Alice Springs - Urulu - MyAustraliainfo - Information about Australia

Alice Springs - Urulu - Kata Tjuta National Park - Kings Canyon


2/8 July 2001


Alice Springs is located in the center of Australia right in the middle of the desert. It 'a small city and all the action happens in the town center at the Todd Mall, the pedestrian zone, and neighboring streets. It is still a bustling city full of life and with a large number of Aboriginal people who are in poor condition.

Alice Springs is by the River Tood which is almost always dry and is a meeting place for Aboriginal people. The center is always full of people from tourists to locals with nice shops and restaurants. Also there is not much to see but it is almost impossible not to stop here for a visit to be able to get to nearby attractions. Days 6-7-8 I went on an excursion to some of the famous places of Australia.
First day starting at dawn really cold weather on board 4x4 with around 10 people including the guide, destination was Watarrka National Park to visit Kings Canyon  
The colors of the earth are an incredibly strong red here.

Kings Canyon is a spectacular canyon with incredibly beautiful rocks and a gorge with breathtaking views. The canyon walls are more than a hundred meters high. In the evening we gathered wood for  dinner and to keep warm. I found a place to sleep overnight and we prepared the fire for dinner and ate whilst watching the sunset. We all gathered around the fire as it the temperature drops very low in the desert at night and it's very cold . Sleeping under the stars in in a tent with a sleeping bag that is is made to keep you warm and if fitted correctly will prevent any animals to come and sleep with you!
We pack up and load the 4x4 with the next destination Urulu - Kata Tjuta National Park or Ayers Rock a symbol of Australia.
From Alice Springs the distances is nearly 500 kilometers and takes about 4 to 5 hours by road.
As you approach you can begin to see Ayers Rock a big rock in the middle of the desert.
This huge rock rises majestically and gradually as you get closer it becomes apparent why this beautiful rock is so famous as the view as you approach and once you get there is Spectacular and leaves you in amazement, very hard to find the words to describe this majestic rock!!.
We did not climb on top out of respect as this is considered to be sacred ground for Aboriginal people and it is banned to climb and also to take photos, but in reality a lot of people climb the rock and take photograps, we only took some photos.  The guide tells me that the distance around Ayers Rock is 10 km, I do not know how many we did but i know that we'll never get there.. The view from beneath the rock is truly a miracle of nature. The sunset over Ayers Rock is spectacular as the rock also changes color even during sunrise!!
We collect firewood for the evening and yet another night under the stars, even colder than the night before.  At dawn departure to another park to visit the Kata Tjuta to the Monti Olgas another spectacular display of rocks, colors and landscapes.
This 3-day safari in the desert was really connecting with nature totally wild and ruggid outback adventure.  Hundreds of miles away from civilization without a building in sight except for service station here and there!!!  For Those who are adventurous and love to experience a rugid outback tour then this would be for you as it is more exciting to experience nights in the desert rather than the usual  stay in a hotel or camping ground where there is everything provided.