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The most intriguing experience is sunrise or sunset
at the Uluru. Depending on weather conditions and incident of light
the huge rock can change its colour from a pale grey-red into a glowing
orange or even fiery red and after that fades again. We experienced both,
sunrise in a clear sky and sunset, when the sky was heavy with storm clouds.
It is really lucky to experience this as, when the sun brakes through the
dark clouds, the most contrasting colours appear. A spectacle beyond
comparison!
Spiritual heart of Australia
Many oddly shaped rock formations, caves, springs and water holes and,
above all, the way the rock magically changes colour at sunrise and sunset,
gave rise to numerous legends. No wonder, that the Uluru became a sacred
site to the Anangu Aboriginal people and
with it the Red Centre the spiritual heart of
Australia. On rock caves and shelters still today well preserved
ancient paintings can be found and bear witness to Aboriginal art and culture.
The Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural
and man-made attributes.
There
are many guided excursions including the tough 1.6 km ascent to the top
of the Uluru, but you can
easily explore this mysterious place on your own account, supported by
brochures, or just following the marked paths, which guide you to the most
interesting and sacred sites. The major walk leads around the base of the
Uluru, but there are also shorter walks. They all reflect in their
own special way the mystery of dreamtime and give an inside into ancient
Aboriginal culture. We decided on the two km long
Mala
walk, which tells of the arrival of the Mala people at the Uluru
and the only 0,5 km long walk to Mutitjulu, a reliable
water hole, which is an extremely important cultural site. The Mala
Walk is also the starting point for Uluru
climbing, but it is requested, that you respect the feelings of Anangu
by not climbing the Uluru.
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