I was never thought I could drive across the desert before. But I really did make it with a distance of 1128.2KM from Uluru to Kings Canyon and continuing to the center of Australia, the desert city Alice Spring.The Australian desert isn't the desert I thought it would be. It was red in color and full of grasses and small desert oak trees.
Ayers Rock (Uluru): It was a beautiful rock monolith, the Anangu(traditional owner of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park) doesn't like visitors to climb and there is a notice at the base not to climb Uluru because of its spiritual significance as the traditional route of the ancestral Mala men on their arrival at Uluru. Also for safety reasons they not want anyone get injured on their land. But still a lot tourists do not respect the aboriginal customs and do climb the mountain.
There are many legends around the Uluru base. Do a 10.5km base walk and you will find the stories and also have a significant view of Uluru.
Uluru is a red sand rock, but during dawn and dusk you may see it change the colour and becomes purple due to sunlight reflection. It is incrediblly beautiful during this time.
The Olgas (Kata Tjuta): It is another beautiful sandstone mountain in the national park. It may not be as famous as Uluru but it should always be included during a visit to Uluru. There are 2 walks at Olgas:
"Walpa Gorge walk" - Is an easy walk with few steps, 2.6km return takes around 40 minutes - 1 hour.
"Valley of the Wind walk" - the full circuit is 7.6km and takes around 3-4 hours. But rather then complete the full circuit there are 2 lookout points you can stop at and return. 1st lookout is called Karu, and easy walk with few steps only 2.2km return from the car park. The 2nd lookout is called Karingana, and is a bit difficult with some steep steps.
The views are wonderful and it is well worth to go.
Uluru - Kata Tjuta national park entrance fees is: AUD35 for 3 days.
Kings Canyon: Is located in between Uluru and Alice Springs. Drive on a sealed road the distance from Yulara(Uluru resort) to Kings Canyon is 304km and from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs is 475km. Kings Canyon walk is one of the top walks in Australia and one of the world's best walks. There are 2 trails:
Kings Creek walk: is an easy 2km walk along the creek with some canyon history and information.
Kings Canyon Rim walk: Is quite challenging with fantastic view from the top of canyon ^_^ the whole trail is 6km. At the beginning the trail is steep and when you get to top it is very windy therefore you have to be careful. But the views are well worth it.
There is no entrance charge at Kings Canyon. But the accommodation at Kings Canyon resort is expensive.
Alice Springs - located at the centre of Australia. It was a centre for transportation and communication, it was establish when the first telegraph line was built between Adalaie and Darwin. The interesting places to visits are Ghan Train and Rail museum, The Alice Springs Telegraph Heritage reserve, and The School of the Air.
The town most famous person was John Flynn. You may not know him but you will see him when you look at an australian 20 dollar note. He is the founder of RFDS (Royal Flying Doctor Service) which provides medical and wellbeing needs to isolated people in the Australian outback. He was also the first person to provide medical services in centre Australia.
Ghan Train and Rail museum entrance: AUD22 for 3 days
Alice Springs Telegraph Heritage entrance: AUD8.50
The School of the Air: AUD6.50
RFDS entrance: AUD12.00
Australia Northern Territory is a wonderful place to explore and full of adventure. But the distances are huge.
Shadow with Ayers Rock
Uluru in purple
Trekking at Uluru base.
Night at Uluru with clear sky.
Stars in the sky.
Trekking at Olgas "Valley of the Wind
"Walpa Gorge" walk.
The Olgas landscape
Uluru sunrise
Kings canyon rim walk
Top of kings canyon
On struat highway. Memorial of Cannonball run accident on 1994.
Old Ghan train and rail museum
Alice Springs telegraph heritage
Royal Flying Doctor service (RFDS)
In flight
Alice Springs sunset
