Uluru National Park. Uluru-katauta national park Plants of the Uluru-Kata-Tjuta nature reserve

Photo: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Australia is a piece of virgin nature. She least of all experienced the influence of civilization, and all thanks to the special policy of the Australian government, taking care of the safety of the Australian nature. Australia has many national parks and reserves. These wonderful natural monuments never cease to delight, surprise and delight tourists. Let's talk about some of the most famous national parks. We will not go deep into the list of names, but rather tell in more detail about the features of the most popular parks.

Cockatoo

This park is located in the northern tropical part of the Australian continent. Like Australia itself, Kakadu Park is huge. Stretching over 100 km wide, it stretches 200 km inland. The indigenous people of these places - the aborigines fought for their territories and, in the end, they won. In 1976, the Aborigines secured the return of the original lands from the Australian government. Kakadu has been declared a World Heritage Site and leased as a national park for the benefit of the entire population of the Australian state.

The nature of the Cockatoo is amazing. There are over forty species of fauna, which are currently endangered. It is also the largest bird habitat in the southern hemisphere. Kakadu Park - the place where they live saltwater crocodiles.

It is this type of crocodile that is the largest on earth, it can reach seven meters in length.

Despite colonization, the aborigines retained their language and culture. Since time immemorial, people have imprinted their history and myths on the rocks. Rock paintings and drawings are the oldest works of art in the world. Younger rock art samples indicate the contact of cultures.

Some of the drawings depict sailing boats that once brought buffalo hunters here.

According to the most recent archaeological research, the human presence in Kakadu dates back about 50 thousand years. On the surface of ancient sheer cliffs, we find the testament of one of the world's oldest cultures. Deep potholes in the rock are thousands of years old marks left after grinding grain and ocher. Often, drawings can be seen in very hard-to-reach places, for example, on a sheer cliff, high from the ground. According to the beliefs of the aborigines, drawings in such places appear thanks to the spirits of Mimi, it is they who draw them. Fire, symbolizing renewal, occupies a special place in the culture of the aborigines. It has always been part of the Kakadu ecosystem.

Famous landmark of Kakadu National Park Jim-Jim Falls.

After heavy rains, Jim-Jim Falls turns into a roaring mountain stream. The natives of this area willingly share their culture with everyone who follows the principle: "Leave only your footprints after yourself, and take only memories."

Uluru-Kata-Tjuta

Uluru National Park is located more than two thousand kilometers from the ocean and the coast, covered with dense thickets. This is practically the very center of the Australian bush, where the sun mercilessly burns out all living things - the reservoirs dry up, since rains are rare here. Animal life here is complex and has become a constant struggle for survival.

Uluru has one attraction on its territory that overshadows other national parks in Australia.

The attention of tourists is attracted by the gigantic sandstone monolith, towering 348 meters. It is taller than the Eiffel Tower. However, what can be seen is only the tip of the iceberg. The main part of the rock goes 6 thousand meters deep. Already because of its size alone, Uluru is considered a wonder of the world, but for Anyagu, the aborigines living here, Uluru is a sacred place. Uluru is currently a World Heritage Site.

Blue Mountains

In the blue mountains, hundreds of kilometers west of Sydney, Australian nature is revealed in all its splendor. The Blue Mountains are part of the Great Dividing Range, which stretches for 4 thousand kilometers along the coastline. The Blue Mountains get their name from the bluish haze produced by the ethereal fumes of eucalyptus trees. It is impossible to believe your eyes, the landscapes are so varied here: there are sheer cliffs, and a tropical forest and swamps and green valleys. Do without help knowledgeable person it is impossible here: the terrain is so unpredictable and difficult, therefore, when setting off, you need to take care of a good guide.

Greenery grows here by leaps and bounds, and all thanks to the special climatic conditions that are observed in the park.

For example, you can walk in the forest between huge ferns and feel the full power of Australian nature. Moving on foot is rather tiring here, so it makes sense to resort to the means of civilization, namely to go to Katumbi, where the cable car is built.

Cable car located at a high altitude - 300 meters, and from here opens a stunning view of the Australian nature.

If, after the cable car, you feel that you have not experienced enough thrills, then you can take a trip deeper into the Green Valley. The plants here are desperately fighting for every ray of sunshine.

If you are lucky you can see here wallaby- representatives of the kangaroo family, which are several times smaller than their relatives .. Parrots fly everywhere.

And that's not all, there are at least a dozen more national parks in Australia. Among them, it should be especially noted Woollemi park... The oldest pine species was found there, as well as a cave with many rock paintings.

Yengo National Park famous for the fact that many handprints were found on the rock, which were supposedly made by the aborigines.

It should be mentioned as the most picturesque of all Australian national parks. This is truly a paradise on earth.

From Leamington Park you can go to springbrook park, which is located next door, to cross the amazing miraculous bridge.

It's up to you, but Australian national parks are arguably the most amazing places in the world.

Uluru-Kata-Tjuta National Park is a desert reserve at the heart of the Australian mainland.

General information on Uluru

• Full name: Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
• IUCN category: Uluru - II (national park).
• Region: Northern Territory, Australia.
• Area: 1326 km2.
• Date of foundation: 1958
• Relief: desert, slightly undulating plain with single monoliths.
• Climate: arid, tropical.
• Visit - paid
• Official site: parksaustralia ... uluru ...
• Purpose of creation: preservation of natural complexes and landscapes of the Australian desert, as well as the culture of the Anangu Aborigines.

Information for visitors to Uluru

Uluru-Kata-Tjuta is located in the southern part of the Northern Territories - one of the subjects of the federation. The park is open all year round, entrance fee is charged. A favorable period for visiting is in the Australian winter (May - October), when the air does not warm up above + 25 ° C during the day. The protected areas are under dual management - the Australian Conservation Service and the Anangu Aboriginal community. Indigenous people lead excursions around the park, telling the story of its creation, about the fauna and flora.

At the Uluru-Kata-Tjuta cultural center, visitors can learn more about the creation of a nature conservation area, get acquainted with the traditions and life of the aborigines, and buy original handmade souvenirs.
Ayers Rock resort operates within the park. Uluru-Kata-Tjuta has many routes of varying length and difficulty. For example, the main trail leads to Uluru, and if you walk about 7 km along the "Valley of the Winds" route, you can get to Mount Kata Tjuta. This is the easiest and shortest route with a length of only 2.6 km.
It is best to take a walk in the park early in the morning, even before a lot of people appear here.

The sun at sunset creates an enchanting picture, the rocks begin to glow from brown-gold to pale pink and purple-red colors. The observation decks offer excellent panoramic views. Sitting on a bench, you can relax and enjoy the delights of ever-changing landscapes.
Since this area is sacred to the Aboriginal tribe, the behavior of visitors is strictly regulated. Large monetary fines are provided for any violation of the order.
The National Park is located approximately 365 km southwest of Alice Springs and can be reached by road in just 4.5 hours.

History of Uluru National Park

Since ancient times, the desert territories of the center of Australia have belonged to the Anangu tribe, who hunted and gathered here 10 thousand years ago.
Only in 1870 the first European expeditions visited these places, the participants of which were explorers Ernest Giles and William Christie Goss. In 1872, a telegraph line appeared, and by the end of the year, the first geographic Maps the area of ​​Uluru-Kata-Tjuta.
While exploring the territory, Ernest Giles saw Kata Tjuta from the side of the Royal Canyon. He named it Mount Olga in honor of the daughter of the Russian Emperor Nicholas I - Grand Duchess Olga, who was also the wife of Charles I, King of Württemberg. Later, William Goss discovered Uluru, which he named after Sir Henry Ayers, Governor General of South Australia.
The purpose of further research was to determine the possibility of using this area for cattle breeding, since at the end of the XIX - beginning of the XX century. immigrants from the Old World began to move here. Due to the creation of farms, they had numerous clashes with the indigenous people. In order to somehow resolve this problem, in 1920, part of the Northern Territories of Australia was given up as a reservation for Aboriginal people.
Information about the red mountains in the middle of the desert flew around the globe, and since 1936 tourists began to visit the territory near Kata Tjuta and Uluru. In 1948, a road was laid to Uluru, since the 1950s. bus excursions began to be organized here.
Due to the growing anthropogenic pressure in 1958, the area with the Kata-Tjuta and Uluru mountain formations was declared a national park. In 1975, the Yulara resort with a small airport was built near Uluru.
In 1976, the Australian government returned the rights to Uluru from Kata Tjut to the aborigines inhabiting it, and in 1985 they leased it for 99 years to the country's Federal Agency for National Parks. In 1987, the Uluru-Kata-Tjuta National Park was included in the UNESCO List of World Heritage Sites, and in 1995. this organization for the preservation of the culture of the Ananga aborigines and nature, awarded the National Park the Picasso gold medal. Every year, about 500,000 people come to Uluru-Kata-Tjuta for excursions and recreation.

Walk in Uluru-Kata National Park

Uluru-Kata-Tjuta National Park is located in the very center of the mainland, it is also called the Red Heart of Australia.
Most of the protected area is desert.
The geological formations of Kata Tjuta and Uluru are the main attractions of the park.
Animals come to the spring at the foot of Uluru to drink, and at the base of the mountain monolith there are numerous caves - a kind of vernissage of rock art ...
Ancient petroglyphs depicting the deities Anangu Lungkatu - a blue-tongued lizard, Lyra - a brown snake, Kalayu - emu.

Natural facts and wonders of Uluru Park

The name Uluru, a sandstone monolith, in the Anangu language means "the place where the shadow is." A little to the west are the rounded formations of the Kata Tjuta rocks. The Australian aborigines call them "the mountain with many heads". And the highest of the mountains is Olga (1066 m), she is 198 meters higher than Uluru.
After much research, it was possible to find out that Uluru is part of a huge mountain range lying at a depth of 6 km.

Kata Tjuta and Uluru, connecting underground, represent a single geological formation. They are red in color due to iron oxides that are part of their rock, formed by coarse-grained gray arkose sandstone, it is formed during the destruction of granites. Also, the composition of the rocks of the monoliths includes feldspar and quartz.
These mountains are sacred to the Anangu tribe. According to one of the legends, Uluru was created by their ancient ancestors - tjukuritja. These were not people, but giant animals, their footprints formed lakes, and giant bodies - mountains.

Uluru Kata Tjuta Facts:

• 348 meters - Average height of Uluru
• 869 meters - Maximum altitude of Uluru
• 10 kilometers - Radius Uluru
• 546 meters - Average height of Kata Tjuta
• 36 - The number of hills at Kata Tjut

About 500,000,000 years ago, there was an ancient sea bottom on the site of the park. The bottom sediments were composed of sand, pebbles, and sometimes sandstone. Remnants of this ancient sea can be seen in the basin of the drying up closed salt lake Amadeus. So the landscapes of the park are dunes and sandy plains, covered with rare trees, undersized bushes and sod grasses. The Musgrave mountain range rises 100 km from the park.

More interesting things about the park:

• Rock monument Uluru - one of the symbols of the state of Australia
• The large red kangaroo is Australia's largest marsupial. Prefers to settle mainly in savannas or low woodlands, sometimes enters desert territories
• Tourists conquering Uluru along one of the excursion routes seem like ants on the red body of this whopper
• Thickets of malga, or vein acacia - an important ritual site for the aborigines of Australia
• Dingo (Canis lupus dingo) - a second feral dog, appeared in Australia around 4000 BC.
• The red domes of Kata-Tjuta are located 32 km from Uluru, and the locals call the surrounding area "the valley of the winds"
• One-humped camels, or dromedaries, were brought to Australia in the middle of the 19th century. Animals acclimatized to local conditions and became feral, their number is now up to 50,000 heads

Plants of the Uluru-Kata-Tjuta nature reserve

The flora of the national park is made up of 416 plant species. Among them there are rare, characteristic only for the protected area and directly for Australia. Endemics of the park can be found in the Kata Tjuta and Uluru rock formations.
The vegetation has adapted to the harsh conditions of the deserted savanna, where life depends on irregular rainfall. Some plants are capable of surviving fires, and some are necessary for flowering. After a rainstorm, a dense carpet of ephemeral annuals of the amaranth family (Amaranthaceae), legumes (Fabaceae), and Asteraceae (Asteraceae) appears in the park. Many areas are dominated by Triodia basedowii and Triodiapungens with a huge root system that prevents the desert sands from moving. Its roots are harvested to obtain resin. They are pre-crushed to separate the resin particles. These particles are then heated until they melt together in a mold, forming a black resin that the aborigines use hot for hunting and making tools.
Woody vegetation is represented by thickets of Malga shrubs, or acacia without veins (Acacia apeiga), with wide round leaves, and eucalyptus (Eucalyptus spp.).
Plants of the park play an important role in the life of the aborigines; to collect certain species, they arrange whole rituals. Spearheads, boomerangs and kitchen utensils are made from malga (Acacia apeiga) and oblique eucalyptus (Eucalyptus obliqua). Sansevieria trifasciata (Sansevieria trifasciata) is indispensable as a disinfectant and for inhalation for coughs and runny nose. Other trees are also actively used, such as Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Duboisia myoporoides and Grevillea banksii.
The habitat of the rare common snake (Ophioglossum vulgatum) in the park is limited to wet areas on monolithic rocks, which are often visited by tourists. Since then, when the first European visited the park, 34 exotic plant species have been found here, which is about 6.4% of the total flora of the protected area. Some of them, such as bufel grass or Cenchrus ciliaris, have been used to rehabilitate erosion-prone areas.

Uluru Animals

The fauna, despite the desert nature of the area, is quite diverse. However, at present there is a steady decline in animal species, especially animals. So, out of 46 species of mammals in the protected area, only 25 have survived.
The extinct ones include the kuzu (Trichosurus vulpecula), the lagomorphic kangaroo (Lagorchestes hirsutus), the rabbit bandicoot (Macrotis lagotis), the black-footed kangaroo (Bettongia lesueur), the black-footed rock-eyed wallaby (Petrogale lateralis).
The marsupial comb-tailed mouse (Dasycercus cristicauda) is on the verge of extinction, but it can still be found in a limited area of ​​sandy soils - in a narrow strip of the park from Uluru to the northern border. There are also two species of marsupial moles (Notoryctes), the Australian python Ramsey (Aspidites ramsayi), and the great desert skink (Egernia kintorei).
The park's bat population includes at least seven species, which depend on daytime roosting sites within the Uluru and Kata Tjuta caves and faults. Most of them find their food in the air, flying just 100 meters from the rocks.
The avifauna of the park is made up of 178 bird species. The main feathered creatures include the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae), the black-throated butcherbird (Cracticus nigrogularis), the buzzard kite (Hamirostra melanosternon), the black-faced swallow shrike (Artamus cinereus), and the red-breasted black-throated tricolor wagtail (Epricolor).
The park is rich in reptiles: there are 74 species of them. Four species of frogs, such as the coral-buried littoria (Litoria caerulea), are found in large numbers during the rainy season in Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
Anangu continue to hunt animals in remote areas of the park and on other lands they own. At the same time, hunting the great red kangaroo (Macropus rufus), the African great bustard (Ardeotis kori), emu and large lizards such as the variegated (Varanus varius) and the giant monitor lizard (Varanus giganteus) is prohibited.

The main factor in the extinction of about 40% of the indigenous species of Central Australia was strong pressure from imported animals. For example, house mice (Mus musculus), one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius), foxes (Vulpes spp.), Cats, dogs and rabbits have spread throughout the park, their density is especially high near Kata Tjut and Uluru.
It was possible to reduce the huge population of rabbits only after the introduction of a program for regulating the number of animals.
This has led to a noticeable restoration of vegetation and a reduction in the number of predators. Camels are guilty of diminishing plant species, especially most succulents such as dessert quandong (Santalum acuminatum). The house mouse (Mus musculus) is an active violator of the habitat of local rodent species.
The knowledge and skills of the Anangu trackers have proven invaluable in managing the populations of these imported animal species. In addition, park rules prohibit visitors from bringing animals to the specially protected area, with an exception made for guide dogs for blind and deaf visitors. In other cases, special permission is required from
directorate of the national park

But even taking into account some restrictions that are quite normal for protected areas, Uluru-Kata-Tjuta Park has been and remains one of the most mysterious, beautiful and interesting regions on the entire continent.

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Australia.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park (Uluru-Kata Tjuta) is located in the southern part of the northern territory of Australia, part of the so-called Red Center of the continent. The national park is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is called Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock), a single massive rock formation, and Kata Tjuta (known as Olgas), a series of mountain domes.

Uluru and Kata Tjuta are considered sacred by Aboriginal people and the land is owned by Anangu, leased by the government, and jointly managed by Anangu.
Most of the national park is closed to the public. Filming is prohibited in some areas around the base of Uluru.

Story:
Anangu people have been associated with this field for thousands of years. On an expedition in 1872, explorer Ernst Giles saw the rock from a great distance, although he never reached the base. In 1873, Inspector William Goss follows in his footsteps and reaches this cliff. Giles decided to name the neighboring domes after Olga, Queen of Württemberg.
The names Uluru and Kata Tjuta come from local residents Anangu and, respectively, mean "mother earth" and "many peaks." Landscape:
Yulara Is the only village service built to provide housing for visitors to the park. Uluru is one of the most famous natural formations in Australia, the long domed cliffs have achieved cult status as one of the symbols of the continent. The rock is a so-called monolith, i.e. a solid piece of rock, or a giant boulder, about 5 kilometers long under the desert plain and measuring 3.6 by 2.4 kilometers on the surface. It reaches a height of 348 meters (862.5 meters above sea level) and has a radius of 9.4 kilometers. Its usually terracotta hue gradually changes to blue or purple at sunset, fiery red in the morning at sunrise.

But the rock also extends 1.5 kilometers underground. The Anangu natives believe that this place contains a source of energy and believe that this is the place where their dreams begin.
KataTjuta - This is 36 rock formations in the form of domes, of different sizes, 36 kilometers west of Uluru.

Flora and fauna:
Hundreds of plant species grow here, 24 species of mammals and 72 species of reptiles live. Climate:
In December and January, temperatures can be very high, exceeding 45 ° C and sometimes over 50 ° C, so some places may be closed to the public. In July and August, temperatures can drop to 10 ° C below zero, reaching 15 ° C in the daytime. In April and September, the climate is milder. What to see:
Uluru Is the perfect place to watch the sunrise. The Talinguru Nyakuntjaku area ((Talinguru Nyakuntjaku) which means the viewpoint of the sand dunes) is located on the eastern side of Uluru. From this area, you can also see Kata Tjuta away from the viewpoint, and the sunset at the viewpoint between Kata Tjuta and the cultural center. In addition, there are also 1.6 kilometers of hiking trails and parking.
Kata tjuta- On the path leading to the domes, you can enjoy beautiful views of sunrise and sunset.
Cultural Center - built in 1995 to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Handover (the process by which the land was returned to its original owners and Ayers Rock became Uluru). This is an important place to visit before going to Uluru, and you can learn a lot about Aboriginal history here. There are also shops where you can buy local products, art and souvenirs. Entertainment:
Uluru:
It is best to start the climb early, because if the temperature forecast is high, the lift will be closed. The trail is quite steep, you must definitely take water, a hat and avoid the heat of the day, in this case, the trail will not present any extreme dangers and great inconveniences. To Uluru base on foot 9.8 kilometers and will take 3-4 hours.
Mala Walk , 2 kilometers. This trail starts at the Mala Walk car park and ends at the inspiring Kantju Gorge.
Liru Walk Is a walk between the cultural center and the Uluru base. The distance is 4 kilometers and it takes an hour and a half.
Kuniya Walk Is an easy one kilometer walk to Mutitjulu Waterhole on the south side of Uluru. Here you can see several cave paintings in a rock shelter and this a good place to explore the Tjukurpa area.
Kata Tjuta:
Walk to Walpa Gorge (2.6 km) Is the shortest and easiest of the two walks around Kata Tjuta.
Valley of the Winds (7.4 km) , a really great walk. Consists of a path to the first vantage point. Then the trail goes further to Kata Tjuta, and will lead to the second observation point. The entire walk takes about 3 hours. It is better to start the trip early, before the appearance of a large number of people, this will allow you to see more wildlife.
The Kata Tjuta area also includes the Kata Tjuta Dune , this is a short walk down the road from Kata Tjuta. This place offers a beautiful view of Kata Tjuta and is located on the top of a sand dune. It also gives a good view of Uluru from a distance of 600 meters. The walk lasts at least half an hour.
Tours:
Tours offered by Anangu , can be organized at Yulara or at the cultural center.
Helicopter tours can be arranged at Yulara ... They can be either short, flying over Uluru, or longer over Kata Tjuta. It is also possible to fly over the King's Canyon.
Camel ride to sunrise or sunset. The trip includes a visit to a camel farm. A camel ride through the surrounding desert will amaze you with its breathtaking views and especially the sunrise or sunset at Uluru.

Local mapUluru-Kata Tjuta National Park:​

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*
Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park **
UNESCO world heritage
The country	Australia
A type	Natural
Criteria	v, vi, vii, viii
Link
Region***	Asia-Pacific
Turning on	1987 (11th session)
Extensions	1994
* Name in the official rus. the list ** Name in the official English. the list *** Region according to UNESCO classification

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park(eng. Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park) is a national park in Australia. Since 1987 in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Geography

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is located in the Northern Territory, 1,431 kilometers south of the city of Darwin and 440 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs. The park covers an area of ​​1,326 km². Parts of the park are the famous Uluru rocks, as well as Kata Tjuta, located 40 kilometers west of Uluru ( Mount Olga).

The average temperature in the summer months in the park is 45 ° C, the average winter temperature is -5 ° C. On average, 307.7 mm of precipitation falls here a year.

The territory of the park is inhabited by the Ananga aborigines, many of whom currently work as guides and tour guides for tourist groups.

Story

The first Europeans visited these places in 1870. The maps of the region were compiled Uluru-Kata Tjuta... At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, European farmers began to settle here, which led to numerous clashes between them and the aborigines. In 1920, an Aboriginal reservation was created in part of what is now a national park. Tourists began to visit the area around Uluru-Kata Tjuta since 1936. In 1976, Australia transferred the rights to the park to its Aboriginal people, who then “leased” the park to the Australian government for a period of 99 years. In 1987 Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. I got to the park Picasso Gold Medal- the highest award of UNESCO "For the preservation of the nature and culture of the Anangu Aborigines".

The behavior of tourists on the territory of the national park is strictly regulated. Very large monetary fines are envisaged for violations.

Flora

The natural landscape of the park is a desert. The animals and plants inhabiting it create a single biological cycle. Some of these plants and animals are used by the aborigines as means traditional medicine or food.

Vegetable world Uluru-Kata Tjuta represented by almost all species found in Central Australia. Some of these plants are extremely rare and are found only in the territory of the national park. From the trees grow here different kinds eucalyptus, acacia, grevillea. Plants bloom in winter and after rains.

Geology

According to research by geologists, at the site of the current Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park there was a sea about 500 million years ago. For hundreds of thousands of years, deposits of sand and pebbles were created at its bottom, which eventually turned into sandstone. According to the latest research Uluru is not a separate upland, but is part of a ridge currently lying below the surface of the earth and extending out only in Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Both of these hills are interconnected underground into a single geological formation.

The red color of the rocks is caused by the mineral hematite (iron oxide), which is part of the rock.

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