Discover The Desert
The Great Sandy Desert, Australia
Kata Tjuta Uluru National Park
This national park encompasses one of Australia's most famous natural rock formations: Uluru. In fact, this red sandstone monolith stands 1,141 feet tall and is the second largest in the world! In addition to this, the Kata Tjuta domes are only a short walk away. What makes this park unique, though, is the cultural experience that it provides its visitors. The aborigines eagerly greet tourists, guide hikes and welcome others into their way of life.
Best Time To Travel
- Summer is the best time to visit because there is plenty of sunlight, but it is the coolest time of the year
The Weather
- Experience wet and dry seasons
- Thunderstorms are common during the wet season
- Little annual rainfall (between 8 and 12 inches)
- Summer temperatures range from 99 to 108 degrees
- Winter temperatures range from 77 to 86 degrees
Location
- The Great Sandy Desert, Australia
- Southern hemisphere
Biome Information
Dryness and low precipitation rates are caused by strong wind currents. Dry, hot air rises at equator and moves North and South to 30 degree latitudes. There, it absorbs the water from the desert and carries it away. Eventually, it will cool and precipitate as rain. In addition, the rain shadow effect, distance from the ocean and ocean currents also cause the desert climate.
Things To Do
- Four-hour hike around the base of Uluru
- View Uluru's ancient rock art
- Discover new plants and go bird watching on a relaxing dune walk
- Watch the sunset over Kata Tjuta
What To Wear
Dress lightly because it is hot in the sun
Jeans to protect legs from dangerous plants
Cover arms for protection from insects
- Hat and sunglasses to protect your face from the sun
- Boots for support while hiking
- Pack warm clothes for the night
Dangers
- This region is home to some deadly animals such as scorpions and poisonous snakes
- Dehydration
- Sunburn
Wildlife
By Kyle Busher, Sirius Just, Christopher Mead & Bob Spichiger
Email: tbflynn@nhvweb.net
Website: http://www.nhvweb.net/nhhs/home/
Location: 1445 Rte 31, Annandale, NJ 08801, United States
Phone: (908) 713-4199