Australia 2015 : Uluru

Itinerary summary:

Day 1

Darwin - Litchfield National Park - Katherine

Day 2

Katherine - Elsey National Park - Daly Waters - Kunjarra - Tennant Creek

Day 3

Tennant Creek - Devils Marble - Alice Springs

Day 4

Alice Springs - Kings Canyon - Yulara

Day 5

Uluru - Olgas - Yulara

Day 6

Yulara - Alice Springs - Darwin

Day 7

Darwin - Singapore

After a night's rest at Yulara, we finally made it to our absolute destination - Ayers rock, or better known as Uluru!

We started the day early in the morning by watching the sunrise at a viewing point about 100m away from our backpackers' dormitory. 

Uluru seems to be close enough as it takes in the rays of a rising sun. There were quite a few visitors with us at the viewing point in the morning. Many of them were armed with camera to record the entire sunrise process. 

And the sun finally makes its appearance for the day! What an impressive sight. 

After breakfast, we drove towards Uluru, which is approximately 15 minutes away. At the entrance, you'll be required to purchase the park passes. It costs AUD 25 per adult for a 3-day pass (which is the shortest duration that you can purchase).

To the aborigines, Uluru is considered a sacred rock which holds great significance in their community. Therefore, visitors are not encouraged to climb, though quite a few people have attempted it.

You'll be able to spot wild flowers along the walkway as you read the available guides to explain the significance of Uluru to visitors.

There were several walks available. For shorter routes, you've the option of Mala Walk (approximately 2 km), Kuniya Walk (approximately 1 km) and Dune Walk (about 500m). For those who are more adventurous, you cold also opt for the Uluru Base Walk which is about 10.6 km. 

Our intention is to cover Uluru and Olgas on the same day, so we took the shorter Mala Walk, which takes us around and about a fraction of the entire rock. 

Photography is not permitted at some areas along as they're deemed to be sacred. Therefore, we only managed to get a few pictures at areas which are open to public photography. The above is a picture of an area where the aborigines school their little ones in the past. 

You'll also find Kantju Gorge as you walk along. We were there in winter but unfortunately the gorge remains dry. 

The entire Mala Walk took us about 1.5 hours. Here's a picture of our accomplishment, for we finally made it to the rock after 5 days of roadtrip! 

You'll also find a Cultural Centre located near the walk which will provide you a greater understanding of the Anangu culture. It explains the significance of the rock in the eyes of the natives. You'll also find handpainted tribal art pieces available, which some of the aborigines drawing right outside the cultural centre. 

It was all in a all a great experience for us. Having seen the rock upclose and from afar, it provides us a far greater appreciation of the beauty of nature and the preservation work that is needed to ensure that generations to come will continue to enjoy this beautiful sight.