Uluru

Uluru, a photo by Georgie Sharp on Flickr.

Two days at Uluru gave us plenty of time to see the rock in all it's moods (apart from a thunder storm ;-)) This photo was taken at the very last moment before sunset when the sun had been teasing us by hiding behind clouds. The previous day was a classic cloudless day with vibrant blue skies. Unbelievable beauty. The rock itself is very scaly and textured and it exudes a powerful and mystic presence.

I have been granted permission to sell a selected range of images by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population & Communities. These are available at http://www.photoartgallery.com/artist/GeorgieSharp

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), a photo by Georgie Sharp on Flickr.

KataTjuta means many heads. This a fascinating rocky outcrop is not far from Uluru (Eyres Rock) in the centre of Australia.
The afternoon was moody with the sun light slipping in and out of the clouds creating many different painterly effects on the landscape.

Ellery Creek Water Hole

Ellery Creek Water Hole, a photo by Georgie Sharp on Flickr.

The water holes in the MacDonnell Ranges are spectacular!
Ellery Creek is part of the Finke River system, with Ellery Creek Big Hole being one of the largest permanent waterholes in the West MacDonnell National Park, offering a important source of water for the local wildlife and a popular, refreshing stop for many locals and travellers.
The Aboriginal name for Ellery Bighole is Udepata. This permanent water made it a special meeting place for the Arrernte people on the fish and honey ant dreaming trails.

Finke River & MacDonnell Ranges

Finke River & MacDonnell Ranges, a photo by Georgie Sharp on Flickr.

The area around Alice Springs has been transformed by incredible Summer rains, usually dry, dusty and red the valleys are currently green and lush.

When we reached Glen Helen station we were offered the opportunity to view the landscape by helicopter. I really hate heights but the idea of taking some different photos was compelling.

I learnt a great deal during the flight..... a door less helicopter means a lot of wind and consequently passengers spend most of the time hanging on tightly... this didn't really allow much time for talking photos LOL.

Breakways - Coober Pedy

Breakways - Coober Pedy, a photo by Georgie Sharp on Flickr.

After all our travelling over seas we decided it was probably time to explore our own back yard. This week we travelled up the Stuart highway to Alice Springs and then visited Uluru (Eyre's Rock) on the way home.
The centre of Australia was incredibly green after the wettest start to the year on record.
I couldn't get over the transformation of the land around Coober Pedy, having visited this town regularly in my role as Curriculum Advisor for DECS.
The Breakaways were a riot of colour with the usually dry Gibber Plains covered with green growth that played against the many shades of the rocky outcrops.

Tastes of The Outback

Tastes of The Outback, a photo by Georgie Sharp on Flickr.

Andrew Feilke held a master class as part of the "Tastes of the Outback" food and wine event in the region.

The founder of the Red Ochre Grill, Andrew is an internationally acclaimed guest and consulting chef specialising in creating unique dishes using Australian native ingredients.

Some of the foods available were familiar plants that we see in arid gardens but many were exotic plants from more tropical parts of Australia.

The trick with seafood is to cook it gently and Andrew demonstrated this by using an iron to cook barramundi fillets.

This was another opportunity take photos as a record of the event for the organizers.

Outback Ball

Outback Ball, a photo by Georgie Sharp on Flickr.

Carly is currently coordinating the "Tastes of the Outback" and required a photographer to record aspects of the event.

We arrived at the Royal Flying Doctor hanger at sunset to find the tables bathed in a wonderful golden light.

Everything was laid out to perfection and the band of amazing young women coordinating the event were in full control. Before I knew it I was asked to take photos of celebrities for the media.

The event raises funds for The Australian Royal Flying Doctor and other organisations including Remote and Isolated Children's Exercise where I spent 10 years as a teacher many years ago ;-))

Redbanks With Wild Life

Redbanks with wild life , a photo by Georgie Sharp on Flickr.

After the coolest and wettest start to the year on record it is nearly the end of daylight savings and the perfect time to catch the dawn light at the top of the gulf as dawn is at about 7.30am.
Magnificent colours and atmosphere with the hawks surfing the breeze looking for breakfast.
The Red Banks is the eastern edge of the Australian Arid Lands Botanic Garden and offers very different land form, vegetation and wild life to the rest of the garden.