Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park is recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area for its natural and cultural values. In 1987, it got recognized for its “spectacular geological formations, rare plants and animals, and exceptional natural beauty,” then in 1994, for its “cultural landscape” (traditional belief systems).
Day 35, Thursday, October 10: Kata Tjuta and Uluru
In 1985, Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park was handed back to the traditional owners, the Aboriginal Anangu people, who now – in a joint management with Parks Australia – manage the park. We were so excited to explore this famous and unique part of Australia. Today, we did two tours with a local tour company, SEIT – both were very good.
At 5:15 am, we boarded the small bus for a 5-hour long Kata Tjuta sunrise tour. There were 11 of us, plus our driver/guide, a young Frenchman who came to Australia for a few years to strengthen his knowledge of English. He was enthusiastic the whole time, making our experience excellent.
Kata Tjuta or as it’s also known, the Olgas, was formed 500 million years ago and is a sacred site for the Anangu people.
In the National Park, there are 5 viewing areas built for experiencing and photographing the landscape, the sunrise, and the sunset. We were at one of these sites (together with many others) for the 6:15 sunrise, and on another one for the 6:49 sunset.
It was wonderful to be there to watch the sun’s morning glow on the domes of Kata Tjuta and Uluru (in the distance), and to see how the desert came alive.
After viewing the sunrise, we drove to the western side of Kata Tjuta. Out of the 36 domes, tourists can only walk at two locations. We started our walk just before 7 am. It’s recommended to walk/hike in the cooler morning to avoid heat, and aim to finish by 11 am. When the temperature reaches 36 degrees Celsius, they actually close the hiking tracks.
We walked for 2.6 kilometers into Walpa Gorge. Walpa means wind, and indeed, it was very windy there. As we marveled at our surroundings, Steve was remembering his walk there 44 years ago. His sunset photos of Kata Tjuta (as it changed its color from minute-to-minute) are actually displayed in our home.
After the walk, we enjoyed an outback picnic breakfast around 9 am with Kata Tjuta in the background. Then drove back to the resort for some break to avoid the hottest part of the day.
The 5-hour long Uluru sunset tour started at 2:30 pm. This time, our driver/guide was a young man from Brazil.
First, we visited the cultural center where throughout the incredible presentation of art and explanations on the walls, we were introduced to Anangu culture. No photography was allowed inside the center because the images are sacred to the Anangu.
From here, a short 5-minute drive took us to the base of Uluru. Uluru, also known in English as Ayers Rock, is the world’s largest monolith, one of the world’s most unique places. It rises from the flat desert, and as you get closer and closer to it, you will be amazed by its huge size. It’s 348 meters high, and its bigger part is under ground.
This natural wonder is best known for its red color. And where is this red color coming from? Similar effect to iron rusting happens here as the iron minerals in the rock are weathered by water and oxygen.
We didn’t have time to do the full circle (9.4 kilometers) Uluru walk around the base, but did two shorter walks.
We walked to Mutitjulu Waterhole (only 1 km in total), home of the ancestral watersnake. Because it was a dry day, so we didn’t see water streaming down the rock. Our group spent a few minutes in total silence taking in the vibes of this place of tranquility.
From our guide we learned about the creation story of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python).
As we drove around the base of Uluru, the next stop was the 2-kilometer-long Mala walk. The Mala people camped here when they first arrived at Uluru.
There were areas where photographing or filming were not allowed showing respect to the Anangu people who still use the caves for spiritual ceremonies.
Climbing of Uluru is not allowed since October 26, 2019. As we were leaving the site, we saw the former climbing site. Our driver stopped for a minute, so I could take a picture of Steve in front of it. 44 years ago, he also climbed the rock! And still remembers the heat and the climbing chain.
Our final destination was a viewing area from where we felt lucky to experience sunset at Uluru. Our group toasted the occasion with sparkling wine accompanied with tasty snacks.
Getting back to our hotel I felt grateful that I could experience Kata Tjuta and Uluru. I heard about them from Steve for years, read about them, saw pictures, but being there in person was an incredible feeling. And Steve felt grateful too, so that he could finally share this with me.
