Kata Tjuta, The Other Uluru


Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga) is less known than its famous neighbor Uluru, but it is still impressive. These domes (there are 36 exactly) are located about thirty kilometres away from the rock of Uluru. They are part, with the latter, of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We urge you to walk within the valleys and deep gorges created by these rock formations. Whether you choose the Valley of the Winds (7.4 km), or in the Walpa Gorge (2.6 km) (photo), do not miss this opportunity to get away from everyone and everything in a breathtaking environment. You will certainly feel alive! The colors are particularly beautiful in the afternoon and early evening. Be careful though, because of the extreme temperatures which often occur in the area, the tracks are not always open to the public. They are closed when the temperature exceeds 36°C. The picnic area located a few kilometers away from the base of Kata Tjuta, however, is a good alternative to admire the sunset.

Uluru, The Sacred Place


Uluru is one of the most famous rocks in the world (photo). Also known as Ayers Rock, this world-class natural show is particularly moving, an emotion difficult to express with words. No photo or video can replace what you see with your own eyes after the long journey that takes you there (Alice Springs is 460 km away, Adelaide is 1,600 km away and Darwin is 1,960 km away). It is located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, which also includes the rock formations of Kata Tjuta (Mount Olga), sacred places of a very high importance to the Anangu people, one of the oldest human societies in the world. The park is one of the few sites part of the UNESCO World Heritage List for both its natural and cultural wealth. Uluru, which has become a major tourist attraction since the World War II, is a symbol of Australia. With the construction of a huge modern resort and the presence of too many tours, the place loses its authenticity. Sometimes it feels like Disneyland and that is unfortunate. Just like us, you can do your part not to encourage this excessive commercial development:
  • Do not climb Uluru, you will show respect to Traditional Owners' law and culture;
  • Take part in a daily cultural guided tour, run either by the Rangers (free) or by Indigenous;
  • Visit the impressive Cultural Centre (free);
  • Spend the night, if possible, on one of the free campsites located around the park.
Finally, do not miss a sunset over Uluru. This is a unique moment when the rock changes colors. Note that raining is rare in the Outback. However, severe storms can occur at Uluru. On this occasion, you might see a rare sight: huge waterfalls. If you have had the chance to experience it, share your photos with our readers!

Road Trips Collateral Damage


Australia is one of the best countries for road trips. Those who have already experienced it know very well that having a breakdown comes with the fun of a road trip (we have experienced it ourselves when crossing the Nullarbor). Here in Australia, distances are sometimes so huge between the location of the breakdwon and the nearest garage, that towing can cost more than abandoning your vehicle along the road and buy a used one in the next city. Then, one can find curious trophies (photo) in the scenery along the highways. We even met some people whose job is to drive for hours to rid the landscape of the old rusting cars!

Extreme Heat In Australia


We are not going to lie: summer in Australia is warm, sometimes really hot. Whether on the road that took us from Perth to Darwin or traveling from Darwin to Adelaide, we had days where the temperature never came down below 40°C: a true desert climate! Heading towards the center, precipitation is low, which makes the heat difficult to bear. The highest temperature we experienced was 46°C (photo) in Tennant Creek.

Unique Stopover On The Stuart Highway


A few weeks ago we came accross the William Creek Hotel and the North Star Hotel in South Australia. This time, on the Stuart Highway between Katherine and Tennant Creek, we spotted the Larrimah Hotel, in the tiny hamlet of the same name. As for the other two, you have to stop in this pub. You will have no problem to recognize it: the Pink Panther is sitting outside along the highway. The Larrimah Hotel is a hotel, a camping, a pub, a museum, a zoo... but also one of the many unusual places that give the Outback part of its charm. There are certainly dozens of them scattered around the country. Feel free to share your own discoveries with us!

Swimming Bliss


What a delight to swim in these thermal pools found scattered across the Northern Territory (and the rest of northern Australia)! We mentionned Katherine's Hot Springs a few days ago. This time, we are at the Bitter Springs in Mataranka. They are located in a beautiful environment on the edge of Elsey National Park, 100 kilometers south-east of Katherine. These spring-fed thermal pools are a great place to relax amongst palms and tropical woodlands, especially after a long drive. We even came accross a European couple riding their bikes around the world, who spent the night there. Still be carefull though. Swimming is not permitted during the wet season due to dangerous currents and increased risk of Saltwater Crocodiles.

Crocodile Hunting


One of the major tourist attractions in Darwin area is undoubtedly joining a "hunt" for crocodiles. Of course, there is the Crocosaurus Cove. But to see these reptiles in the wild, you need to head out from the city centre and join a boat cruise on the Adelaide River, well know for its high concentration of Saltwater Crocodiles. There are, in total, more than 100,000 reptiles of this species in the northern Australia's rivers. However, it is actually really rare to see them. On the Adelaide River, they are used to the boats and they know that they will be fed, so they do not hesitate to leave their place of hiding. Even if we are on a boat (read "relatively safe"), it is still pretty impressive to see them approaching. When close to the piece of meat waiting for them, they do not hesitate to jump out of the water (photo), showing visitors their incredible power. There are many cruises available. We experienced the activity offered by Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise which claims to have the most experienced staff on the river. This is one of the most exciting activity we have done so far. This cruise, which lasts for about an hour, is to put on your To-Do List right away!

iPhoneography Oz was a guest of Spectacular Jumping Crocodile Cruise.