Romancing the rock

Ticking something off your travel bucket list is a big deal…momentous even.

I realised recently that there was a major destination right here on my doorstep just begging for the big tick! So it was with great excitement that Mr. LML and I boarded a plane for Uluru.

A short 2.5 hour flight from Sydney, it’s not long until we find ourselves in the centre of Australia. The nearest beach over 1,600 kilometres away. We get off the plane and are greeted by the heat of the outback and red dirt as far as the eye can see. I’m starting to feel this trip will be a pilgrimage of sorts #imexcited

Arriving at Sails in the Dessert, our home for the next two nights, we’re welcomed with an icy cool hand-towel as we wait to check in. With all guests arriving on the same plane, it’s certainly action stations at the front desk. As we wait, Meggan the lovely Guest Services Manager takes time to personally explain the resort facilities, free activities and all the other options to fill your days and nights. With over 65 experiences and tours on offer there is no shortage of ways to immerse yourself here.

Our itinerary for the next few days looks like this:

• Afternoon Kata Tjuta Domes tour with SEIT Outback Australia
• Sounds of Silence Dinner
• Sunrise and early morning Dessert Awakenings small group tour
• Couples massage at the Red Ochre Spa at Sails in the Dessert (I know right!)
• 30 minute afternoon flight over Urlru and Kata Tjuta with Ayres Rock Helicopters
• Sunrise Camel Tour with Uluru Camel Tours

After confirming all our activities and tours, we head to our room to drop bags and freshen up for the afternoon. The rooms are well appointed, taking cues from earthy colors and traditional indigenous artwork. I do my usual inspection of the room and all the bells and whistles are present including an amazing terrace with loungers and a view of the pool.

There are a few things that I always look for in a hotel – bathrobes, some form of bath salt/bubble bath and crisp white sheets with lots of comfy pillows – I’m pleased to report that we are three for three people! #wellplayed

Ok, so I’m only going to harp about this once…it’s hot. And when I say hot, I mean HOT… there‘s heat from the sun, heat from the earth and basically from everything around you when you are in the sun (or in the shade for that matter). But you know what, I love it. This is part of the Uluru experience and I wouldn’t have it any other way. You just need to be sun smart, drink plenty of water and pay the heat the respect it deserves. We are in the desert after all #rantover.

Hot damn!

Going to Uluru is special and as I start to settle into my adventure it dawns on me that each person will leave with a unique experience…but the one common thread through all journeys to the centre of Australia is the first time you lay eyes on it.

Uluru. All at once it’s bigger, yet more intimate that I could ever have imagined. I am by definition in the middle of nowhere #literally and yet I’m standing at the center of the Anangu people’s spiritual life and culture.

The pure romance of the rock is a little overwhelming, and I try to decide exactly what colour it is. There are shades of red, burnt orange, pinks and even grey as the sun pokes through clouds that seem to hover over the rock pretty much creating a picture perfect moment, but it’s like that ALL the time.

Uluru Fast Facts:

• Uluru rises 348 meters above the dirt, but all up more than 860 meter above sea level
• It is a tidy 9.4 km walk around the base
• Summer can be as warm at 48 C and in winter as cold as -8C
• Uluru is naturally grey (who knew!) but the iron content of the rock is “rusting” at the surface, resulting in the distinctive red coating

Everyone we come in to contact with makes the trip; from Lauren our SEIT guide, Chris the Sounds of Silence astronomer, Louise and Jasmine who massaged us into total relaxation, Ben our expert helicopter pilot to Jacob and Waylon our amazing Dessert Awakenings guides. It’s not just the landscape that makes this a special place but the people you meet along the way.

Happy snaps from the trip

This is a journey that every Australian should do. But you know what? We were pretty much the only Aussies that we came across holidaying in Uluru. Yes, I’ll admit it took me many years to make the trip but now I have done it, I have one clear message: Move this to the top of your bucket list people! Go for a girls weekend, with your partner or take your kids..

I’m here for a a romantic weekend with Mr LML and I came away more in love than ever, but the object of my affection ends up being Uluru and the Anangu people. Their stories, gentle nature and a culture that I only really get to scratch the surface of.

I know the lure of travelling to far-flung international places is strong, but we have a so many unique world-class destinations in our own backyard, Uluru being on just one. So forget my experience, go create your own adventure and tell everyone you know.

Do it today and I guarantee, you will talk about it forever.

Nat travelled as a guest of Tourism NT.

 Have you seen Uluru in person? Tell us about it in the comments.

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