Adventures around Australia

As the burnt red sun begins to rise in the distance,the most incredible site stands before us.Uluru,framed by the intensity of the beckoning sun,glows fiery red as the dawn makes her appearance for the day.Since Uluru has come into view a gentle feeling of calmness appears to have washed over the group.

From a distance,Uluru appears featureless,an observation that was to be disproved as we edged closer towards the rock.We manoeuvre our way around islands of tough Spinifex grass which dominate the base of the rock as various weather beaten areas,which have formed into intricate valleys and caves,become clear.I had achieved one of my life ambition,to visit Uluru! Yet this was only the beginning of the path of discovery...

The radiant orange colour of the rock mirrors the intensity of the heat in this part of the world.Remnants of the previous days heat remain as I reach out and touch the landmark for the first time.The spiritual relevance of Uluru is immediately visible through the intricate artwork which adorns the walls of the wide cave we are led through.Calcite,a natural local mineral,has been used by Aboriginal tribe's to document their artwork onto the rock.Vibrant shades of red and yellow mark out illustrations which are all significant to Aboriginal culture."In each piece of artwork,a symbol will represent something different",our guide informs us as we continue on our journey.Spirit's are believed to be encapsulated in important physical landmarks such as this,which explains why Uluru is considered so sacred.Aboriginal tribe's record their 'dream tracks' at this sacred site in order to store the spirit's of those who have been lost,and the history of their tribe.

As late afternoon ushers in a gentle dusk breeze over Alice Springs,it is easy to appreciate why this incredible landscape is known as the 'heart' of the Red Centre.At this moment,nothing could persuade me to swap my kangaroo fillet,cooked on the open fire before me,for any restaurant meal!