Yulara: Uluru … Base Walk

Part II of our 20,652-Step Day!

Retracing our steps from the Kantju Gorge, we took a fork in the Mala Walk path to get on the Uluru Base Walk path …. described as a Grade 3, moderate, 6.6-mile full circuit.

For a while, the dirt trail followed the paved road that one can use to drive around Uluru. Then we turned in, getting closer to the massive rock. A large part of the trail was unshaded, but we didn’t mind since the temp was cool. Other parts of the trail ran through acacia woodlands and grassy clay pans. Like the national park itself, the trail was far greener than I expected this part of Australia to be. That the pesky flies held off until the last bit of our walk was a delightful bonus.

Uluru is impressive from a distance, but this walk makes you truly appreciate how immense it is. It also allows clear views of the pittings and scars on the rock. Uluru is not as smooth as it seems from a distance.

Parts of the trail had signage banning photos of areas considered culturally sensitive by the local indigenous people. Visitors do not need to avert their eyes from Uluru as they walk these sections. So, why the ban? Because the Anangu believe that the sacred areas of Uluru must be viewed in situ and not in photos elsewhere around the world.

Speaking of the traditional owners of these lands, I overheard a Segway guide explaining that the closest Anangu settlement is a little more than a mile from Uluru. It is a closed settlement that can only be visited by invitation.

We returned to the resort around 1:00p, stopping at the Desert Gardens Hotel for lunch at the Mangata Bistro & Bar.

With plans for an evening outing, we spent the rest of the afternoon resting our weary feet!Read more