When most people think of Australia’s Red Centre, iconic images of Uluru and Kata Tjuta come to mind. But another geological marvel, Mount Conner, stands proudly nearby. Known as “Fool-uru” due to often being mistaken for its famous neighbour, Mount Conner is a striking mesa that offers a unique blend of geological and historical significance to the Severin family who have called this place home since the 1950s.
Though it doesn’t receive the same attention as Uluru, Mount Conner is a remarkable landmark with its own fascinating story to tell.
What Makes Mount Conner Unique?
Mount Conner is an ancient landform located on private land within Curtin Springs Station. While part of the same geological formation as Uluru and Kata Tjuta, it stands apart with its eye-catching flat-topped shape and sharp edges. Rising at an impressive 300 metres above ground level, Mount Conner makes its mark on the Outback landscape, looming over the nearby salt lakes and surrounding plains.
Unlike Uluru, Mount Conner has a distinct “rim” and a flat top, making it a classic example of a mesa – and one of the most famous in the world, at that. The formation’s broad base and steep sides offer evidence of millions of years of weathering, with its sedimentary rock layers providing a record of ancient environmental changes in Central Australia.
Discover the Salt Lakes of Mount Conner
One of the fascinating features surrounding Mount Conner is the territory’s largest salt lake, Lake Amadeus. An expansive, gleaming white basin, Lake Amadeus offers a stark contrast to the vibrant reds of the desert. It, and other salt lakes in the area, are an essential part of the ecosystem, acting as a home to salt-tolerant plants and various birds that visit when water is present.
While you, unfortunately, cannot see Lake Amadeus from the main road, SEIT Tours offers an incredible opportunity to explore and walk a smaller yet still impressive salt lake at Curtin Springs on our Mount Conner 4WD Outback Adventure tour.
Walking on this salt lake is a truly unique experience, with the stunning white expanse stretching in every direction beneath the desert sky – and providing visitors with a fantastic photo opportunity.
Mount Conner’s Place in the Red Centre
While it may not share the same fame as its neighbouring landmarks, Mount Conner is integral to the Red Centre’s rich tapestry of natural wonders. Its distinctive shape and unique geological history make it a destination worth exploring for those seeking to venture beyond the typical tourist trail.
Mount Conner reminds us that the Red Centre is more than just Uluru and Kata Tjuta. It is a place of diverse landscapes, local pastoral history, and the passionate dedication of the Severin family.
Next time you find yourself in Central Australia, take a moment to appreciate the overlooked giant that is Mount Conner – a testament to the power of nature and the resilience of culture in one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. Consider joining SEIT for a quintessential Australian Outback experience on our exclusive Mount Conner tour, where, together, we will absorb the ambience of the Red Centre without the crowds and venture into an extraordinary environment by 4WD.