The Big Red Rock - Uluru - The Sacred Place of the Land Down Unda, Ayers Rock

The Big Red Rock -  Uluru legend is as old as Australia itself and people from all over the planet journey to the Land Down Unda for this spiritual experience.  It is the home of Australia’s Indigenous people and highly regarded by them as the mother of creation.  Our tour began in Alice Springs where we were collected from our hotel in an Outback Purpose Built 4 WD Mitsubishi 16 seater.

We drove to Ulura stopping along the way at a camel breeding farm.

We enjoyed meeting the rest of the gang…a collection of Americans, Europeans and us Canadians.  We particularly enjoyed meeting Pete and Anne from Seattle. Pic of Pet and Anne

The road less traveled was a wee bit bouncy but we were all in good moods and enjoying the ride. Pic of bouncy ride

 After settling into our remote private camp complete with comfortable Safari tents with beds and a campfire meal prepared by our very own chef.  

 As darkness fell and Uluru was thrown into silhouette we strolled thru the Field of Light

as more than 50,000 slender stems crowned with frosted glass spheres bloom illuminating as far as the eye can see with rhythms of colour that light up the desert.

The next morning we drove to the Big Red Rock and spent the day doing a walk about.  Climbing the rock is now taboo, and although the old trails still exist we were encouraged by Sara (our guide) to respect the Aboriginal wishes and not make the climb.  As we made our way around the base of the Rock we enjoyed the many carvings and stories available to be seen and heard by the local artisans.

We ended the day enjoying refreshments watching the sun set on Ulura with our tour guide Allison.  

We spent the next day at the Valley of the winds (Kata Tjuta) to explore the domes of which there are 36 in total.  The next day on to Kings Canyon (Watarrka) for a mind blowing 6 km walk thru the towering walls, crevices and plateaus.  This is where we found the lost city and the tranquil Garden of Eden. 

We enjoyed stopping at the Ellery Creek Big Hole, one of the most picturesque swimming and walking spots in the West MacDonell ranges. 

 Our final day we spent camping under the stars and sleeping in traditional outback Swags (an all weather outdoor cocoon)…it was fun till the rain started.   

Our final tour guide Lyola was representative of her family who had lived on section of land for as long as time was recorded.

 She was very helpful in explaining the aboriginal history and the complex society that make up the indigenous peoples of Australia.   

The natural scenic view of the outback, Uluru and the surrounding countryside was breathtaking.  We spent 5 days in the outback, hiking, swimming, climbing, and learning the ways of the original civilization of this vast continent.  We learned a respect for the ‘old ways' and the 'Spiritual Depth' of the Big Red Rock. 

Big enough to Mother a Nation, small enough to hold in your hand

It was a memorable time and more importantly for yours truly…we ticked one more item off of Kaija’s bucket list. And that’s a Good Thing!