Blogs from Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia, Oceania - page 8

Da MUSS man einfach gewesen sein. Es ist tatsächlich überwältigend, was da inmitten des Outback aus dem Boden aufragt. Die paar jämmerlichen beigefügten Photographieversuche können das nicht vermitteln. Aber der Reihe nach: wir waren ja in Alice Springs (Blog 2 lässt´s erahnen ;-) und haben da eine - na ja ehrlich gesagt überflüssige - Nacht verbracht, die uns neben gesalzenen Preisen für ein eher schäbiges "bestes Haus am Platze" auch noch ein paar Schuhe gekostet hat (dazu spaeter). Am Vormittag sind wir nach dem Kauf der empfohlenen 2einhalbtausendLiterWasser mit unserem Kleinwagen 4,5 Stunden durch´s Outback geschlichen (max. 110 km/h), haben 0 Kängurus, 0 Eidechsen, 0 Spinnen, 0 Schlangen, überhaupt 0 bodenlebende Tiere und einen seehhr beeindruckenden Adler gesehen. Kein Problem, kein Grund, anzuhalten, so waren wir schnellstmöglich beim Uluru und konnten neben dem maler... read more

It really is true what they say of the Outback - it goes on forever. Flying from Cairns to Alice Springs, as soon as we pass over the coastal mountain ranges, the vastness of interior Australia hits you. About 2/3 of Australia's population is gathered in its urbanized coastal cities, primarily the east coast. The government categorizes the population ranging from Major Cities to Very Remote - in the Northern Territory where we are headed, which is 520,000 square miles, there are only 210,000 people, or less than 3 per square mile - that definitely qualifies as Very Remote. We fly into the legendary Alice Springs but it appears that the legend has outlived the reality. What first catches our fancy however is the time change - just half an hour - apparently each state determines ... read more

Howdy Folks - we hope you enjoyed the first part of this update, now get your cocoa ready for the main presentation... At this time of year Darwin experiences what is called 'the build up'. Here the heat and humidity increases but it doesn't rain. Aircon usage goes through the roof and people just sweat when they cross the street. We decided that it was time to leave Darwin and hit the road again. We wanted to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) before it got too hot but also wanted to go to Queensland for the rainforest and Great Barrier Reef. Unfortunately they are in different directions and several thousand kilometres apart. How would this dilemma be resolved? Step forward Mr Bradley Drinkwater. Brad is a proud Queenslander who had travelled to Darwin to fish with a ... read more

We tried for a reasonably early start on the Uluru base walk (about 10km) to beat the forecast 36C heat. When we arrived there were already lots of people climbing the rock. We were surprised to see so many people still doing it. It looked like very hard work, with many on their hands and knees. Seeing the rock up close made it seem more real, and the ever changing views were awesome. It is hard to describe so we hope the photos do it some justice. The walk was hot and dusty with very limited shade. Can not imagine what it would be like in summer. We were not surprised to hear an ambulance as the walk would be challenging for many. We have been fascinated by some strange trees and on the way back ... read more

Kings Canyon and Uluru 29th August 2012 (Mike’s birthday) We left camp just before 8am. We called into Alice Springs for fuel, and had morning tea at the Finke River. This is the world’s oldest river, 350 million years old. We saw several wedge tailed eagles as we continued. We had lunch at Mt Ebenezer Roadhouse, which now offers no services at all, then continued to Kings Canyon Resort where we are staying. It was a warm day. After setting up camp we watched the sunset on the ranges from a lookout at the resort. It’s a comfortable place to stay, with grass, all the usual camping facilities, rooms, safari tents and a bar venue. We had birthday cake for dessert. Dingoes howled close to camp after dark. 30th August 2012 The day started cool and ... read more