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Our member Justinf has just returned from another “trip of a lifetime”, having visited Uluru with his daughter. It seems the experience was thoroughly enjoyed, with enduring memories created.
I highly recommend going to the red centre. If you are thinking about it, just do it when you can afford it and when it’s convenient. Don’t put it off. it’s magical, alluring, mysterious and you leave with a deep respect for the Anangu people who have been living in this harsh environment for tens of the thousands of years.
Flying Virgin Australia, the trip began with a nice surprise: some successful upgrade bids and new seats in row 1.
My daughter wanted to carry her boarding pass onto the flight but I wouldn’t let her as it would give our seats away. She was annoyed. I told we were in row 11 and when we got to seats 1A and 1B I sat down and said ‘surprise’! She was thrilled.
A comfortable seat, nice lunch and an attentive host helped the 3 hours on board to pass quickly. Soon Uluru itself was in sight as the flight approached the small Ayers Rock airport.
Accommodation at Uluru is not cheap, nor five-star luxury. But our member was pleased with their “rock view” room at the Desert Gardens Hotel.
The days that followed were packed full of adventure. From the very first morning, an early start was on the cards in order to get a glimpse of the spectacular rock at sunrise.
As the sun rose, the light on the rock changed. It was breathtaking, but with the cacophony of noise from selfish people who had no regard for others but it a bit off putting. Still, it was an impressive sight and it had cooled down considerably. about 9 degrees.
This was followed by a 12km walk around the perimeter of Uluru. The walk proved somewhat of a challenge for some tour participants, but there was some welcome respite available each time the guide stopped to point out a cave painting or waterhole.
This was just one of many activities undertaken. The popular Sound of Silence dinner proved a hit, with flowing wine and flowing conversation complementing an Australian dinner under the stars of the outback. The dinner even included an entertaining “tour” of the stars in the night sky, led by an infectiously enthusiastic astronomer.
Our member also visited Kata Tjuta, and even attended the annual Uluru Camel Cup races!
With a wonderful tour almost over, we had nothing planned for the rest of the day and night but then we were told the annual Uluru Camel Cup was on that afternoon. Sort of like an Outback Melbourne Cup with camels… As we entered the resort people were already heading out dressed like they were heading to the opera or, dare i say it, the Melbourne Cup Spring carnival. This was going to be fun, although I had no suit with me
Enjoy the full trip report, including our member’s many photos HERE.
