History of Uluru Uluru is one of the world’s most renowned natural landmarks, previously known as Ayers Rock. In the heart of Australia’s outback, this iconic structure made of sandstone has a vast history and is sacred to the indigenous people. Uluru is often referred to as the heart of the ‘Red Centre’ and is one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks. Uluru is located in the Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park where over 250,000 people visit each year, despite it being hundreds of kilometres from the nearest major town and almost 1000 km from the Northern Territory’s capital Darwin. The sandstone monolith of Uluru and the conglomerate domes of Kata Tjuta, rise from the flat plains of the Northern Terriorty over 300m in height. The monoliths unbelievable size and immense cultural significance to local Indigenous people has made it an icon of Australia, and its magnificence is something that has to be seen in person to appreciate. The Anangu people are the local Indigenous people who have been living on land around Uluru for over 30,000 years. Their stories teach that teach that Uluru is a…
Kings Canyon is located in Watarrka National Park which is only a three hour drive from its better known neighbour, Uluru and a 3.5 hour drive from Alice Springs with a 4WD, otherwise a five hour drive from with a 2WD. The mighty Kings Canyon features 300m high sandstone walls, watering holes and boasts views that stretch for miles across the desert. Many people come just for a day trip from Uluru but it is much more than just a day trip destination. The Watarrka National Park has a wide range of walking tracks from over night hikes to short easy 2 km walks, helicopter tours, camel tours and accommodation options ranging form camping to beautiful resort rooms and safari glamping. WHEN TO GO? May-Sep. The best of year to go is in the dry season, Australia’s winter from May-Sep. We went in September and this was just perfect. The days were warm but not unbearable and the mornings and evenings were cool but not freezing. In June and July the night temperatures can drop to close to zero so be prepared for cold nights in the middle of the dry season. We were very…