tiabunna's photos with the keyword: Uluru

Yes, when driving in Central Australia, it is necessary to watch for wandering camels! Camels were introduced to inland Australia in the mid-late 1800s to provide transport with "camel trains" in remote areas. This continued until the advent of roads and trucks, when many were released - and we now have probably the largest free-roaming camel population in the world ! More detail here.

This panoramic view of Uluru and the distant Kata Tjuta was taken from a viewing platform sited to give a good sunrise view of them both - I'd have to admit somewhat after sunrise here! Best viewed large on black. Another week almost gone, so it's time to wish everyone a very Happy Fence Friday and I hope you all have a great weekend to follow.

We walked part of the way around Uluru (PiP 1 shows the tracks). It does become more impressive with proximity and, although the Aboriginal owners prevent access to some areas with traditional links, it is possible to visit Aboriginal cave paintings from earlier times.

Continuing on my helicopter trip (see previous image of Uluru), we headed westward towards Kata Tjuta (see PiPs). I must admit I find this rocky complex more interesting than Uluru itself, and the main image was my favourite from the entire outing, as it includes both. If you enlarge this, beyond Uluru in the far distance, you will also see flat-topped Mt Connor. Should you find the geology of this area as fascinating as I do, you can read more about it here.

Whether you prefer to call it Uluru (the Pitjatjantjara name for 40,000 or so years) or Ayers Rock (the colonial name for just under 150 years), it's an impressive lump of sandstone. It rises almost 350 metres above sea level and, like an iceberg, it seems most of its bulk is below the surface of the surrounding terrain. When I took these images (see also PiPs) it was still popular to climb to the top on the ridge to the right of this image (also PiP 3) though the Aboriginal people disapproved - the climb has since been closed. I decided to skip the climb and instead to do my viewing from a helicopter, putting it in context. Best viewed large.