WORDS CLAUDIA BOUMA PICS CHRIS BOUMA
Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP, NT
Experience the sheer magnitude of one of the world’s
Seven Natural Wonders.
O
ne of the world’s Seven Natural
Wonders rises up abruptly in the
heart of the Australian desert,
captivating millions of visitors from
all over the globe every year. Uluru is
one of our country’s icons and rightly so
– to stand in front of this giant monolith
is to come face to face with nature’s
power and majesty.
At 348m high, Uluru is an imposing
sandstone rock situated on the western
side of the Simpson Desert. Called Ayers
Rock by William Gosse in 1873 after Sir
Henry Ayers, its name was changed to
Uluru after the land was handed back
to the Anangu people, the traditional
owners, in 1985.
A lot has changed since tourists
first flocked to this famous rock, eager
to camp next to it and climb to the
top. As Uluru is now recognised as a
sacred Aboriginal site, climbing the
rock is discouraged and all tourist
accommodation has been moved to the
township of Yulara, 15km away. Here,
you’ll find everything you could possibly
need for a stay, long or short.
The Anangu people manage the park
together with Parks Australia. They have
chosen to share some of their Tjukurpa, or
Dreamtime, stories through the Cultural
Centre to give visitors greater insight into
their traditional law and culture.
The best way to enjoy and experience
Uluru is to hike around the base,
which is a 10km walk that takes about
3.5 hours. If you prefer shorter walks,
there’s a choice of the 2km return Mala
Walk, the 1km return Kuniya Walk and
the 4km return Liru Walk, all offering
insight into the beliefs and stories of the
local people.
A visit to the national park is not
complete without spending a full day at
Kata Tjuta, meaning ‘many heads’. The
Valley of the Winds Walk is a challenging
hike, taking you right into the heart
of this magnificent landscape and
rewarding you with spectacular views.
The walk can be done as a circuit or you
can choose to head back from the Karu
or Karingana Lookouts, depending on
your fitness.
Whether you head to Uluru-Kata Tjuta
NP for a whirlwind tour or a longer stay,
this natural wonder is sure to mesmerise
you with its dramatic landscapes and
cultural significance.
FASTFACTS
GETTING THERE
Uluru-Kata Tjuta NP is situated 440km
south-west of Alice Springs along sealed roads.
ACTIVITIES
Walk or cycle around Uluru, walk the
Valley of the Winds track, visit the Cultural
Centre, experience a desert camel ride.
STAY
Accommodation is available at
nearby Yulara.
MORE INFORMATION
www.parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru
ADVENTURES
15