Uluru and the Olgas

Uluru and the Olgas

We arrived at Yularu, the camping ground and resort about 8 kms from the Uluru in time to take to see the Rock at sunset.  The view was spectacular, as the Rock changed colours with the setting sun.  The Rock is in a national park with different, specific areas for viewing the Rock at both sunset and sunrise.  We were surprised at how popular each of these were.  It was pretty cold on both occasions but well worth donning on the winter wollies for.

We then went on the Mala walk at the Rock.  This involved a member of the Anangu aboriginal clan showing us what are the sacred areas of the Rock to his people.  We saw the specific men, women and old people’s areas and the rock drawings were explained. 

 We then walked around the Rock which took about 3.5 hours.  The changing face of the Rock was highlighted and there were also many beautiful flowers although we did not see any animals which surprised us.  After gaining an understanding of the real significance of the Rock to the Anangu people we elected not to climb the Rock although we think we were in the minority.

All in all we walked 12 interesting kms so a good day was had.

The next day we went to the Olgas which are accessible via the Rock. The Olgas are different from the Rock although made up of the same rock types.  We started with the full Valley of the Winds walk which was breathtaking in more ways than one. 

The scenery was wonderful, especially as the rains earlier this year has left everything very green.  The walk was 7.4 kms up hill and down dale and scampering over rocks but once again was worth it.  We decided our fitness could handle one more walk so we went on the Walpa Gorge walk which was only 2.6 kms.  It was pretty and we saw  some lovely small water pools.  Overall we had walked about 20 kms over the 2 days but it was certainly worth it, and I was still able to move the next day.