Destinations > Burringurrah

The show put on by Mt Augustus at sunset is one of the greatest Outback experiences you are likely to see. The rock changes from gold to red during the day and glows intensely as the sun highlights its bizarre shapes. On a clear evening the rock is a brilliant orange against a crimson and blue sky, and unlike the show put on by it's smaller cousin, if you make the effort to be there you may be the only one to witness it.

Halfway across the continent from Mt Augustus is the perennial icon of the Australian Outback, Uluru. Known around the world for many years as Ayres Rock, it was named after Sir Henry Ayres, the Chief Secretary of South Australia, and later Premier.

It too puts on a spectacular light show at sunset, but the likelihood of being able to watch it on your own is very slim. Uluru can be climbed, and it is a 1.5km walk from base to summit. The Anangu people, custodians of the land, discourage climbing Uluru. A walk around the base of Uluru, which is less physically demanding and shows greater respect to the custodians of the land, is just as awe inspiring as the climb to the summit.

There are all sorts of spiritually and socially significant aspects to Uluru which the Anangu people would like to see respected. Many legends stem from Uluru's presence in the desert, including the story of a blue tongue lizard man who was hunted by ancient ancestral people for stealing emu meat. This story, and many others like it, are depicted in rock carvings and drawings at the base of Uluru.

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A trip to Uluru can be easily arranged, the roads in and out of the area are all sealed and drive quite an easy one. Due to an enormous tourism presence, the region around Uluru has been well developed, and all styles of accommodation are catered for, from camping to five star hotels.

Perhaps the most significant aspect about seeing both Uluru and Mt Augustus is witnessing a portion of eternity. These two huge monuments have been left exposed while all around them the landscape has been graded flat by the ravages of time. The weather has shaped their forms, honing Uluru into its distinctive symmetrical shape. A trip to both of these symbols also makes one appreciate the cultures that have spent so many lifetimes around them; the art, legends and spirituality of these areas drive home a powerful and potent message about our country's past.

Getting There
Burringurrah NP, also known as Mt Augustus NP, is located 1100km north of Perth. The park is most easily accessed from Carnarvon via Gascoyne Junction, a journey of 450km, or from Meekatharra, a journey of approximately 350km. The roads surrounding the park are well-formed gravel, passable in most conditions except after heavy rain.

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