Uluru and Kata Tjuta: A healing walk in the Red Centre

Maybe some trips were never meant to be written about… Or maybe just not straight away. I took this one way back in July 2012, during what was probably the shittiest time in this crazy life of mine. As such, the blog posts I had planned to write about it never came about. Since all of that crap is behind me now, I really want to share a little of that story with you and at least show you some of my better photos.

When I booked my flights and accommodation I was in an unbelievably toxic relationship. I needed some thinking time. I seriously needed to recharge. I’d always wanted to visit the Red Center and thought a bit of desert walking might be good for the soul. But as we know, the universe works in strange ways and it seems that the best thing for me at this time was for the complete stupidity that was my relationship to end suddenly… Within 12 hours of boarding the plane. At the time I didn’t think so but, looking back, it was one of the best things that have ever happened to me.

Sunset was fast approaching by the time I’d picked up my hire car, checked into my dorm-room, and set off for Uluru. As usual I didn’t have a plan. The internet is full of advice on the best place to watch the sunset, but I really didn’t care. I’d floated through three airports and two flights without ever really being present. I didn’t feel particularly sad. I didn’t feel anything much at all.

As I rounded a corner and Uluru came into view, I felt something switch inside me. A single tear rolled down my face. Then another. Within a minute there was no controlling it. I pulled over on the side of the road and just sobbed. I kind of missed that sunset, but my healing had begun.

Over the next four days of walking at Uluru, Walpa Gorge, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon, this ancient place gave me more than I ever thought possible. I’m not saying I was over it all by the time I returned, but I felt clearer than I’d felt in a very long time. I could see a light at the end of this tunnel, which had previously seemed endless.

In the words of a great man, “that’s all I have to say, about that.” My memories are a little hazy anyway. So let’s move on to the photos, and the stuff you’d need to know if you wanted to do the same trip (well, not exactly the same, obviously). I realise I haven’t said much about the actual walking but trust me, every Australian (and probably every human) should walk these trails at least once in their life. These photos should tell you the rest…

The Uluru Base Walk

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kata Tjuta – Walpa Gorge

 

 

Kata Tjuta – Valley of the Winds Walk

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you’re wondering what happened to Kings Canyon, I thought it was a bit much to include all of this in one blog post. Kings Canyon and Uluru are about 300 kilometres apart, so visiting them both in the same trip might not be for everyone. Stay tuned for more photos and trip details from the Kings Canyon Rim Walk in an upcoming blog post.

Have you walked Uluru, Kata Tjuta and/or Kings Canyon? Are you planning to? If you have any stories, questions, updates or corrections, please let us know by commenting below.

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