Uluru was our ultimate destination for this road trip. After driving nearly 2000 km we reached Yulara, the resort town that has popped up to sustain visitors to Uluru. We checked into our campsite which we were happy to have booked ahead and went to see the rock.
It is big. It is red. And truly, it is amazing. It's bigger than I imagined, and less perfect. It's silent and peaceful and important. There is nothing around the area and then suddenly there is this place.
There are caves and waterfalls. Rock paintings and sacred sites. I had the overwhelming feeling that as people we need to take care of each other.
"It's not that Uluru is bigger than you had supposed or more perfectly formed or in any way different from the impression you had created in you mind, but the very opposite. It is exactly what you expected it to be. You know this rock. You know it in a way that has nothing to do with calendars and the cover of souvenir books. Your knowledge of this rock is grounded in something much more elemental.
In some odd way that you don't understand and can't begin to articulate you feel an acquaintance with it - a familiarity on an unfamiliar level."
In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson
There is something about this rock that you can't stop looking at...
It was well worth travelling all those kilometres to see and experience this natural wonder.
We are lucky indeed.
This is my favourite post of yours. I am a "rock person" -technically called a "rockhound" and I would love to see this. Are you allowed to get close, touch it etc.?
ReplyDeleteThere are definitely places where the trail goes close to the base and you are encouraged to explore without intruding on the Aboriginal's sacred spaces. I'm a rock person too. My desk at work was covered in rocks!
ReplyDeleteWOW this is such a stunning view!!!!!!!! I would to visit there if I have the chance!!
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