It's Raining on the Rock

19th June 2013

Well the forecast was certainly true to its word, with the rain starting some time through the night and basically continuing throughout the entire day, but it didn't stop our enthusiasm for going out to get our first taste of Uluru.

So after a slow start with the heater going in the van (yep its just paid for itself) to warm us up on what promised to be another cold day in the centre, we decided to venture into the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

After paying for our 3 day pass into the park, we drove to the sunrise viewing area to get our bearings for when the weather broke in the next day or two. Although it was bloody freezing and drizzling rain, it was a fantastic time to go as we were the only people there and got to enjoy our first real site of Uluru by ourselves which was a very special moment for all of us.

Our first real look at Uluru - sensational

After about an hour at the lookout, we drove to a waterhole at the base of Uluru where there was a great walk which took in some rock art, dream time stories and it also led to a small waterfall running off the side of  Uluru into a permanent spring, which was very beautiful.

Permanent Spring at Uluru

We then made our way to the cultural centre where we looked around, watched videos on the area and learnt more about the local aboriginal people. We also visited one of the art stores attached to the centre where we found some locally crafted timber pieces that the girls liked and bought.

The Girls at the base of Uluru

There were also 3 elderly aboriginal ladies sitting on the floor doing dot paintings and there was one in particular that had Maggie mesmerised, so after finding out how much it might be (even though it wasn't yet finished) we decided to buy it. We then got a chance to sit down on the floor and watch the rest of the painting being finished in front of us, it really was a great experience for Maggie.

We then had a hot lunch at the cafe before venturing back to the van  for the afternoon where we cranked up the heater again and spent the afternoon rugged up inside helping the girls with school work.

Although the weather was far from ideal, we still had a great day & with the forecast of improving weather from tomorrow we can't wait to see the rock in all its glory!