The Red Centre

We’ve seen plenty photos of Uluru, but nothing compares to being there. From a distance it appears as a smooth dome carved with giant patterns, but the closer you get, the more intricate it becomes.

Walking around the base, in the footsteps of the local Anangu people, reveals just how significant Uluru was and still is to their culture. Kitchen caves, sacred women’s or men’s places, a shelter for elders, all carved by the elements into the rock. The waterholes were full, with tadpoles flitting around, and above us were giant orange gullies which become cascading waterfalls when it rains.

Not far from Uluru, lies Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). These spectacular giant orange domes are separated by arid green bushland. Hiking here was a treat for the senses – the vivid colours, budgies chirping in the trees, butterflies, wildflowers, and trickling waterholes.

Just as we were leaving Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, we spotted our favourite lizard on the road – the Thorny Devil! We relocated it back to the red sand, and took a few pictures.

Travelling north, we reached Tjoritja (The West MacDonnell Ranges), home of the Arrernte people. Here, steep red cliffs plunge into gorges filled with water, making for a refreshing swim in the 40C dry heat. We soon learnt not to leave camp without a long lens to capture the diverse bird life. Lots more budgies, birds of prey, and a stroke of luck – a beautiful Major Mitchell cockatoo.

Photos by Rosie Leaney & Scott Portelli using Olympus cameras & lenses.