This afternoon, we arrived into the incredible lands of the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people – Yulara and the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. We acknowledge that this is the land of the Aṉangu people (what they call themselves in their language, and ask others to do the same), and are so grateful to be welcomed onto this land. We acknowledge the elders of both peoples past, present and emerging.
I loved that today was a short drive from Erldunda into Yulara. It became the first time we actually used the full 10am check-out time! With no great rush to get out the door, we had a bit of a slow morning getting up and going. But we also used the time to do a couple of reading exercises with the kids. They’re doing so much active learning as we go around, and they’re really doing brilliantly at writing in their diaries each night – but it was good to just get a short structured reading lesson in with them so they don’t completely disconnect from that style of learning while we’re away.
After a quick feed of the emus again, and a top up of fuel, we farewelled the Erldunda Roadhouse, and all decided that we really loved that place and would love to return one day! It was such a perfect stopover – if you’re ever driving through the centre of Australia, it’s well worth a stopover.
We drove the 2.5 hours into Yulara, with just a brief stopover for some morning tea on the way. We spotted Mt Conner on the way in, and made sure we weren’t fooled into thinking that was Uluṟu! But as we got only 15 minutes or so out from the Yulara township, Uluṟu appeared on our left. And the joy on Alexander’s face to see it was one of the most beautiful things I think I’ve ever seen.
Alexander, like all kids last year it seems, did some lessons and learning in school on Australia. And for his kindergarten class, they based their learning on the book, Are We There Yet? He was quite taken by the ‘changing colours of Uluṟu’ that are talked about in the book. And when we started talking about our trip with the kids last year, at some point, he asked if we could be at Uluṟu for his birthday – and if he could see the changing colours of Uluṟu as his birthday present. So he has been looking forward to not only seeing Uluṟu for the first time this afternoon, but also to what lies ahead tomorrow (which you’ll have to wait to read about).
We pulled into Yulara and checked in to our apartment – we were quite a bit earlier than check-in time, but the room was ready, which we were grateful for. So that allowed us to unpack, and then walk down to the shops to grab a few supplies to keep us going for the next few days.
After lunch, we headed down to one of the neighbouring resorts that had a bush yarn talk on. It was just with one of the park staff (who unfortunately weren’t Aṉangu), but were still super knowledgable on the history of Yulara, and the Aṉangu people. He shared some great information about weapons they’ve used over the millennia, and how they were carved and created from (mostly) Mulga trees. It was fascinating and super informative for just a quick 25 minute chat.
We then jumped in the car and headed into the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. We’d initially purchased our park pass starting tomorrow (not really expecting /thinking that we’d have enough time this afternoon to head into the park) – but I hoped that we could tweak that to start today at the park gates. And they were really helpful and more than happy to adjust it. It does mean that the 3-day park pass finishes one day early for us, but a quick note for those who might travel here in the future: if you want to extend it for a 4th day, then you just need to show your pass at the window on that 4th day, and they’ll let you in. The site where you purchase your parks pass does confirm this- but only after you purchase it!
As we drove in and Uluṟu got closer, my amazement at it just grew and grew. It’s something you’ve seen photos of (and amazing photos, too) since as long as you can remember. But nothing is quite like seeing it in real life, and then seeing it grow bigger and bigger and bigger as you get closer. We drove around the base this afternoon, and as you approach Uluṟu on the road from the south-west, you actually get remarkably close to it, and the size is just awe-inspiring. We pulled into the Mala Walk car park and jumped out for more of a look – we are keen to come back and do that walk tomorrow.
There’s now a sign highlighting the permanent closure of the climbing of Uluṟu since Oct 2019 – something worth celebrating. (More info about why is here, if you’re interested.)
As we headed back toward Yulara, we saw the huge numbers of cars pouring into the sunset viewing area, and setting up for the next hour or so – some people with some very elaborate setups! Debbie and I chatted and planned the rest of the way back, and we hope to be able to do that with the kids tomorrow evening – just trying to balance the need for food at that hour (to prevent hangry – if you have kids, you know what we mean), plus also just keeping them interested and engaged.
But what we did get to see tonight was the sunset from the Imalung Lookout, right in the centre of the Yulara township – a really short walk from our apartments. We headed up there with about half an hour to go until sunset to just watch Uluṟu change as the sun went down. The weather was just perfect today, and it’s due to be the same tomorrow – perfect for sunrises and sunsets. Again, just hearing and watching Alexander’s engagement with Uluṟu and its colours as the sun set this evening was just beautiful.
Tomorrow is a super early start to the day – but one that could possibly be the highlight of the whole holiday.
