
Post a Comment