Kata Tjuta (The Olgas )

Whilst we were at Uluru we visited the rock formation formerly known as the Olgas now Kata Tjuta National Park. These are also stunning rock formations, makes you wonder about the power that caused them to form. We managed to get in a few walks before we had to head back to camp and then back to Alice Springs.

This is the valley of the winds

One of the local inhabitants - this is a python think it is a "Woma"     

This is Walpa Gorge

Uluru (Ayres Rock)

We travelled to Alice Springs where we stayed three nights to catch up with friends from home. It was really good to see someone that you knew and chat about where you had been and where you were going.
Then we went to Uluru to see the rock, what a magnificent sight it is. It was awesome we just sat looking at it for ages. It was late in the afternoon when we got there so we didn't climb it but Stephen stood on it and I took his picture. The next day it was closed as it had been raining and the rangers didn't want anyone to fall off its slippy slopes. We joined a ranger walk and talk that morning that was very informative and then we went to the cultural centre and listened to one of the elders telling storeis of their beliefs (interpreted by one of the rangers).

A close up at the base of the rock

At the base of the rock on the ranger walk

I was surprised to find out that the rock was a permanent source of water for the aborigines and during the wet season there were many waterfalls off the rock. We definitely don't think it is from this world although the Ranger said it was sandstone (didn't feel like it to us).

The rest of our time at Mataranka

The Elsey National Park is next to the resort and the Roper river runs through this.

The Roper River

Another shot of the Roper River

Stevie's Hole a popular swimming hole inside the homestead boundaries

The homestead also boasts a thermal pool called Rainbow Springs which we enjoyed each day we were there.

Mataranka

We stayed at the Mataranka Homestead Resort - very dusty area but what else can you expect in a dry  area like this. The resort was the home of the replica Elsey Homestead made for the film "We of the Never Never" taken from a book written by by Jeannie Gunn. Jeannie and her husband Aenias (dont think that is the way to spell it ). were pioneers of this area and after he died Jeannie moved back to Melbourne and wrote a book about her time in Mataranka.

The Waterhouse River which runs at the side of the resort

The local inhabitants that wander through the camp

Pea hens

The wallaby- there are lots of them at this camp

Cutta Cutta caves and nature park

This area is 1499 hectares and is just outside of Katherine it is made up of karst limestone landscape and caves. Guided tours of the caves are available.

Katherine Hot Springs

Here is a shot of the hot springs that anyone can try, they are just outside the centre of the town near the river.

Edith Falls - Katherine

Edith Falls also known as Leliyn Falls is on the western boundary of Mitmiluk National Park the natural pool at the base of the falls is safe for swimming most of the year. There is a small steep climb upwards and then an escarpment walk and then downwards again to the pools. Very photogenic.