March 7 - Uluru or Ayers Rock

Today we went to the Aboriginal sacred site of Uluru, formerly known as Ayers Rock. Uluru is one of Australia's most recognizable natural landmarks. It is a large sandstone rock formation in the desert of the southern part of the Northern Territory in central Australia. The sandstone formation stands 348 meters tall and has a total area of 9.4 square kilometers. Both Uluru and the nearby Kata Tjuta formation have great cultural significance for the Aṉangu, the Aboriginal people of this area.

The area around the rock is home to a number of springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. It seems each crevice, cave and rock formation has a story that explains the mythology of the Anangu people.  The elders pass this information to the younger generation, only when they determine that the youngster is required to know and capable of understanding the message behind the story.  It is considered a punishable offence for females to attempt learn about the male lessons and vice versa.  It is also consider to be a major breach of tribal etiquette to ask about subjects that don’t concern you.

Uluru is notable for appearing to change colour at different times of the day and year, most notably when it glows red at dawn and sunset.  We went to a lookout tonight, to see this phenomenon.  This change of colour happens so slowly that you really don’t notice it until you see time lapse photos.

Uluru - 6pm

Uluru 7pm

We then went to an outdoor BBQ in the shadow of Ayres Rock in the dark.  We had steak, chicken, kangaroo and shrimp.  It was a delicious meal in a great environment.  After the meal, we had a guide show us the different stars in the southern hemisphere, such as the Southern Cross.  As a special attraction, the International Space Station passed overhead during the demonstration.

We have gone from a comfortable 22 degrees on Kangaroo Island to very hot but dry temperature of 37 degrees. No wonder this a desert with very little vegetation.

It is unbelievable the number of flies that are in the area.  You have to wear a net over your head because these pesky insects will swarm your face and drive you crazy.  It would not be uncommon to find several dozen flies on your body at any given time.