An hour’s drive or so from the tourist development around Ayre’s Rock (Uluru) the Olga’s are a rock world growing out of the desert. Unlike Ayre’s Rock these are divided by canyons and valleys into what appear to be a dozen or so separate monoliths of red stone. Walking the paths and trails you find a world of secret, hidden places and peaceful spots by unexpected pools and rills. There are places of lush vegetation, of barren rock, of deep shadows and of views that stretch away to nothing.
Some of the trails and paths require rough walking and strenuous clambering. It is possible to be on your own here, something that looked impossible for all those trying to climb Uluru. It is also possible to feel more respectful as there don’t appear to be the notices that are found at Uluru pointing out that it is a holy place for the Aborigines who would really rather that you didn’t climb it.
I was able to spend one August afternoon here. It wasn’t too hot and there were enough cars in the car-park to make me feel that I didn’t need to prepared for a great adventure into the outback. It would be wise to take water, especially in the hottest times of year but otherwise a short casual visit will give you plenty to remember even if you do only ‘scratch the surface’.