Amazed what a
manmade wonder was done on this barren desert. Various range of hotels are
constructed in Yulara Resort, basic facilities are well established. Post
office, bank, supermarket, restaurants and free shuttle buses are available,
water supply is clean and power supply is stable.
The scorching
heat is quite uncomfortable. We were welcomed by millions of flies since landing
at the airport. It was disturbing and irritating. The China made head covering
“fly net” was the most popular “souvenir”, costs AUD10!
The aerial view
from the plane shows an immense arid flat area in the central Australia. The
Ayers Rock (Uluru), the world’s largest piece of rock, emerged oddly and its
ochre red is eyes catching. Acc’ to Lonely Planet, it’s believed that 2/3 of the
rock is beneath the sand.
The main
attraction Uluru is a holy place to the aboriginals. Tourists are advised not to
remove any rock or sand in this area. The tour guide said lots of tourists sent
back their “stolen souvenir” when they deemed being cursed as rumours
go.
I joined the 10km
Uluru base walk the next morning, circumnavigating the rocks. The guide narrated
the mystic stories about Kuniya (a woma python) and Liru (a poisonous snake),
the conflicts between tribes. Of course, legends were always exaggerated. We
were advised not to photograph any holy places, I didn’t know if camera could
capture spirits. In order to compromise the income of community and the
curiosity of some tourists, the climb to the holy Uluru is allowed, though
discouraged by the Anangu people, the Aboriginal traditional owners of Uluru.
Some indigenous paintings could still be seen in the caves.
Adjacent was Kata
Tjuta (means many heads), another few pieces of rocks emerged from the plain
desert. Not really special indeed.
During my short
stay in this outback, I didn’t see any 1.8m tall, weight 80kg kangaroo.
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The Kata Tjuta (means many heads) landscape.
Kata Tjuta lookout.
Big trees are rare due to harsh climate and low rainfall.
Clouds in the sky above Uluru (like the logo of Microsoft Windows).
Our transport.
Walpa Gorge entrance, here is not the famous Ayer Rock.
Walpa Gorge, arid.
It's me.
This headgear is a must, else the irritating flies will stick to any spot of your face with moisture.
Trekked into the Walpa Gorge.
No shelter, it was hot but not too unbearable due to low humidity.
Shelters for tourists.
Flies... grrr... hate them...
Kapi, drinking water was provided in the shelter. Very precious water.
Beware! Kangaroo crossing!
The climb to the hill top was normally started early morning, to avoid scorching sun in the noon.
The famous Ayer Rock.
Sunset view. The rock glowed in ochres red.
People stayed quietly appreciating the beauty of sunset.
Every mark (or scar) on the Uluru has a myth... the one on the left is like a head but I couldn't recall the story.
This one looks like a huge mouth.
Explanation of Kuniya (the woma python) and Liru (the poisonous snake).
Cave paintings dated millennium ago.
The driver cum guide (with cowboy hat) was telling the stories of myth and historical facts.
3 "Love" shapes.
The dropped out piece (bottom left) was said the nosetip of someone was cut off by so-and-so...
Bushes are precious products in the barren land.
The white strip is the trail to climb up to Uluru hilltop. Iron chain was installed for the safety of climbers.
Wave-shape shelter used by ancient people.
Well grown tree beside the water source.
Our transport.
Can't remember the story of this part.
Outback Pioneer Hotel.
Sunset.
The golden sunset rays are brightening.
A must-have...
Canteen in the hotel. A kitchen is available for any person who would like to prepare their own food.
Airport, small but tidy.
Aerial view of barren landscape in the outback.
