Due to clear skies, we had a good view of both Ayers Rock and The Olgas as we flew in and banked round to land.
There's a resort at Ayers Rock which means you don't have to stay and drive all the way from Alice Springs. For all you purists out there, don't worry its not built next door (you still have a 20 km drive) and this is not the USA, so it's not lit up with fairy lights at night either.....BUT, they still allow walks to the top if conditions permit?? We will not be doing this! Uluru is sacred ground for the Aborigines, so with that in mind we're satisfied with just admiring the thing rather than walking all over it. Attempting to ascend Uluru has resulted in over 35 people losing their lives whilst attempting this unnecessary novelty........ That said, I'm yet to see a more impressive gravestone!!
Uluru (or Ayers Rock), is a truly magnificent landmark. Stunning in both beauty and size, and exceeded all my expectations. Needless to say this wont be captured on the pictures we've taken. The colours that, with a little help from the sun (especially at either end of the day),
the rock displays are captivating and there's no doubt for us that Uluru, as one of our many stops, has that 'wow factor' you're hoping for when you're deciding on a destination itinerary.
We've also made the 50 or so kilometre drive to see the 'Olgas' which in Aboriginal is 'Kata Tjuta', translating to 'Many Heads'. There are 36 in all, and collectively also an impressive sight. Like Ayers Rock these massive deep orange rocks rise up out of nowhere amidst the relatively flat landscape.
This place is HOT..... as you'd imagine being in the outback of Australia and temperatures here have been 43 degrees celsius. It's not as humid as Broome, but 43 is still 43!! It's been so hot here, Sam has had a semi-permanant headache and I've had two sudden nosebleeds. Personally, I don't think it's got anything to do with the temperature: since we arrived we haven't had any alcohol, and we've both dealt with enough alcoholics to recognise the symptoms................."Sam? why are you shaking uncontrollably??"
We probably just need to cool down with a swim, and where better than The Great Barrier Reef............
Onto Cairns.............
Ayer HeadIt's all about me...................
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