Ayres Rock

Every trip to Ayres Rock starts off watching the sunrise, and the cool colours on the rock. Its an early day as we rose at 5:15am. But it was fully worth it to watch the rock change colours as the sun broke the horizon, and then gained height.

(Ayres Rock during sunrise)

(Awesome Outback sunrise)

Once the sun was at full height, we headed for the base of the rock, to walk the 9km around it. It was spectacular to see all the caves.

(Walking around the outside of the Rock)

(More walking around the outside of the Rock. Only stop for a second to take photos, or the files will eat you alive)

(Huge caves, which looked like a wave crashing. Guy inside the cave is "Moose" from Calgary)

(Inside one of the caves. Actually took this photo myself using the timer)

After the walk around the rock, we went to the Olgas. I’m not really sure the history behind these rocks, but they’re pretty spectacular.

(Standing in front of the Olgas. Can you tell how hot it is?)

We then headed back to the Ayres Rock airport for a helicopter ride around Ayres Rock, and then the Olgas. This was amazing to see the rock from above, and also the new perspective on the Olgas.

(Heading up in the bird)

(Ayres Rock from the helicopter. You can see how its a big rock, with nothing but flatness around)

Video of Ayres Rock from up in the helicopter:

After the helicopter ride, I went right back to the base of Ayres Rock to climb it. Now, they recommend you don’t climb the rock for safety reasons and also spiritual reasons, but it was something I couldn’t miss, so I climbed it anyways (note: its not that you’re not allowed, but they recommend you don’t. People have died from the heat and steepness, and also the spiritual meaning to the Aboriginals).

This climb was full on, as its really steep, the heat is unbearable, and the flies are relentless. However, it was worth the effort, sweat loss, and blood given to the flies, as the view was spectacular.

(Lucky for the change to hold onto, so you don't fall off)

(At the top of Ayres Rock, with nothing around but flatness for as far as the eye can see)

(On the way down, I was able to get awesome views of the Olgas and the sunset)

After the climb, we went to our champagne sunset. Everyone stands around watching the sunset and the changing colours on the rock, while drinking champagne. This was one of the highlights of my whole trip. Everyone had enough champagne that by the end, we were all roaring for a big night. This meant a rocking bus drive back to the hotel and lots of dancing back at the bar. I should note that excessive champagne after spending the past two hours climbing in the sun, and with nothing to eat is not a good mixture.

(Sunset on Ayres Rock)

(Everyone enjoying the view and champagne)