The following pictures were taken between June 22nd and June 24th during our time in Uluru-Kata Tjuta (pronounced Oooh-la-roo - Cat-ta Too-Pa), home of the world famous Ayer's Rock.
Smack in the middle of the Northern Territory, 'The Rock' (as it's often referred to) is 3.6km long, 2.4km wide and rises 348m at it's highest point. Too much metric for you? OK. That means it 2.25 miles long, 1.5 miles wide, and 1141 feet high. And get this - scientists think that 2/3 of it still lies beneath the earth's surface. Any way you or scientists slice it, it's a big friggin' rock.
Mt Connor from Afar+
As you drive towards Uluru, you see a huge rock that appears to be the infamous monolith. For years I thought that this was 'Uluru from Afar', but an Australian visitor just pointed out that it is actually Mount Connor (thanks, Amy!). While it resembles Uluru, it isn't close, given the fact that Mount Connor isn't even a monolith.
Picture Perfect+
Here's the classic Uluru picture usually seen on postcards, only this was taken by me with my handy-dandy digital camera! Amazing, huh? Ownership of Uluru-Kata Tjuta was recently returned to the Anangu Aborigines who now lease it back to the government as a national park. Known specifically as 'Uluru' to local Aboriginal people, Ayer's Rock and it's surrounding landscape is of rich cultural significance to them.
Uluru Up Close and Personal+
Here's what Uluru looks like up close. Nice texture, huh?
Aboriginal Fire+
Many of the Anangu Aboriginals routinely participate in ceremonies meant to reinact cultural beliefs handed down from their forefathers, the traditional owners of Uluru.
Don't Climb Uluru?+
Visitors to the rock still climb Uluru, despite Aboriginal pleas to the contrary. We chose to walk around the base of Uluru instead, which is encouraged by the Aborigines as a way to learn more about their beliefs.
Long, Tall Uluru+
At 348m (yes, that's 1141 feet) at it's highest point, Uluru is about as tall as the Sears Tower in Chicago.
Uluru Art Gallery+
Historical Aboriginal art sites and cave dwellings depicting cultural stories can be seen at various stops along the base walk.
Crocodile Tears+
Aboriginals have many ancient stories about Uluru that revolve around snake women and wallaby people and shit like that. (I'm not sure if they smoked pot or not. I'm assuming yes.) High or not, I thought this natural occurring 'blemish' on the rock's surface looked like a plain old crocodile...
Skull Session+
...and this looked like a skull with a brain.
Big Draw+
Arguably Uluru's big draw can be attributed to the sun. People come from all around to witness the unbelievable Uluru sunset. As the sun sets, Uluru turns from pale orange to bright red. About three times as many people as pictured here have their tripods set up and f-stops adjusted to capture the big event on film.
Uluru Sunset+
And here it is. A truly amazing sight to see.