Kata Tjuta Also known as The Olgas, Kata Tjuta is a site of spectacular rock formations, rising island-like from the plains. For me, they were probably the most fascinating thing I encountered in the Red Centre. Geologically, they share history with nearby Uluru - but aren't nearly as well known outside of Australia.

Uluru Probably the most famous rock in the world, Uluru is of huge spiritual importance to the local Anangu people. It is actually of yellow colour and only turns red when the last rays of the setting sun fall on it. Sunrise itself can be an even more fantastic experience when the rising sun turns a lightly clouded sky into a fireworks of red and gold. To me, sunrise was my personal Uluru experience. Uluru was formerly called Ayers Rock but that name is less and less in use since the Australian government returned Uluru to its original owners in 1985.

King's Canyon Practically all tours include a side-trip to this place on their way into the Centre. King's Canyon is a first good hike in the unforgiving sun and you can find out easily if it was worth investing in that Akubra hat. There's nice views and precarious standing on overhanging ledges, too.

Travel & Bush camping This was our group travelling and camping out in the bush.

Camel farm And almost always you get to see a camel farm, too. Yes, indeed, camels were imported into Australia at some point. The reasoning went something like this: "They live in deserts, right? Lots of sand and dry like hell? So they should do fine here." Today, they've actually become a bit of a pest since the descendants of an escaped horde use up too much of the already sparse resources of the soil. Still, here's a couple of photos. With optical illusion, too.