Uluru 2023

August 2023
A short but fine adventure by Siong Read more
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  • 304kilometers
  • Day 1

    22 August 2023

    August 22, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    After a very early flight we made it to Uluru! Such a beautiful landscape that was greener than normal with all the extra rain in the last couple of months. There were also some lovely wild flowers. Since it was a while before we could check in we took a drive towards Kata Juta and stopped off at the dune walk. We were thankfully able to check in early and after having a bit of a rest (and a much needed nap) we then waited for our bus to take us to the Field of Lights. We had paid for a star pass which meant we were ushered to a raise dune where we were wined and dined (with canapes) while watching the colours change over Uluru as the sun set behind us. As the light dwindled the lights started turning on and by the end they were all aglow. It was truly beautiful to walk through the changing lights and appreciate the stars above and the quiet of the desert. A truly worthwhile experience.Read more

  • Day 2

    23 August 2023

    August 23, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Today was our Segway tour.
    We were all a little bit nervous as to whether we would be able to stay on for the duration of the tour (2 hours). Turns out it was much easier than we thought. Once you got on it became a little bit instinctive and so long as you didn't think too much about it, the Segway was very easy. It was definitely a great way to do the base walk around Uluru particularly since it gets really hot once the sun comes out even in winter. It was truly breathtaking to work our way around Uluru and appreciate it's immense size. Too soon the Segway tour was over but we were able to make our way back to where you could previously scale Uluru and walked the short distance into one of the gorges where there was shade and a cool breeze. A very enjoyable day!Read more

  • Day 3

    24 August 2023

    August 24, 2023 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Kings Canyon was our destination this morning. It was a long 3.5 hour drive from our accomodation at Ayers Rock Resort to where we wanted to start the Rim Walk.
    We initially thought that we had to start at 4 am but then decided a 9 am start was much more reasonable. The beginning of the walk doesn't hold back any punches - a long flight of stairs upwards. Once you clear that it is pretty easy as you undulate along the beautiful top of the canyon. Such different terrain and so many wonderful natural structures. There wasn't a whole lot of people and we were even able to find a shady spot on a bench and have some lunch. It was a long but very enjoyable day.Read more

  • Day 4

    25 August 2023

    August 25, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    After our long hike at King's Canyon today was a rest day for us.
    We started off with a garden tour of the Ayers Rock Resort grounds. It was interesting but not as long as we wanted really. Kirk and Yok really liked the Grevillea nectar. We made a short trip to check out the Sturt's Desert Pea which was a bright red - definitely eye catching when driving through Ayers Rock Resort.

    The highlight was definitely our sunset helicopter flight. After completing the Segway tour and appreciating the enormity of Uluru up close it was such a different perspective from up above. Watching the colours changing over Uluru and Kata Tjuta as the sun set was also just magical.
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  • Day 5

    26 August 2023

    August 26, 2023 in Australia ⋅ 🌬 28 °C

    We spent our last full day exploring Kata Tjuta. We thought we would watch the sunrise while eating breakfast. Unfortunately about 100 other people had the same idea. We made the decision to get started with our hike instead and headed to the Valley of Winds. The descriptions stated that the hike was moderate to difficult so we were unsure about completing the entire circuit but it soon became apparent that it was well within our ability. We met a school group along the track but other than that it was very quiet. The views from the two lookouts were excellent (particularly the second lookout - Karingana) and the lack of people around added to the majesty. The track from Karingana lookout was quite flat and easy and exposed which allowed you to view the Kata Tjuta from every angle. It was lovely to see all the wildflowers as well which added to the beauty of this area.

    We also decided to do walk into Walpa Gorge which really filled us with awe especially once you got close to the base of the cliffs. It was a very productive day as we were able to do everything on offer at Kata Tjuta before it got too hot.
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