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Australia - Outback
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~Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park ~
~ UNESCO World Heritage ~
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The
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is located in the southern part of the Northern
Territory, 440 km southwest of Alice Springs and covers an area of 132,566
hectares. It contains Australian's most renowned natural features, the
Uluru
(Ayers Rock) and the rock
formations of the Kata Tjuta (also known as "The Olgas"), both magnificent
geological structures, which dominate their landscape and are two of the
world's greatest natural wonders. The park was inscribed on the World Heritage
List for its outstanding universal natural and cultural values.
The traditional owners of this land are the Anangu Aboriginal people.
There are three major walks within the park, one around the base of
Uluru, one into the Valley of Winds at Kata Tjuta and another into the
Olga Gorge, but there are also shorter walks at Uluru.
This area, also known as "Red Centre" or "Outback", is of exceptional
natural beauty and one can hardly imagine this most unusual landscape without
having seen it. As far as the eye can reach you see red sand, fine
as on the famous beaches at the Gold Coast. And visible for miles in the
endless deserted area the huge red rock, the Uluru, rises majestically
and literally seems to glow in changing
colours at sunrise and sunset – a spectacle without comparison and
one of the most fascinating experiences ever!
Contrary to our expectations we didn't experience the intense heat,
but mainly a cloudy sky and even rain, which brought welcome relief to
the dry landscape and the people, who can only count on an yearly average
of just 275 ml! In view of this we were amazed at the range of flora that
survives out there in the often harsh lands of the Outback. |
Ayers Rock Resort
We
stayed two nights at the Ayers Rock Resort, which is situated at the Yulara
Drive, right in the deserted area within sight of Uluru and Kata Tjuta
mountains. It is a wonderful place to get a true feeling for the Outback.
This unique oasis provides a variety of accommodation options for every
taste, from the luxurious five-star hotel to the authentic Outback Pioneer
Hotel and Lodge and the Ayers Rock Campground, with cabins,
room and camping facilities. However, the prices are relative high. At
the Pioneer Lodge the two of us paid for a budget room with bunk bed, private
bathroom and air condition without breakfast 122 € per night, but
the stay in this unique place is worth each penny!
The resort includes also a central visitor and shopping centre
with a tourist office, bank and post services, a supermarket, restaurants
and souvenir shops. Within the ground of the Pioneer Hotel there are guest
kitchen facilities and a large, roofed barbecue area, where you can
get all you need for an authentic Australian BBQ, grill your meat
yourself and enjoy life music.
Also sightseeing facilities are well organized. Within the area of the
resort the ring road provides a free regular shuttle service, and for individual
excursions you can order the Uluru Express, which takes you to the places
of your choice and arrangements are made, to pick you up again. Of course
you can rent a car or make use of the great variety of guides tours as
well. |
Poineer Hotel
& Lodge
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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Australia
Ayers Rock Resort
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