I didn't really know what to expect from the mysterious 'outback' that I've seen on TV and movies such as Baz Lerman's 'Australia', but I certainly wasn't expecting the incredible nothingness for hundreds of kilometres which welcomed us for hours upon hours. The terrain itself changes pretty swiftly from semi-arid land with a few sheep grazing into red dust where the only large animals we see are a few emus although you can be certain that there will be a whole load of venomous snakes, lizards and oversized creepy crawlies everywhere.
We arrived at Uluru (Ayers Rock) eagerly anticipating the sunset over Uluru. The view did not disappoint. The changing light over the rock was stunning, if a little crowded with people trying to get that perfect shot of the rock. It was defiantly worth the 5am start the next two days to see it again at sunrise without cameras just taking in the view.
Over the next two days, we did a few different hikes and walks. Dan took us around the base walk of Uluru, teaching us about the various spots of cultural significance for Aborigines. We then went to Kata Tjuta which is still used by Aborigines for men's initiation, so there are certain spots we are not allow to go to. If you do, it's an $8,000 fine and a lifetime ban. The hike was a 9km rocky path with stunning views which I actually thought was more impressive than Uluru. Six months ago I'd certainly be struggling to finish the hike, so it just shows that running around after 4 kids is doing me the world of good!
Our final, and my favourite hike, was on the penultimate day of our tour through King's Canyon. This was a 7km hike with some serious altitude full of fossilised jellyfish and seashells from millions of years ago (I know less than nothing about geology, maybe it's billions? Bloody old anyway) Half way through, we had a welcome break at a watering hole where Dan took us on a perilous climb round the cliffs for the most incredible view of my life. It was like something out of a film set - as far as the eye can see there was nothing but desert and underneath was a fern gully. Whilst I was convinced I was going to fall to my death, or at least destroy all dignity by falling over face first, smacking the person climbing behind me in their face with my humungous bum, it was well worth it. It was not quite included in the itinerary (I'm pretty sure health and safety would have a field day) and there was no chance of anyone bringing a camera on that death-climb which made it all the more precious knowing that we saw this incredible view that only a handful of people actually see.
We finished off the hike just as the sun was starting to set and the light hitting the rocks was just incredible. The sun setting over King's Canyon defiantly made it into my top five experiences of Australia and it's going to be pretty hard to beat. I've now been given a taste of what the 'real Australia' has to offer and I cannot wait to explore the Northern Territory and go hunt me some crocodile!
