Day Eleven, November 27, 2024 – Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia
In Australia’s Red Centre lies Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park. Home to many ancient wonders, the park is most famous for the enormous monoliths it’s named after. Uluru and Kata Tjuta rise from the earth in all their red glory just 19 miles from each other. Measuring 1,140 feet high and 6 miles in circumference, Uluru is the largest sandstone monolith in the world, while Kata Tjuta is made up of 36 giant domes spread over more than 12 miles. Both sites remain deeply spiritual and sacred to the local Anangu people, who have lived here for more than 30,000 years.
It was another early morning, 5:30 AM, for sunrise viewing at Kata Tjuta. However, because it was late spring in the Outback, there was more daylight than there is at home.
The sunrise was gorgeous, and afterwards we went for a hike in the Kata Tjuta Walpa Gorge. Kata Tjuta literally translated means Heads Many. Kata Tjuta is made up of a conglomerate rock created over 500 million years ago by rock and sand run off from the Petermann Ranges to the west. Back then the Petermann Ranges were said to be higher than Everest.
After our hike,Uluru we met with a didgeridoo musician who explained how the instrument is made and played. Lots of lip action required! It is interesting to note that Aboriginal women are not permitted to play the instrument. We also met with an Aboriginal ranger who explained to us her upbringing, traditions and culture.
Later in the afternoon we went out to Uluru for some hiking. Unfortunately, one of our group took a tumble getting out of the van and had to be taken to the local clinic and was later transported by the Royal Flying Doctor Service back to Alice Springs. Sadly, she had to leave the tour because of her injuries.