Coober Pedy to Kulgera and Uluru

On Thursday the 11th of June we departed Coober Pedy for Uluru via Kulgera. It was 147 km to Cadney, here we would have loved to turned East out to the painted desert but it was agreed it would have to be another trip. On to Marla, the last SA town before entering the Northern Territory completing another 87 km under the belt. 

Marla Roadhouse

A quick re-fuel, lunch and some quick repairs in the van and we were off to Kulgera, another 178 km that had us crossing into the NT. Instantly we could tell we were in a new region. 

Travelling North

Kulgera Pub

Suddenly we had ranges and gorges formed with rocky outcrops ahead and on both sides. It was also easy to reflect on the fact that in February 1836, the Province of SA was proclaimed. The NT boundary was was fixed at 26 degrees South (near Kulgera). The first settlers arrived in December 1836. During the next few years there was much exploration to discover new areas for settlement.Twenty six years later John McDouall Stuart was the first to cross the Northern border and because of his efforts the NT was annexed to SA.

It is very interesting landscape but also very challenging. To support our observations 335 million acres traded in 1908 for 3 million pound, which equates to, for those who can remember, Tuppence an acre. It still is very beautiful but challenging country!

After arriving at approximately 4.30pm we checked in at the Kulgera Pub (the first and the last Pub in the NT) to access the caravan park at the back of the pub, set up camp and cooked some nice Scotch Fillet on the barbie with salad and some roast vegies. The caravan park was full with grey nomads mainly travelling North. Dallas got some great sunset shots and it was soon off to bed to prepare for another big day of travels to Yulara resort and Uluru tomorrow.

Kulgera sight seeing

Dallas got some beautiful sunsets here

Off we set in the morning for the 74 km to Erlunda Desert Oaks Roadhouse to refuel and then out to Yulara via Mt Ebeneza, Curtin Springs and finally Yulara Resort, a total of 160 km. Mt Ebeneza was a great little stop with some great Aboriginal art work and a welcome cup of tea. After passing Curtin Springs Dallas and I were amazed at the size of Mount Connor.

Soon we were booked into Yulara Resort with only accommodation for the first night in the Overflow car park, $10 per head, no power or water but access to a shower and toilet block.

Overflow Car Park Uluru

In the morning we ventured out to Uluru and bought our park pass to witness the sunrise over Uluru. What a sight! Certainly worth every minute of rising at 6.15 am and departing without breakfast.

Uluru sunrise

After returning for breakfast and then shifting the Lunagazer into our Powered site we were ready to go out to Uluru again and venture into the Cultural Centre established there on the SE side of the rock. Well worth the visit for the information and advice. After spending some time in the Cultural Centre and discussing our options with the local Ranger we decided to walk into the Mutitjulu Waterhole. On the way in we were very fortunate to see more Aboriginal Rock Paintings. Along side this was an example of the native fig tree.

The native fig at Mutitjulu Waterhole

Aboriginal Rock Paintings near Mutitjulu Water Hole

Aboriginal Rock Paintings

The water hole

Later that day we, with many 100's of other visitors, lined up for the Sunset viewing of Uluru. This was just spectacular!

Sunset over Uluru

Next day we set off for the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and these were just as spectacular as the Uluru.

The Olgas

A different view of the Kata Tjutu (the Olgas) from the sunrise viewing platform. However, we missed sunrise.

In the Olgas we walked into the Valley of the Winds and the Walpa Gorge. Both beautiful and easy walks, although we did not do all of the Valley of the Winds walk.

Walking in to the Valley of the Winds

Water Hole at Walpa Gorge

Water scene in the water hole

Acknowledgement; Uluru and Kata Tjuta Information Booklet.