 Me at Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) Day Seven April 17th 2011 To Uluru Quite a civilised departure time for the airport today, so we enjoyed the Perth Hilton's delicious breakfast before departure at 0745. The check-in at the airport was painless, and the two hour flight from Perth to Uluru went well, albeit slightly late. If you looked out of the windows, it was pretty empty down there! The excitement started for us when we caught our first glimpse of Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) from the windows of the plane and we were blown away. It was breathtakingly colourful against the azure sky. Landing a little after 1340, it didn't take long to pick up the luggage in the neat little airport. Ron our driver/guide was awaiting us, and by 1420 we had arrived at our hotel Sails in the Desert, part of the Yulara Ayers Rock Resort complex. At the hotel, our guide went through our itinerary. And we soon learnt 8 Things to Do at Uluru/ Kata Tjuta:
 Me complete with fly net at Walpa Gorge Desert Oasis - Sails In The Desert - So we stayed here for two nights mid-April 2011 during our Australian tour. I had been dreading it a bit because of the mixed reviews on TripAdvisor but I must say it was much better than I had anticipated. Certainly, you have to allow for the fact that it is in the middle of the desert (so a bit dusty), not a typical luxurious 5 star and a bit pricey because of the lack of real competition in the area. However, we had a really pleasant stay. Uluru and Kata Tjuta are so spectacular that the accommodation becomes a secondary consideration. Being part of a tour group, the accommodation prices weren't really apparent to us. It didn't take long to pick up the luggage in the neat little airport. We arrived around lunch time at Sails in the Desert and check in was quick and efficient. Our room was bigger than anticipated and quite comfortable with a good bathroom. But no time to relax! A very quick turnaround was called for as we had an appointment with the sunset a bit later on.  Charlie & I under attack from the flies at Walpa Gorge Thirty minutes after arriving, we left for the Olgas, now known by their local name as Kata Tjuta. Driving out took around 45 minutes, and on the way we had our first sight of Uluru (Ayers Rock)... But first destination was the Olgas and a very pleasant short walk up the Walpa Gorge, an unexpected delight. Those of us who'd bought nets for our hats to keep the pesky flies away hastily donned their new equipment as the onslaught began! The nets might look a little silly, but no doubt the look on our faces was one of smugness. Alex had warned us and I had one at the hotel shop. Flies went up noses and in ears and no amount of swatting made a difference. Maybe they didn’t understand our accents, but telling them to buzz off made no difference. That said walking into Walpa Gorge feels quite spiritual. This area is sacred to the native Anangu people. They have always shown respect when visiting this special place; walking quietly and not swimming in the waterholes. So we were asked to “Walk quietly, tread lightly and stay on track”. So after a great trek we headed to the Kata Tjuta viewing area where you can see the panoramic views of these strange formations (many heads is the translation, there are over thirty of these rock outcrops). Finally we made for Ayers Rock (William Gosse's original name for this massive bit of stone), now also known by its Aboriginal name of Uluru. We went to the Sunset Viewing area, just as the sun was beginning to sink down in the western sky. We quaffed champagne, hoovered up the canapés with locust-like efficiency, and watched the subtle effects of the setting sun reflect off Uluru, changing colours, shades and hues. It was really fabulous. Back to the hotel for a free evening, we ate in Ghekos. Service was a little slow but I had a really tasty smoked salmon and pasta dish which was good value. Others ate in the hotel's restaurant or the Talibar bar. Road km: 122 Air km: 1643 Day Seven April 18th Rock around the Rock Not a bad breakfast in the Sails (actually, breakfast in the hotel on both mornings was good). But soon we were all on the coach looking forward to our morning tour. This morning, the second morning of our stay at Uluru, we drove right around its base and saw some of the extraordinary features of the rock and the remarkable texture of the stone. It's one of the largest monoliths in the world, made of arcose sandstone. Strangely enough, Kata Tjuta and Mount Conner are almost in line with Uluru, within a relatively short distance, yet geologically are completely different.  Charlie and I delighted to be at Uluru Our driver/guide Ron explained some of the Aboriginal stories and legends about this, one of the Anangu tribe's very sacred places, though most of the folklore is known only to themselves. We stopped at the base of the climb by the Mala walk but as requested by the Anangu none of our group climbed the Rock. The Mala walk follows the north-west side of Uluru. There are many fine examples of Anangu rock art along this walk. You can really experience the sheer vertical walls and profound peacefulness of the gorges. It was roughly a 2km return trip. Did you know that Uluru has a number of watering holes? I had always thought of Uluru as a huge, dry, lump of rock in the middle of the desert outback. However it also boosts a selection of wonderful natural surprises. The Mutitjulu waterhole is one of those surprises. Situated on the eastern side of Uluru. Mutitjulu is an unusually shaped water-filled hole at the base of the red rock. As well as being a thirst-quenching oasis for people and animals, it is also home to almost 300 Aboriginal people. Really memorable!  Reflections at Uluru We then paid a short visit to the Aboriginal Cultural Centre. After buying some Aboriginal art prints we made our way back to the Sails hotel for a free afternoon. Some of our group took to the skies for a helicopter trip with sensational views they said of the scenery. Others spent the afternoon by the deliciously inviting pool, taking a siesta or paying a visit to the free laundry room! We spent the afternoon on the veranda of our room at the hotel which had lovely flowers and a pool view. We shared a club sandwich in the bar (as it was too big for one person). It was very tasty and the bar staff were friendly On our last night we assembled in the early evening for an outstanding event: the Sounds of Silence outdoor dinner. A short transfer to a remote spot where we were welcomed with a glass (or two) of bubbly. Then a delicious buffet (including kangaroo!), digeridoo player, free-flow wine, and an excellent star talk out in the open air. Although the moon was almost full and washed out some of the stars, we managed to see some constellations, learned about the Southern Cross, and viewed Saturn and the moon through high-powered telescopes. A wonderful evening and highly recommended. One tip; don't wear sandals as it is quite sandy underfoot and bring a cardi/ wrap as it can get a bit chilly. Back at the hotel, we found the reception staff very helpful. All in all a lovely stay which we will always fondly remember. Road km: 63  Didgeridoo and Didgeridon't Bucket List Items Ticked Off in the above Blog post Number 34 (2) - Regional Foods - Kangaroo Number 57 - Continents - Australia Number 58 (2) - Countries - Australia Number 59 (4) - Hotels - Sails in the Desert, Uluru, Australia Number 76 (3) - World Heritage Site - Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Related Blog Posts Blog 4 - London/ Singapore Blog 5 - Perth, Australia Blog 7 - Alice Springs, Australia So have you been to Uluru? Did you love it? If you liked this post, please share. Sharing is caring 😊
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AuthorMy name is Mary and this is my bucket list blog ...having survived a near-death experience. I hope it encourages you to "live your best life". See how I'm completing my own bucket list items. And let me know how you're getting on with yours! Archives
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