Wunala Dreaming
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- Mar 14, 2006
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NB: Image quality has been severely reduced. Due to AFF posting limitations (6 images max per post), the thread is posted in sections
Uluru (commonly known as Ayers Rock) - Kata Tjuta (pronounced Katter Juuttah – commonly referred to as “The Olgas”) has always fascinated me and been of great interest. The isolation and heat (I was travelling in summer which is traditionally the quiet period) was of no concern to me as it would add value to the experience. I had long wanted to travel to the tourist hot-spot and recently I was afforded the opportunity to do so. I requested leave for Friday 24 January as this would be the day I would commence my travels to Central Australia. A little amount of planning was required and I did the necessary research (with thanks to Flyertalk, Tripadvisor etc). Accommodation and tours were organised and before I knew it, I was using online check-in and packing my bags in preparation for the flights the next day.
I have tried to include as much information about my flights as possible, however I’ll let it be known that the focus of this report is on the destination, not the means of getting there.
Friday 23 January 2009
Brisbane (BNE) – Cairns (CNS)
Qantas - QF798
Scheduled Departure: 07:00L
Scheduled arrival: 09:20L
737-800
VH-VXF - “Sunshine Coast”
Load factor – 80-90%
Seat: 14F (exit row)
(an old image of VH-VXF)
Arrived at the Brisbane Domestic terminal at approximately 06:15L in preparation for what would be a long day travelling (in terms of Australian domestic flying). As per usual, I had used Qantas’ online check-in system 24 hours prior and to my surprise had been allocated an exit row (becoming a regular occurrence I might add). I made my way to the bag drop queue and within 2 minutes was ushered to counter 19 as the flight would soon be closed for check-in. The customer service agent was chatty and was interested in what I intended doing at Uluru and with a chuckle, mentioned how mad I was to be flying to a destination where 40 degree plus heat was the norm. She wished me a pleasant journey and within minutes I was at the gate preparing for departure.
I was welcomed onboard by the friendly, Customer/Cabin Services Manager (easily distinguishable with the suit and platinum-coloured tie) and directed to my seat. 14D was occupied by a sleep deprived young woman and I was pleasantly surprised to find 14E had not been allocated. I settled in and prepared for departure, excitedly thinking that I was a few hours away from landing at Uluru. As per usual, a friendly FA came along and explained the requirements of sitting in an exit row. Next minute we were being pushed back and preparing for departure when the CPT mentioned on the PA that the crew had heard a strange sound towards the rear of the aircraft. We returned to the gate using the aircraft’s power and the engineers/ground staff began investigating. Within minutes they determined that it was a loose object in the rear hold and we were once again on our way. Taxied to RWY 01 and departed into the gloomy, unforgiving sky.
As I had requested a LF meal, I was first to be served. Why would I request a low fat meal you may ask? One, the offering has a reduced amount of fat (I am not big, but I watch what I eat), two, the meals are often tastier and have more variety and three, are well portioned. Today’s offering was a banana, fruit juice, low fat milk and a rice-based cereal. Considering there was next to no sugar, fat and other additives, it was rather good.
The rest of the flight was uneventful, except towards the end of the flight. Turbulence was rather bad between Townsville and Cairns and the service was suspended for a short period. As we began descending towards Cairns we were afforded some stunning views of the reef, flooded rivers and striking green vegetation (rainforest). Landed on RWY 15 and proceeded immediately to the gate.
Cairns Airport is undergoing extensive renovations and expansion and as you’d expect, the place was a noisy work site. It was a short walk to the arrivals terminal and then another few minutes to the departure terminal. Directional signage was extremely poor, so I exited the terminal and walked towards an area where a number of people were waiting for buses. I passed through security and was presented with an overcrowded, noisy and dark departure lounge. Managed to find a seat, where I would wait for approximately 1 hour (seemed like a very long hour unfortunately) for the departure of my flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Cairns (CNS) – Uluru (Ayers Rock)
QantasLink - QF1859
Scheduled Departure: 10:35L
Scheduled arrival: 12:50L
717-200
VH-NXK
Load factor – 80-90%
Seat: 3A
Boarding was called and I proceeded to the gate. Was welcomed by two young, tall FAs wearing the ochre-coloured Qantas uniform (it seems QantasLink crew continue to wear the ochre-coloured uniform that was once worn across the whole network; however Qantas mainline crew now wear the modernised platinum-coloured uniform). It was a short walk to the gate and I was happily boarding one of my favourite aircraft, the 717-200 (the climb performance and onboard comfort of these aircraft is what makes them so attractive). It had been over a year since my last flight on a QantasLink 717-200 which for interest’s sake was from Darwin to Cairns via Gove [Nhulunbuy]. Welcomed onboard by the friendly male CSM, who appeared to be only a few years older than me (was possibly 22/23/24). To my surprise the cabin crew were all relatively young. Found my spacious seat (32” pitch in the first 13 rows of the 717-200) and not long after was joined by the occupant of 3C. The crew finished the safety demonstration and not long after we departed Cairns towards to the South.
Flight was rather uneventful once again; however the crew were continuously walking through the cabin offering drinks and other refreshments. It was a pleasant surprise to see smiling crew who didn’t just retire to the galley after completing the trolley service. Lunch consisted of dried cranberries, salad foccacia and water (once again a low fat meal). Was offered drinks on at least 3 occasions and the service couldn’t have been any better. From my experience, the regional QantasLink crew are always cheery and will go out of their way to assist (much like the ex-Australian Airlines [AO] crew).
We began our decent into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and being seated on the left side of the aircraft, I was afforded with some stunning views. You’re in the middle of Australia and isolated from the rest of the world, the topography is mostly flat and the people are sparse and to see the formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta suddenly come in to view is of great surprise. The scenery is absolutely stunning and breathtaking – from the red earth, to the green vegetation, to the well-planned resort, and of course, Uluru and Kata Tjuta themselves. It dawns on you that you’re hundreds of kilometers from the nearest major town (Alice Springs) and you’re about to touch down on country that is both unforgiving and harsh.
Landed on RWY 13 and consumed most of the runway. Came to the end and experienced the obligatory 180 degree turn (always an interesting yet impressive experience) towards the terminal. The engines were shut down and the air stairs were pressed up against the fuselage. Next came a nasty surprise of plague proportion – the flies! Upon disembarkation it became apparent that there were millions upon millions of flies and they had an undesirable attraction towards us, the visitors. It was mentioned on the Saturday that the unusually high number of flies was a result of recent summer rains. Next it became apparent just how hot the red centre can get during summer. I live a few hours west of Brisbane and am use to warm temperatures and humidity in summer and below freezing nights in winter, so the dry heat at Uluru, while potent, did not bother me the slightest.
I collected my bags and boarded the complimentary AAT Kings shuttle to Ayers Rock Resort.
Accommodation – Lost Camel Hotel
Voyagers Ayers Rock Resort
The resort offers a variety of accommodation ranging from camping facilities, budget hotels to luxury accommodation (Longitude 131). The Lost Camel Hotel is conveniently located near a number of Restaurants, an ANZ Bank branch, IGA (Supermarket) and the visitor centre. Check-in was quick and efficient and I was given the keys to my room (no swipe cards here!). It was a short walk to the room in which would be my home for the next 2 nights/3 days. Entered the room and was surprised at how attractive it was (even though it was on the small side). Upon entry you first notice the bed. Located behind the bed is the hand basin and towel rack and depending upon the layout of your room, the toilet is on the left, shower on the right. All rooms at the Lost Camel Hotel now feature LCD televisions as well as your standard safe, mini-bar, clothes rack, ironing board (iron available for use upon request) and kettle/tea & coffee making facilities. Both the toilet and shower had a view across the pool area and to check-in. Accommodation does not come cheap, even in the quieter summer period and in terms of bang for your buck, well, you don’t get alot!
I settled into the room and rested in preparation for my tour of Kata Tjuta followed by the stunning and must-see Uluru sunset spectacular.
A rather large AAT Kings coach picked me up at 15:30L, just outside reception. Within minutes I was on my way to view Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) for the first time in my life (and boy was I excited!). Surprisingly there was a greater number of people onboard than I was expecting (considering it was low season) who came from all over the world - New Zealand, Germany, US, Scotland to name a few.
It wasn’t long before we arrived at the Kata Tjuta viewing platform where we were provided with breathtaking views toward the amazing natural formation. The flies were out in force and alas, were pestering many of the annoyed visitors. Many decided to purchase a fly net, however I didn’t. Why not, you may ask? Well, I found during my stay that while the flies were abundant, they didn’t harm me or pester me a great deal. They made large formations on our clothing, however I found I became use to having them around fairly quickly. Enough of the flies though and back to those amazing views!
Uluru (commonly known as Ayers Rock) - Kata Tjuta (pronounced Katter Juuttah – commonly referred to as “The Olgas”) has always fascinated me and been of great interest. The isolation and heat (I was travelling in summer which is traditionally the quiet period) was of no concern to me as it would add value to the experience. I had long wanted to travel to the tourist hot-spot and recently I was afforded the opportunity to do so. I requested leave for Friday 24 January as this would be the day I would commence my travels to Central Australia. A little amount of planning was required and I did the necessary research (with thanks to Flyertalk, Tripadvisor etc). Accommodation and tours were organised and before I knew it, I was using online check-in and packing my bags in preparation for the flights the next day.
I have tried to include as much information about my flights as possible, however I’ll let it be known that the focus of this report is on the destination, not the means of getting there.
Friday 23 January 2009
Brisbane (BNE) – Cairns (CNS)
Qantas - QF798
Scheduled Departure: 07:00L
Scheduled arrival: 09:20L
737-800
VH-VXF - “Sunshine Coast”
Load factor – 80-90%
Seat: 14F (exit row)
(an old image of VH-VXF)
Arrived at the Brisbane Domestic terminal at approximately 06:15L in preparation for what would be a long day travelling (in terms of Australian domestic flying). As per usual, I had used Qantas’ online check-in system 24 hours prior and to my surprise had been allocated an exit row (becoming a regular occurrence I might add). I made my way to the bag drop queue and within 2 minutes was ushered to counter 19 as the flight would soon be closed for check-in. The customer service agent was chatty and was interested in what I intended doing at Uluru and with a chuckle, mentioned how mad I was to be flying to a destination where 40 degree plus heat was the norm. She wished me a pleasant journey and within minutes I was at the gate preparing for departure.
I was welcomed onboard by the friendly, Customer/Cabin Services Manager (easily distinguishable with the suit and platinum-coloured tie) and directed to my seat. 14D was occupied by a sleep deprived young woman and I was pleasantly surprised to find 14E had not been allocated. I settled in and prepared for departure, excitedly thinking that I was a few hours away from landing at Uluru. As per usual, a friendly FA came along and explained the requirements of sitting in an exit row. Next minute we were being pushed back and preparing for departure when the CPT mentioned on the PA that the crew had heard a strange sound towards the rear of the aircraft. We returned to the gate using the aircraft’s power and the engineers/ground staff began investigating. Within minutes they determined that it was a loose object in the rear hold and we were once again on our way. Taxied to RWY 01 and departed into the gloomy, unforgiving sky.
As I had requested a LF meal, I was first to be served. Why would I request a low fat meal you may ask? One, the offering has a reduced amount of fat (I am not big, but I watch what I eat), two, the meals are often tastier and have more variety and three, are well portioned. Today’s offering was a banana, fruit juice, low fat milk and a rice-based cereal. Considering there was next to no sugar, fat and other additives, it was rather good.
The rest of the flight was uneventful, except towards the end of the flight. Turbulence was rather bad between Townsville and Cairns and the service was suspended for a short period. As we began descending towards Cairns we were afforded some stunning views of the reef, flooded rivers and striking green vegetation (rainforest). Landed on RWY 15 and proceeded immediately to the gate.
Cairns Airport is undergoing extensive renovations and expansion and as you’d expect, the place was a noisy work site. It was a short walk to the arrivals terminal and then another few minutes to the departure terminal. Directional signage was extremely poor, so I exited the terminal and walked towards an area where a number of people were waiting for buses. I passed through security and was presented with an overcrowded, noisy and dark departure lounge. Managed to find a seat, where I would wait for approximately 1 hour (seemed like a very long hour unfortunately) for the departure of my flight to Uluru (Ayers Rock).
Cairns (CNS) – Uluru (Ayers Rock)
QantasLink - QF1859
Scheduled Departure: 10:35L
Scheduled arrival: 12:50L
717-200
VH-NXK
Load factor – 80-90%
Seat: 3A
Boarding was called and I proceeded to the gate. Was welcomed by two young, tall FAs wearing the ochre-coloured Qantas uniform (it seems QantasLink crew continue to wear the ochre-coloured uniform that was once worn across the whole network; however Qantas mainline crew now wear the modernised platinum-coloured uniform). It was a short walk to the gate and I was happily boarding one of my favourite aircraft, the 717-200 (the climb performance and onboard comfort of these aircraft is what makes them so attractive). It had been over a year since my last flight on a QantasLink 717-200 which for interest’s sake was from Darwin to Cairns via Gove [Nhulunbuy]. Welcomed onboard by the friendly male CSM, who appeared to be only a few years older than me (was possibly 22/23/24). To my surprise the cabin crew were all relatively young. Found my spacious seat (32” pitch in the first 13 rows of the 717-200) and not long after was joined by the occupant of 3C. The crew finished the safety demonstration and not long after we departed Cairns towards to the South.
Flight was rather uneventful once again; however the crew were continuously walking through the cabin offering drinks and other refreshments. It was a pleasant surprise to see smiling crew who didn’t just retire to the galley after completing the trolley service. Lunch consisted of dried cranberries, salad foccacia and water (once again a low fat meal). Was offered drinks on at least 3 occasions and the service couldn’t have been any better. From my experience, the regional QantasLink crew are always cheery and will go out of their way to assist (much like the ex-Australian Airlines [AO] crew).
We began our decent into Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and being seated on the left side of the aircraft, I was afforded with some stunning views. You’re in the middle of Australia and isolated from the rest of the world, the topography is mostly flat and the people are sparse and to see the formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta suddenly come in to view is of great surprise. The scenery is absolutely stunning and breathtaking – from the red earth, to the green vegetation, to the well-planned resort, and of course, Uluru and Kata Tjuta themselves. It dawns on you that you’re hundreds of kilometers from the nearest major town (Alice Springs) and you’re about to touch down on country that is both unforgiving and harsh.
Landed on RWY 13 and consumed most of the runway. Came to the end and experienced the obligatory 180 degree turn (always an interesting yet impressive experience) towards the terminal. The engines were shut down and the air stairs were pressed up against the fuselage. Next came a nasty surprise of plague proportion – the flies! Upon disembarkation it became apparent that there were millions upon millions of flies and they had an undesirable attraction towards us, the visitors. It was mentioned on the Saturday that the unusually high number of flies was a result of recent summer rains. Next it became apparent just how hot the red centre can get during summer. I live a few hours west of Brisbane and am use to warm temperatures and humidity in summer and below freezing nights in winter, so the dry heat at Uluru, while potent, did not bother me the slightest.
I collected my bags and boarded the complimentary AAT Kings shuttle to Ayers Rock Resort.
Accommodation – Lost Camel Hotel
Voyagers Ayers Rock Resort
The resort offers a variety of accommodation ranging from camping facilities, budget hotels to luxury accommodation (Longitude 131). The Lost Camel Hotel is conveniently located near a number of Restaurants, an ANZ Bank branch, IGA (Supermarket) and the visitor centre. Check-in was quick and efficient and I was given the keys to my room (no swipe cards here!). It was a short walk to the room in which would be my home for the next 2 nights/3 days. Entered the room and was surprised at how attractive it was (even though it was on the small side). Upon entry you first notice the bed. Located behind the bed is the hand basin and towel rack and depending upon the layout of your room, the toilet is on the left, shower on the right. All rooms at the Lost Camel Hotel now feature LCD televisions as well as your standard safe, mini-bar, clothes rack, ironing board (iron available for use upon request) and kettle/tea & coffee making facilities. Both the toilet and shower had a view across the pool area and to check-in. Accommodation does not come cheap, even in the quieter summer period and in terms of bang for your buck, well, you don’t get alot!
I settled into the room and rested in preparation for my tour of Kata Tjuta followed by the stunning and must-see Uluru sunset spectacular.
A rather large AAT Kings coach picked me up at 15:30L, just outside reception. Within minutes I was on my way to view Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) for the first time in my life (and boy was I excited!). Surprisingly there was a greater number of people onboard than I was expecting (considering it was low season) who came from all over the world - New Zealand, Germany, US, Scotland to name a few.
It wasn’t long before we arrived at the Kata Tjuta viewing platform where we were provided with breathtaking views toward the amazing natural formation. The flies were out in force and alas, were pestering many of the annoyed visitors. Many decided to purchase a fly net, however I didn’t. Why not, you may ask? Well, I found during my stay that while the flies were abundant, they didn’t harm me or pester me a great deal. They made large formations on our clothing, however I found I became use to having them around fairly quickly. Enough of the flies though and back to those amazing views!
You can get some pretty good SCs for travelling to Alice/Ayers Rock, depending on sale fares. I can give ya the scoop on the water failure on that morning. The controller that runs the pressurising pumps that provide town pressure failed, so there was no positive pressure (the water is stored in a 4ML tank underground there so there is not even a gravity feed). Thus although there was plenty of water, it wasn't flowing down the pipes.
