I'll try to make this as interesting as I can.  There is some wonderful scenery around this area.   We'll start out by driving around the base of the Rock - about 8 miles.  We saw the road from the air if you can still remember our flight in.  The five and a half mile walk around the base would be interesting but it's just a tiny bit too hot for a koala at this time of the year. (I make an exception when it comes to climbing!) 

Uluru features weathered gullies, caves, and Aboriginal carvings and paintings. We are not allowed to access some sacred sites. Uluru has been returned to its Aboriginal owners, however the park is leased to the Australian Nature Conservation Agency and is presently co-managed by that office and the Anangu people.  The traditional owners have been pushing to ban climbing of the rock and instead would prefer to have visitors admire it from a more reverent distance at or around its base.

Although I sympathise with the Anangu people, I can't help being delighted that I had the opportunity to experience the climb. And it won't be long and we'll be up there again! 

This drive around the base isn't such a bad idea, you know. We are getting a feel for the massive size of this rock.  We have already seen it from above; imagine if we could see underground - it is believed to be twice the size below ground level!

Next we'll take a drive over Kings Canyon way. Kings Canyon is one of the most spectacular sights in the Northern Territory - and that's saying something!  Just turn the page and we'll be slap bang in the middle of it without having to take one step!