Australia 2007 - Alice Springs and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Kata Tjuta aka The Olgas

In Alice Springs social problems like alcohol abuse and homelessness amongst the indigenous population are more clearly visible than in many other places. The town has had its share of bad publicity and acquired a bit of a reputation. However, if you apply a little common sense and don't do things like stop to stare and take photos you can move about in peace. Another British traveller arrived at the same time as me and we hung out for a few days. We decided to join a small group hiring a guide and mini-bus for a four day trip out to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The scale of the Outback is immense, especially when you come from a relatively small island like Great Britain. It was the first time I ever saw a road so long and straight that it stretched all the way to the horizon. Periodically there were huge Black-breasted Buzzards at the roadside dining on carrion and roadkill from the road trains and other traffic. To my surprise there were also wild camels! We were supplied with bivouacs and sleeping bags, and slept under the stars which could be seen in abundance due to the absence of light pollution. In the morning I awoke to find one member of the group crying and being consoled by the others. It turned out she had taken a bivvy but no sleeping bag, and had been so cold during the night that she hadn't slept a wink! Uluru itself was amazing. At that time you could still climb the rock, although I chose not to after the guide explained it was a sacred site and the practise was considered disrespectful to the locals. It's now banned. Back in Alice Springs my friend wanted to shop for a didgeridoo. The town had a really nice selection of them for every budget. He took the time to find one he liked and have it shipped home. I should've done it too. 

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