The Outback...! Explore, Experience, Discover Where Sheilas Go Searching for Outback Jacks and Other stuff.

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Red sand as far as the eye can see. A scorching and unmerciful sun burns everything and while driving through this sunburned landscape you begin to understand why they call it the dead heart of Australia. When first gazing upon the scenery it seems dead, like the sun has burned all the life of the surface. Dead, flat and empty. That is what the interior Australia looks like. However, when the sun sets and the heat cool down, life starts appearing everywhere on this red surface. Hundreds of kangaroos emerge followed by emus and lizards. Suddenly what first appeared to be lifeless now swarms with life.

The horizon provides you with the most spectacular sunsets you have ever seen, and you discover that things are not always what they seem. Who knows, you might just, like I did, be completely fascinated with the sunburned heart of Australia.

Meet my friend, the (T)horney Devil, What a beauty!

Where am I?

The "Dead Heart" of Australia is the surrounding 2-300 km around Alice Springs. This is what we call the center of Australia and is part of the Northern Territory.
There is no permanent surface water and the area is mostly arid or semi-arid.
But the center of Australia is so much more than the hard lifeless surface. When you look closer you will see a breathtaking beauty and the most mind-blowing sunsets you can ever imagine. It is a vast never-ending beautiful piece of heaven and once the sun sets the stars shine clearer than you have ever experienced before. And who wouldn't want to camp in the desert and live such an adventure?
Catching sunrise in the outback


Rock my World!


The most iconic part of Australia is probably the center and its ancient surroundings which should definitely not to be missed. There are three worldwide famous pieces of rocks located out here in the middle of nowhere. You might already know them, most people do.

First and foremost I will introduce you to the most famous rock in the world: Uluru - which is even more spectacular up close. The aboriginal creation myths of the enchanting Uluru are many and varied. The various tribes visiting and living around Uluru all brought their own dream-time stories or Pitjantjatjaras about this rock. But all agreed on Uluru. The rock was magical and of great importance to them all. While you walk the flat surrounding it, take some time to ponder, like so many others, how a rock like this appeared in the middle of this flat landscape. Could the dream-time stories be true, or do you have a different idea? Watch how it appear to glow as the sun sets behind it. Or perhaps get the first glimpse of sunlight cascading over Uluru, a sunrise you will never forget.

The Australian State has given Uluru, or Ayers Rock as the invading British named it, back to the Aborigines. And as a place of great worship and spectacular nature you are asked to take nothing but photos and leave nothing but footprints. This saying is not to be taken lightly. It is reported, and believed, that those who take rocks from the formation will be cursed and suffer eternal misfortune. There have even been instances when people who stole rocks have attempted to mail them back to remove the perceived curse.

Uluru at sunrise.

Uluru

The second rock on your trip is the majestic Kings Canyon.

The walls of Kings Canyon rise more than 100 meters high, with Kings Creek at the bottom. This scenery is worthy of a King. If you want to fully explore, it there is only one way… Put on your runners, sunscreen, and cap, and start trekking.
The walk is breathtaking in more ways than one. It takes blood sweat and tears to reach the top which begins with a steep climb. The locals call it ‘heart attack hill’ but once you reach the top, I promise you it is worth the climb. The view of the gorge and the surrounding landscape is just indescribable. You will get plenty of kodak-moments on this trek with Garden of Eden and mazes of weathered sandstone domes which just never seize to amaze you.

Kings Canyon

Last but not least we have Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta is a group of large domed rock formations located around 25 km from Uluru. Kata Tjuta counts 36 domes. However, in the aboriginal languages, you do not count to more than three. If there are more than three, you just have many. Simple as that.
Like Uluru, there are many Pitjantjatjara dream-time legends associated with this place. A large number of legends surround the great snake King Wanambi who is said to dwell in the summit of Mount Olga, the highest of the domes, and only emerges during the dry season. Take a look for yourself if you dare - you might just find dragons!


Kata Tjuta

In the Red Centre, you will find enchanting experiences around every corner and create lifelong memories.
Your first glimpse of sunlight cascading over Uluru will never be forgotten. Neither will the remarkable storytelling, art, history and culture lessons that will make you understand the deep significance these rocks, and the entire earth, have to the local aboriginal people.

Take the time and visit the outback of Australia. It will be the best-remembered car-ride of your life. You will experience unique landscape and scenery. Sunsets and sunrises more beautiful than you possibly imagine. Wildlife like you has never experienced before. And probably hit a kangaroo or two on your way through the vast landscape. Watch the eagles circle over their carcass and see the circle of life up-close.

Insider tip: The Centre of Australia has millions of flies. They are a pain and you will hate them, never learn to like them, but eventually give up in trying to make them go away. These flies are hatched in the excrements of cattle and have therefore started their life in moist environments. As you might have already guessed, they will try to get into the moist areas of your body, mainly trying to make their way into your ears, nose, eyes, and mouth. There are various brands of products that promise to keep the flies away, they do not make the flies disappear, they are just less likely to land on your face. They will still swarm around your face and make you go crazy.


Uluru

If you want to go anywhere in NT, just go straight.

Kings Canyon

Kings Canyon

Uluru


* All photos are private and taken by me.
Location: Uluru, Petermann NT 0872, Australia

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