Valley of the Winds

I got a closer look at the domes of Kata Tjuta later in the morning on the Valley of the Winds walk. It was a wonderful walk that wound its way in and around the domes, giving a really good perspective of their sheer size. At that time of the morning the walk was also very quiet. I liked having the track almost to myself doing a real bushwalk, unlike the Uluru walks.

Valley of the Winds walk Valley of the Winds walk
Valley of the Winds walk Valley of the Winds walk

There were a few winter flowers out, but like everything in the Territory, they were variations from what we have down south.

Valley of the Winds walk Valley of the Winds walk Valley of the Winds walk

In the end this was probably my favourite walk in the Red Centre. It was a place that really exceeded my expectations because it’s simply a very beautiful and awe-inspiring place that still managed to feel wild and remote.

Valley of the Winds walk

The Rock

My first glimpse of Uluru.

Uluru

It was a strange seeing something so iconic: so familiar and yet not because I have never seen it in context. In pictures, I saw the red rock, but in reality there was also the red sand, desert oaks, spinifex and bloodwood.

Uluru

Of course, being there in person also means that I saw the true reality of the rock: that it is a high profile tourist destination with a cultural centre, souvenir shops, and climb.

Uluru

At the end of the day we gathered to watch the sunset. Unfortunately the sun was obscured by clouds, hence the muted colours. Well, you can’t have everything.

Uluru

The White Album Concert

Full rendition of the White Album led by Tim Rogers, Chris Cheney, Phil Jamieson and Josh Pyke? I was intrigued.

I had the White Album on tape when I was growing up and listened to it every now and then. Plus I’ve had recent exposure to some of the stuff through watching Across the Universe. The artists themselves are an intriguing bunch. I’ve seen all of them play at various times (You Am I repeatedly), except for Josh Pyke. So why not all of them in the one gig?

I already knew that Tim Rogers was a fantastic showman but I think these songs showed him at his vocal best. Chris Cheney is a venerable machine when it comes to guitar solo. But the surprise packages were Phil Jamieson and Josh Pyke. I didn’t realise that Phil had such a sweet voice (I guess he doesn’t get to show that side in Grinspoon), and Josh was fantastic on the sweet McCartney ballads, especially Julia. But what impressed me most was the energy and enthusiasm that really brought the songs to life.

Land of Our Ancestors

That night we stayed at Oak Valley, owned by a family from the Luritja group. Craig, the owner, took us on a little drive around the property…

Oak Valley Vista

… Teaching us about the Luritja culture and stories. Not just about the past but what is happening at the moment. He was very open and honest, as well as engaging. I think what he had to say impressed us all.

Talking of ceremony

He also showed us some interesting rock formations. Looks very much like snakeskin doesn’t it? Maybe the rainbow serpent slithered through here?

Snake skin

Secret Places – Boat Harbour

One of my favourite weekend drives has to be down the coast, past Kiama, to the villages of Gerringong and Gerroa. Gerringong is the bigger of the two, with a substantial surf beach, shops and rock pool. It’s what Kiama used to be 15 years ago.

But even Gerringong has its secret spots. I discovered Boat Harbour on a weekend stay.

Pelicans

It’s a secluded, little cove with its own colony of pelicans, cow pastures, and a cute little rock pool that’s wonderful on a summer’s morning.

Beautiful Boat Harbour Rock pool detail Perched

You lookin' at me?

Adventures on life's merry-go-round