On The Road With Wal & Sue: A day at the Rock

Tuesday, June 17:

We set aside the day to go to Uluru and spend the day there before returning at sunset.

The three-day pass cost us $25 each but again was worth it as the place is pristine despite the thousands of visitors and buses every day. We did the Marla walk which was took us double the allocated 1.5hrs for the 2k return walk as there was so much good interpretive signage on plants, the stories of the creation of Uluru, the way of life of the Anunga tribe and the plants.

After eating our cut lunch we headed into the cultural centre at the park which is run as an Aboriginal co-operative. Everything on sale from woomeras, boomerangs, rubbing sticks etc., all made by the local tribes. I found a beautiful painting – water colour on fabric – which is now safely tucked away in its own special cylinder ready from framing when I get home. The cultural centre carries the work of 800 indigenous artists from three local tribal groups.

The wind was cold and blustery so the walk to the top was closed. One look at it was enough to turn me of it – it is so steep – the Anangu don’t want people climbing it but tolerate it as it has been done for so many years.

I figure if you want to see the view from the top high a helicopter and do it but to me it takes some of the charm away.

Sunset at Uluru has to be one of my best moments – it was cold but minute by minute the rock changed colour from bright red to dark rich red and seemed to glow just before the sun disappeared. Some tourists took nibbles and champagne and sat around their table enjoying themselves which we sat huddled in our camp chairs just spellbound. I have included a couple of images but they don't seem to do justice to what we saw.

Dinner was late as it was 8pm before we got back to the van.