Uluru and Kata Tjuta

No matter what you hear, the first time you see Uluru it is quite spectacular and a unique experience.  I can't begin to describe it so will leave it to the photos to do so.  They have a  Ranger guided tour which is great, giving a good introduction to some of the many facets of Uluru, as well as a brief history and explanation of its significance to Aborigines.  From this tour I continued on, circumnavigating Uluru as the track is easy and it is a very worthwhile trip, tho it took me thru the heat of the day and glad to rest at the end of it!

The Interpretation Centre is very well set up, interesting and informative.  It discusses some of the Dreamtime Legends of the area, the traditional use of the area and the current management by a committee of Aboriginals and white fellas.  This combines modern land/park management concepts with traditional Aboriginal values, both protecting the area as well as allowing it to continue to be a major tourist attraction. 

Kata Tjuta is a must see, and while the Valley of the Winds track is a bit of a challenge, goes thru some great areas!  Being a bit more difficult, slow and easy does it, plus the extra time taken gives you a better insight into this varied area.  I understand there used to be a road right around Kata Tjuta, giving access to a much greater area, the road now only goes to the Valley of the Winds take off with the shorter Walpa Gorge walk turning off on the way in.  I did The Valley of the Winds walk early, saving the shorter walk for the heat of the day.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta are within 40km of each other but the geology is totally different.  Uluru is sandstone which has been tilted nearly vertical over time while Kata Tjuta is conglomerate consisting of rounded granite rocks and is only slightly tilted.  Both, of course, contain iron oxide, giving them the red distinctive colour.

What an amazing area this Red Centre is!  Distances are amazing, petrol prices are amazing, the sites amazing and there are still more to see!  Along the Stuart Highway I reckon three out of every four vehicles is a tourist - and someone told me the Victorians haven't left in force yet!  Australian tourists tend to be in the older age group (Grey Nomads), while overseas tourists are mainly young:  Certainly the Grey Nomads are many and varied as well as being quite a friendly lot.  Now it is on to Kings Canyon, then work my way back to Alice.