Women’s Own Australian Outback Safari
Uluru (Ayers Rock) emerges steeply from the desert sand and smoothes off toward the peak in what seems a rather unlikely shape for such a large rock. It is an absolutely breathtaking sight even for the most seasoned of travellers, taking on a stunning array of red and brown shades from dawn to dusk and sun to shade.
Uluru stands an imposing 348 metres above the surrounding desert and has a circumference of 9.4km. It measures 3.6 km long and 2.4 km wide oriented in an east-west direction. Rather like an iceberg, there is more of Uluru under the ground than above it, which really brings home the enormity of it. Formed in Cambrian times, it was later tilted through uplift and folding so the horizontal strata now sits at almost 90˚ which gives it the distinct vertical banding.
Uluru is made of feldspar rich sandstone called arkose, which is mainly grey and white. The distinctive rust colour is caused by a thin coating of iron oxide on the outer skin. The changing colours of red at sunset are caused by light refraction as the sun sinks in the sky. The lower the sun goes it has to travel through more of the earth’s atmosphere which bends the blue light away leaving the red light to intensify the Rock’s red colour.
Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)
Approximately 30km to the west of Uluru stand the equally stunning 36 domes forming Kata Tjuta. The highest peak, Mount Olga, stands even higher than Uluru at over 500 metres. These two icons of Central Australia and the surrounding desert now form the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park which encompasses 132,566 hectares and is a World Heritage listed area. It was listed in two stages, originally for its outstanding universal natural values and later, for its outstanding universal cultural values. It puts those cultural values into perspective when you think that the local Aborigines have been living in the area for somewhere between 20,000 and 40,000 years and are intrinsically linked culturally, spiritually and economically to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Surrounding Desert, Flora and Fauna,
More than Meets the Eye
Contrary to what many people assume, Central Australia is anything but a flat monotonous desert. Alice Springs is located at the base of the MacDonnell Ranges which stretch for over 400km in an east-west direction in parallel ridges with flat valleys between. They were formed through massive earth movements some 300 million years ago, breaking up what was then a sea bed as fossil remains testify. Being so old and weathered, generally they extend up only around 300 metres from the valley floor but are a sensational sight and more importantly, facilitate a number of permanent water holes and provide sanctuary to a large number of plant and animal species.
Just south of the West MacDonnell Ranges are the Gardener and James Ranges and a little further south-east is the George Gill Range which is home to the infamous Kings Canyon at Watarrka National Park, the site where the cult movie 'Priscilla Queen of the Desert' was shot. Another 120km or so further south-east lie Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) which rise approximately 350 and 500 metres respectively from the desert floor. The greater area around these two icons is a sandy plain with low lying sand dunes.
Even though the region of Central Australia only receives between 100 – 300 mm of rain per annum, there is still a rich and diverse range of plants and animals. A large part of this diversity can be attributed to these mountain ranges and rock formations. They can assist this diversity in a number of ways, namely; they can influence and often increase local rainfall, provide permanent or semi-permanent water holes, moderate temperatures compared to sand environments and provide shelter and refuge in caves, overhangs and crevices.
Accommodation
All our equipment is purchased with quality and durability in mind. Our swags for example are fitted with Dunlop high density foam mattresses. This mattress is the best and most comfortable money can buy. Our swags are fitted with sheets, pillows and doonas (duvets) for your added comfort. Tents, eskys (Coolers), pots and pans, camp ovens, utensils and crockery are all chosen for presentation and serviceability. While we do venture into the outback, it doesn’t mean we have to rough it! Your added comfort and safety adds to your overall experience and enjoyment.
Oak Valley Aboriginal Community
Situated on the Hugh River stock route 110km south of Alice Springs and 31km north of Titjitkala and Maryvale, Oak Valley is a locally owned and operated Aboriginal tour business and community. Run by the Le Rosignol family, this community boasts an olive and grape plantation, Aboriginal rock carvings and paintings and an ancient fossil field, all set in remote pristine desert country.
You can experience locally made artifacts and paintings, get a demonstration into the art of boomerang and spear throwing or learn about local bush tucker and ancient mythological stories of their land. When available, we will cook a kangaroo the traditional way over a campfire, which is delicious.
Oak Valley operates its own school of the air, which you are invited to experience . The Aboriginal people of Oak Valley work and live on this land and have a profound understanding of it.
Transport
We Build them for the Bush
Wayoutback Desert Safaris operate late model 4WD Toyota Landcruiser and 4WD Mitsubishi Canters. All our vehicles have been modified or Custom built to suit our harsh Central Australian outback conditions.
food & drinks
For breakfast you have a selection of cereals, toast with spreads, orange juice, fresh plunger coffee and black or herbal teas. For lunch we provide salad ingredients and a selection of meats for sandwiches plus fresh fruit. Dinners vary depending on the time of year but usually include chicken or other meat, fresh vegetables, sauces with pasta or rice. Bush bread (damper) will also be prepared for you on an open fire. If you have specific dietary requirements please inform our reservation staff at the time of booking so alternatives can be discussed.
Safari Guides
We pride ourselves on the very high standard of our guides. They all have a sound knowledge of our local area focusing on its history, Aboriginal culture, geology and the natural environment.
Things You Should Know
Our safaris are designed to suit active people who enjoy small group dynamics. When you are on a guided walk our guides are responsible for your well being so it is important you have a reasonable fitness level and are able to stay with the group whilst on all walks.
Our safaris do require a degree of participation with the preparation of meals, loading and unloading camping equipment, collecting fire wood and the washing of dishes after meals.
The only true way of camping in the outback is sleeping in a swag. This is a canvas bag that zips on both sides with a nice thick camping mattress inside that enables you to view the brilliant night sky as you drift off to sleep beside the campfire. For those afflicted with creepy crawly paranoia, tents can be provided, but as our equipment is loaded in Alice Springs prior to departure, we will need to know before this time if you require one.
Wayoutback Provides ...
... the latest model air-conditioned 4WD vehicles, all meals (as listed on itineraries), camping equipment, swags including laundered bed sheet (summer only) and pillows, reference books, chilled face cloths (summer), and supplies of drinking water (must have your own bottle).
Bush showers and toilets available at most of our private bush camps.
What You'll Need to Bring
As we are camping you will need to be prepared for this. You'll need to bring a flashlight (torch), hat (wide brimmed best), sunscreen, insect repellant, a fly net (summer), any required medication, water bottle (at least 1.5 litres), walking shoes/boots (we do a lot of walking/climbing), warm clothing (winter), toiletries, swim wear, towel, camera, extra film or batteries and a great sense of humour.
Space is limited, please bring only one small bag per person. Ask at reception of your accommodation for excess baggage storage.
