Driving toward Ayer's Rock, in the Outback, we passed Konna Mountain. It has been crystalized since the ice age although the area surrounding it has since eroded. We also visited the Olgas, meaning 'many heads', which is another rock formation jutting out from the desert dunes and otherwise relatively flat landscape. In one area we walked into a box canyon to experience the immenseness of the rock and to see the hidden pool. The heat was too much for many, as high as 44 degrees, and they turned back. However, it didn't in any way discourage the determination of the flies to torment us.
And finally we could see the amazing Ayer's Rock in the distance. At that time of the day it was a mauve colour. We drove through Kata Tijuta National Park which is the home of possums, different types of wallabies, the Woma python, various types of frogs, bush turkey, emus, lizards, camels, fox, rabbits and many different species of reptile, many being poisonous snakes, and spiders. We saw none of these. However, we didn't venture off the well-defined paths either.
From there we drove into the town itself, although it could hardly be described as such. It is mainly a cluster of hotels and other sleeping accommodations, a very small shopping area and a few restaurants. The main reason for anyone to be there is the mystery and the beauty of the rock itself. There is even a campground but after hearing the story about the dingo carrying off a baby, it would not appeal to me and especially when you also consider the many varieties of poisonous snakes in the area.
Ayer's Rock, called Uluru by the Avangu, an Aboriginal tribe in the area, is 450 km by road from Alice Springs. It was discovered in 1873 and is 2,831 feet above sea level. But more interesting is the fact that two thirds of the rock exists below the ground's surface. There is a 1.6 km climb to the top but our tour guide said it would probably be the last year this would be allowed beause the rock is considered sacred. In some areas there are ancient ancestral paintings on the rock faces. However, the ones we saw have almost disappeared because of time and the elements. The Aboriginals consider there to be five seasons in the area. We must have arrived in the hottest one.
The main attraction to Ayre's Rock is the changing of colours from pinks, mauves, rusts, orange and reds from sunrise through to sunset. Taking a camel ride at sunrise, I have to admit that I didn't notice the change in the colour of the rock so much as the beautiful sunrise as we rode for about an hour through the desert dunes. Both the camel ride and the sunrise were magnificent in spite of the infernal flies. Riding a camel is definitely an experience. It is one I would repeat agaqin even though I very quickly became aware of the bones I didn't remember I had or even knew were part of my body.
And in the evening we watched the sun set over Ayer's Rock while we enjoyed a glass of champagne. In this case also, both the sunset and champagne were enjoyable. By taking a picture every ten or fifteen minutes, we could see the changes in the colours of the rock. Apparently the colours were not as intense as they often are because, although it was hot and sunny, there was a slight cloud cover over the rock itself.
On the following day on our way to the airport for our flight to Cairns, we drove the circumference of Ayre's Rock. It is 9.4 km around. Stopping periodically we could see some of the markings on the rock which, from the distance, looks to be relatively smooth. There are numerous canyons within the rock walls which, with a guide, can be explored. Exploring the entire circumference as well as the canyons would extend the walk to about 35 km.
Although the area of Ayre's Rock was interesting and informative, I was looking forward to our trip to Cairns and all the sights and experiences that area promised us. Expecially the promise of no flies.
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