Uluru

After setting up camp we had loads of washing to do and as it really windy we decided to get this done so spent the morning doing domestic duties. It’s such life!!
The rock is 18 kms from the resort so in the arvo we drove out to go for a short walk to Mutitjulu waterhole and stayed out there for the sunset viewing. As the rock comes into view it is a great thrill to see this massive monolith close up and it’s hard to believe how huge and diverse it is. It is grooved with years of weathering often with black markings where the water has spilled of the rock during rain, has caves, cracks, dents, and folds, boulders sitting up high and huge bits of rock peeling off. All of these create shadows at different times of the day which gives the constant changing effect it is famous for. Uluru is a very important sacred site for the aborigines and was a meeting place for lots of their ceremonies. No photos are allowed in these areas.
The Mutitjulu waterhole is on the southern side of the rock and as you drive around you get a different perspective. We headed down the path to view some rock art and marvel at all the different facets of the rock face. There was a tour group in front of us and we tagged a long for a while to learn more about the aboriginal traditions. All the rock formations have legends about how the rocks were formed which is part of their dreaming. This area is “woman’s business” and male guides are no allowed to find out about this. The waterhole is at the bottom of a huge V in the rock where you can see where the water would flow down very quickly. It is very peaceful place with crystal clear water.
Uluru is made of sandstone which is very porous and it draws the water from the water table up to the surface so although it is the middle of the red sand desert the vegetation close to the base is quite lush and beautiful. Two thirds of the rock is underneath the ground.
We headed to the sunset viewing area to watch the changing colours as the sun throws its rays onto the massive rock. Lots of people with tables, chairs, wine and nibbles were all set up to enjoy the spectacle. The colour changes from brownish red, to ochre to deep red and as the sun disappears for the night, the sky is tinged with pink and blue and the rock takes on a mauve/ pink hue. What an amazing sight!!
We were warned not to leave any food scraps or shoes outside because of dingoes
and in the night we heard the eerie howls of a wild pack very close to the campsite.



In the morning we made an early start to see the Olgas at sunrise and go for a walk. It is a 45 km drive out there and we arrived to join many others on a viewing platform where you watch the 36 large rocks, which constitute the Olgas, gradually come to life. We could also see Uluru on the distance. We took our little portable gas stove and had eggs and tomatoes after the sunrise, much to the envy of many to the onlookers.
After this yummy brekkie we went on the rather strenuous Valley of the Winds walk which takes you past some of the 36 steep domes that make up the Olgas.
After achieving the first lookout we decided to press on although the going was rather difficult on the rocky path. You pass between the huge domes, walk along a creek bed and are surrounded by these steep rounded lumps of conglomerate which look magnificent against the blue blue sky.
All the way up the rock you can see where large rounded rocks have come loose and fallen out and it gives a pocked effect. After scrambling up a very steep rock face, we finally came to the second lookout which overlooks a magnificent green lush valley.
We took a well earned rest here and then proceeded for another 4.5 kms to complete the circuit and view the full extent of these unusual collection of domes. Two tired and foot weary walkers were glad to get to the end of the trail.

Once again the photos don’t do the scenery justice. On our way home the view of Uluru were amazing. It just looked like an Albert Namerjera painting.
That night I went up on a small sandhill in our campground to join many others in viewing the sunset and was treated to another excellent display.
In the morning, I went out to the rock again to join the ranger guided Mala walk. This started at the point where people who want the climb the rock commence their ascent. It is extremely steep and the first part has a chain to cling onto. 35 people have died trying to climb it and the Aborigines request that you don’t climb it as it is such a sacred site. However many do and they look like little dots as they up so high. Not for me thanks!!
The walk was very interesting and we learned about the bush food plants, viewed some rock art,
a cave that was “the kitchen” another area that was “secret woman’s business, ” a sacred “men’s site” (no photos allowed) and a beautiful gorge with a rock pool – once again a very important men’s site.
The rock is actually grey inside – you could see this in the cave – and has a thin crust of iron oxide to give the red colour. You can walk right around the base but is a 10k walk and as my feet were rather tired I decided against this.
There is a wonderful cultural centre which explains all the traditions, culture and dreaming stories of the Aborigine people. There was a really good video on the bush food which I enjoyed.
That evening we went to campsite hill to get a last glimpse of the setting sun changing colours of the rock before our departure the next day