Native Plants in Central Australia - Edible and Poisonous

The Witchetty Bush from the roots where the witchety grubs can be dug out and harvested for food. Aboriginal women grill the bugs which provide a good source of protein and a tasty meal for the family.

There are hundreds of species of aubergine / eggplant, some of which are edible. It is best to buy processed and packaged products if you are not an expert in native Australian foods.


Many beautiful flowers in the desert produce nectar which could be used to make syrup.

Our guide holding on to a pretty mauve wild flower.

Kings Canyon - Traveling in Central Australia

Steep walls of the Kings Canyon, truly qualifies itself as a full fledged canyon.

Scaling the walls and treking the narrow winding paths are part of the morning tour of the Kings Canyon.

Detailed writeup on the Kings Canyon walk and Ayers Rock surrounds :

http://www.helium.com/items/676762-traveling-to-central-australia

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Sunrise at Uluru on camel back

Sleepy camels and riders assembled before 5 am awaiting briefings on how to mount, disembark, the character traits of each camel and how to work together in order to get the best of the scenic views with minimal disruption and unpleasant surprises.

The slippery slope of Ayers Rock, Uluru

Climbing the Rock is at your own risk - real physical dangers as well as superstitious omens. The steep and uneven slope with only a wire and rope railing as support can be a daunting task. However, it has not deterred many visitors from trying to climb even if some are unable to reach the top.

Give yourself enough time to explore the base of Uluru and discover many interesting rock formations - of folds, cracks and moods - each with an aboriginal dreamtime story behind it.

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Ayers Rock, Uluru in Central Australia - Sunset

Sunset at Ayers Rock

We were speechless gazing at the awesome beautiful of changing hues on the sacred rock. Accompaniment of wine and cheese, this was one of the rare experience of being at one with nature . The images arranged in sequential order show the transition from late afternoon till the onset of darkness. At the beginning all was radiant, followed by the stunning amber glow radiating from the rock -- my favourite. Gradually, a shadow was cast on the pasture leaving residue light focussed on the rock. Twilight rays shone from behind the rock beyond the horizon, gave way to a glimmer blending the red and blue skies.

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Ogla - Central Australia

Arriving at the Ogla in mid noon under scorching and dry heat. A harsh terrain where mostly insects and hardy deep rooted plants thrive.

Believed to be even more sacred than the well-known Ayers Rock, the Oglas are said to be the sanctuary for ceremonies for Aboriginal males. The height of the hills tell a tale of their age dating millions of years.

Starting with a preview of smaller rock formations ...

The angle of the sun generates different hues and reflection from the Olga rocks. The visitor is reduced to a tiny speck surrounded by the dry and half barren setting. All modern telecommunication is lost, surrendering to the vastness and awe of nature.

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Garigal National Park

The moderate level walk could easily take 4 hours to complete, starting from Roseville or Lindfield, Sydney, NSW.

Panoramic view of the Roseville river from a cafe

Clear downstream mirrors the mangrove

Perspectives of the Blue Mountains

Layers of time have been embedded in the dramatic formations of these mountains. The gum trees producing methanol gives the mountain an aura of cobalt blue.

The Three Sisters

Part of the Wentworth falls

Solitary rock with vegetation withstood the ravages of erosion and time

Govett's Leap at Blackheath

After viewing the majestic mountain range, you don't need to see manicured gardens in the surroundings. The entry fees are a rip off for what you could view from a few miserable flower beds. Time could be spent more fruitfully trekking for the able bodied or driving around the different scenic lookouts of the Blue Mountains National Park.


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Bronte Beach, NSW East Coast

Unlike the well known tourist beaches of Manly (northern beach) and Bondi (eastern seaboard), Bronte is more popular among the local residents. However, limited parking could be a damper for potential visitors. Imagine this : a beach packed with swimmers and sun tanners.

NSW South Coast - Kiama

Kiama about 2 hours drive from Sydney or 1 hour from Canberra is a great weekend getaway for families in the eastern cities. The relaxed atmosphere, convenience of amenities and different features of sand, surf, sun and rocks offer an array of activities for visitors of all ages.

Cool and prestine waters bubbling with strong whirling surfs.

The much talked about blowhole in action :

Click on the link to view slide show

http://s160.photobucket.com/albums/t166/fruit3s/Nature/?action=view&current=3c51420e.pbw&t=1231367672

Don't hesitate to explore the inlets and bays that are hidden from the main thoroughfare and beach areas. There one would discover fine sand and calm waters that are a treat for sun and surf seekers.

Do plan ahead for accommodation as walk-in customers during warm seasons are likely to be disappointed. The fully equipped chalets by the beach offer good deals for groups of 4 to 8 who want a casual holiday and convenience rolled in.

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Riding the Sand Dunes and Waves - Salamander Bay, Nelsons Bay

Barely 2 1/2 hours north of Sydney are beautiful beaches and bays of different character from the northern beaches of Manly and Avalon. The sand dunes of Salamander Bay is just one of the many relief features on the Australian coastline.

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Great Barrier Reef

Visits to the Great Barrier Reef are controlled and "rationed". It is a well known fact that global warming would accelerate bleaching and death of corals. When snorkelling or diving, take care not to break these fragile sea creatures.

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Approval must be granted by owner for posting or printing

Port Douglas in tropical Queensland

Law of the jungle - dense tropical rainforest trees vying for sunlight

Cape Tribulation

Beach (above)

River and forest (below)

Daintree forest

Crocodiles half submerged beside our river boat was too close for comfort


Surprised to find rose apple (jambu) and other tropical fruits such as jackfruit, rambutan and soursop in Daintree orchards

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Objectives of this blog on nature scenes in Australia

I'd like to share with bloggers and netizens the natural beauty of Australia.
At the rate of environmental degradation, we hope everyone would play their part in preserving the earth so that the scenery and wild life would not be relegated to mere images at the corner of our memories.

General happenings Down Under can be found in my other blog : http://ausletters.blogspot.com/