Walk the Base of Uluru in Australia's Outback
Visitors to Australia's Uluru Should be Prepared for the Elements
Oct 28, 2008
Uluru, also referred to as Ayers Rock, is a breathtaking sandstone rock located in the Northern Territory's Outback. To Aboriginals and tourists alike, Uluru is a very spiritual site. Since the rock is considered sacred to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara peoples, climbing it is extremely disrespectful. However, tourists are welcome to walk the 9.8 kilometer circumference of Uluru. Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park also offers several shorter walks. Visitors to this World Heritage Site will be awed by the ancient paintings and rock caves. For a safe and memorable hike, tourists should keep a few things in mind.
Sun and Heat Protection in the Outback
Temperatures in the Northern Territory can reach unbearable highs from late morning to mid afternoon, so tourists are wise to begin the walk at dawn. By doing so, travelers will enjoy beautiful sunrises and avoid heat exhaustion.
Sunscreen and hats are a must, as the UV index in Australia is almost double what it is in Canada. Skin cancer is quite common in Australia, and tourists should take every measure to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful rays.
Various Australian tourism brochures suggest that travelers drink one litre of water for every hour spent exerting themselves in the extreme heat of the Outback. It may be impractical to carry several litres of water on the hike as this would be heavy and there are only washrooms at the entrance/exit. However, walkers should carry at least one large water bottle per person, and then drink more water when they return to their vehicles in order to remain hydrated.
Fly Nets a Necessity
From sun up to sun down, small flies invade the ears, eyes and noses of all unprepared visitors to the Outback. These flies do not bite, but they are major pests. At any given time during daytime hours, fifty to a hundred of these little flies cover the average human. Fly nets can and should be purchased to keep these pests off of the face. At first, travelers may feel silly wearing this odd headgear, but even the most self-conscious individual will be happy to have one. Fly nets can be purchases for $5 in the Outback town of Alice Springs at almost any store. If travelers wait until they arrive at Uluru to buy their nets, they will find the price is at least double what it is in Alice Springs. However, paying $10-$15 for a net is still extremely worthwhile.
National Park Admission
For admission into the park, all visitors 16 years and older must purchase a three-day National Park pass for $25 at the entrance. The pass allows admittance to Uluru and Kata Tjuta, which is a famous group of large rock formations also known as The Olgas. Besides doing the Uluru walk, visitors can take in a sunrise or sunset viewing, which is a truly unforgettable experience, and an excellent photographic opportunity. For a different outlook, tourists should visit the sunrise viewing area at sunset, and the sunset area at sunrise.
The spiritually and culturally rich Uluru is a true Outback encounter. Being prepared for the elements will ensure that visitors experience Uluru to its fullest potential.
