I have been waiting to visit Uluru (Ayers Rock) for ages but always went abroad because I thought it will always be there and it’s so close! But finally, I made the decision to go visit and it was well worth it. Highly recommended! It’s one of those places, once you have been you will not need to visit again but it’s an inspirational place.
Before booking my flights to Ayers Rock I did some research and found a 4-day tour that I was interested in but it was a return trip from Alice Springs and day 1 was essentially a 5-hour drive from Alice Springs to Uluru (Ayers Rock) so I decided to skip the drive and fly direct to Uluru and meet the tour there.
I have never ever booked a tour and have always done my travels at my own pace and schedule but for this remote area of Australia and the world I thought a tour would be the best option. That way I could just enjoy the magical area and not worry about driving, food and most importantly water.
I booked the 4-day Red Centre Adventure ex Yulara (Original) tour on the Intrepid Travel website which was actually guided by My Adventure Travel and included everything that I wanted to see and do:
– Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) – Guided walk tour
– Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Champagne sunset, Self guided 4-hour base walk and Aboriginal guide and stories
– Watarrka NP (Kings Canyon) – 4-hour rim walk
– Western MacDonnell Ranges – 2-hour guided walk
– Alice Springs
– Camping under the Stars
– Camel riding
– Glenn Helen Gorge
– Ellery Creek Big Hole
I enjoyed the whole experience of the red centre from the amazing walks to camping under the stars but the highlights for me was Uluru (Ayers Rock) base walk with the Aboriginal guide and swimming at Ellery Creek.
All days started with 4:30am wakeups which is a must to avoid the heat. The temperature in March was meant to be low 30’s but I experienced high 30’s but it was a dry and bearable heat. Uluru (Ayers Rock) base walk started with a magical sunrise and the 4-hours felt much less as you are distracted by all the beauty around you. I was so surprised to see so many green fresh and healthy trees, birds flying and singing and water!
The most negative aspect was the flies! Always buzzing around your face but to solve that problem you can buy a fly net from any petrol station for around $5.
I saw a post on Instagram about Ellery Creek and that’s how I found out about the place and I was like I must visit it. There is something magically about swimming in spring water in such a dry place surrounded by mother nature and all the sounds she brings. It was so relaxing and a cherished peaceful moment.
I enjoyed the whole time spent at the red centre and highly recommend everyone to go visit it. Sometimes we don’t visit places that are so close to us! Book it and go see the Big Red Rock!
Date: 23rd – 27th March 2017
Cost: $880 tour + $600 flights
Weather: High 30’s °C