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Ayers Rock and the OlgasNorthern Territory Geologic Formations are Australian Wonders
World's largest monolith, the Olga mountains, aboriginal art, Uluru National Park, the southern constellations, port lincoln parrots, perentie lizards make trip exciting.
Ayers Rock ranks high on many travelers "must-see" lists. Standing in the middle of Australia on a vast expanse of henna-colored desert called the "Red Centre," with temperatures climbing to a sizzling 120 degrees F (49 C), it's not, however, a destination for everyone. Travelers, who pay hundreds of dollars for flights to the rock from Sydney, spend that kind of money because they want to a) see the world's largest monolith glowing at sunset and to b) climb it at dawn. According to brochures, the huge sandstone outcrop glows bright orange, red and purple when bathed by the sun’s last rays, but according to guides, the sunsets aren’t that spectacular every evening. Be that as it may, the landscape is so dominated by the rock -- physically and psychologically -- that most people call the whole area Ayers Rock. Officially, it is known by two other names -- Yulara, after the resort complex where everyone stays, and Uluru National Park, the 821.5 square mile (1,325 sq. km) preserve that contains the resort, the rock and a host of other natural wonders. Climbing the RockThe daily Ayers Rock climb begins at sunrise during summer because extreme heat envelopes the land by 10 a.m. In winter, starting time depends on how cold it was the night before (July temperatures can plummet to below freezing). Getting to the top is tough, but the trip down – according to some climbers – is even more difficult. Climbing the rock isn't a good idea for even the most fit when it's wet or windy. The ascent and descent (with time to enjoy the panoramic view from the top) take about two hours if you're in shape. Lots longer, if you're not. But fit or not, don’t attempt the climb if it’s wet and windy. The OlgasAlso in Uluru National Park, the Olgas, 36 huge rock domes that cover 13.5 square miles (about 35 square kilometers), are considered by many visitors to be the more spectacular of the two attractions. Three established trails go into this eerily beautiful country -- to the Mount Olga Gorge, the Kata Tjuta Lookout and the Valley of the Winds. The sound of silence, broken only by your own footsteps, the rustling leaves and calls of Port Lincoln parrots and grey-headed honey-eaters make these walks a marvelous antidote to congestion blues and mental gridlock. If you don't have time to walk around Ayer's Rock and through the Olgas -- or if roads are impassable because of rains -- the 35 minute flight over the area is a breathtaking -- though sometimes quite bumpy -- alternative. More Wonders and WalksAs to Uluru's other wonders -- some 22 species of native mammals, 58 different kinds of lizards, 151 species of birds and about 400 species of flora live within the park. Among the most intriguing inhabitants are Australia's largest lizard, the Perentie, that grows to more than seven feet in length, and shield shrimp, which miraculously appear in the pools of water that form on top of Ayers Rock after rains. The best way to learn about the area is participating in the nature walks sponsored by the Uluru National Park Ranger Station. On the "bush tucker" walk, the ranger guides transform the seemingly barren desert into a veritable supermarket of native foods.that contributed to the Aborigines' food supply. Flora and fauna are highlighted on the natural history tour and the star gazing walk features an introduction to the southern constellations along with their Aboriginal interpretations.
The copyright of the article Ayers Rock and the Olgas in Australia Travel is owned by Connie Emerson. Permission to republish Ayers Rock and the Olgas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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