Uluru

After our sunrise balloon ride, we spent most of the day driving though the outback to get to Uluru National Park (formerly known as Ayers Rock).  I have always felt that this place must be incredibly mystical and seeing it for the first time exceeded my expectations!  We were able to see it at sunset and the resort where we were staying provided champagne and snacks for our viewing party (yes, more champagne!).  It was absolutely magical!

Early the next morning we drove back into the park and had a chance to see Kata Tjuta, another impressive rock formation.  We saw it from a viewing platform because, apparently, it would take several hours to get up close to it.  The vastness of the outback is mind-boggling!

Then we had the opportunity to hike around Uluru.  Our guide told us lots of stories about the rock formations which are the basis of many aboriginal creation myths.  It felt very sacred to me (in fact, there were a few places along the rock where photos were forbidden).

The red rocks reminded me so much of Southern Utah!

Note:  The aborigines who administer the national park are very cautious about letting people climb the rock.  Unfortunately, the day I was there it was deemed too windy to climb but it was incredible to hike around it!