Monika has been working in the travel industry for over 20 years, and has been with Travel by Wyndham for 4. She recently went on holiday to Uluru and the Red Centre. This is the story of her holiday.
Palya!
I love a sunburnt country, a land of sweeping planes – in fact, I love everything about The Northern Territory! Who would have thought there is so much to see and do, right on our doorstep!
Our days commenced with early morning sunrises and finished with lovely dinners as the sun set upon the picturesque land.
If you love a holiday rich in culture, history and art and enjoy activities such as exploring new places and hiking, you must visit the beautiful NT.
Our action packed itinerary commenced in Alice Springs. We were picked up from the airport and taken on a private tour of the West McDonnell Ranges, Emily Gap and Standley Chasm for lunch. Wow, who would have though there is so much to do in Alice Springs! I confess, we ran out of time……..I will be going back to Alice to explore it further!
First thing in the morning we were picked up by Wayoutback Australian Safaris and taken on an unforgettable safari tour. We were taken to the Cultural Centre at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park where we were treated to a walk around the base of Uluru, guided by a traditional Aboriginal owner from the Anangu people. We learnt about the sacred caves of Uluru where traditionally sacred men and woman’s business took place, and about the very important paintings dating back thousands of years, (sorry, I have to be respectful therefore cannot share any of those photos with you). We were introduced to Aboriginal flora, fauna and weapons.
The next stop was a breathtaking sunset experience overlooking Uluru with a glass of sparkling. I think it’s fair to say this very first sunset experience left most of us speechless…and pretty hungry…. To my delight, upon arriving to our very VIP, permanent campsite, we were served a delicious home cooked meal, yes…… under the stars…… with wine, tablecloths and lights – I was not expecting this on a camping tour!
After being treated to a lovely campsite brekky we headed up to the lookout and experienced our very first sunrise overlooking the majestic Uluru. Next we headed to Kata Tjuta the Aboriginal word for “many heads” to take a 7.4 km walk through the Valley of Winds…..I could see……..and feel, where it got its name from…..if you get my drift..…though it was TOTALLY worth the trek.
We rented a car with Hertz, through Driveaway and headed on a scenic drive to Kings Canyon where we checked into the remote but very lovely Kings Canyon Resort. We put our best hiking gear on and headed to the lovely dinner experience “Dining Under a Desert Moon”, ready to devour everything this 5 course meal, (coupled with wine) had to offer. There was just one little problem, rain…….something the locals knew very little about. Apparently it hadn’t rained properly in over 10 months!! We were moved inside and decided that since this experience was romantic no more, we might as well join tables with the other guests and share the love! The food was divine and the beverages kept on flowing. Inside or out – it was a superb experience!
First thing in the morning AAT Kings picked us up for a 6km guided walk around Kings Canyon’s Rim. I was wearing my thermals and was ready to rock….or roll……. Lucky them country people are real troopers and didn’t cancel the tour, despite the rain. Wow, how does one put down their camera to take in the beauty on such a grand scale.
This is where I had my first (and last) encounter with the NT Police – who were absolutely lovely and more than happy to pose for a picture with me….after learning I was a very responsible driver who blew zero on the alcohol breath test. Thank God for the Kings Canyon hike prior.
Next stop – Yulara! Where else do you get to have a bespoke dining experience under the stars, admire the incredible light display – Field of Light, by the internationally – acclaimed artist, Bruce Munro and explore some of the most beautiful and well preserved caves where to learn about Aboriginal art.
This is where we commence our 4 fabulous tours with SEIT Outback Australia. What’s not to love about being chauffeured around in a Mercedes Benz Sprinter, sipping sparkling wine while watching the sun set upon one of the many icons in NT. Their moto is Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Tasks and their focus is on small groups. SEIT has exclusive access to fabulous places such as Cave Hill (Walyinynga) and Mt Conner. Imagine – not a single soul in sight, just you, your small group of friends and the guide – what a treat!
The Kata Tjuta sunrise tour with SEIT was awesome! You get to visit Walpa Gorge, which we did not do on the previous hike. You will be in awe of the scenery and the guide will share stories about the significance of the men’s sacred ceremonial site.
You simply cannot go to the Northern Territory and not do the 12km Uluru base walk, which is simply stunning! We also had the opportunity to experience the breathtaking sunrise over Uluru. We did the 6 hour fully guided tour with SEIT which I strongly recommend. Our guide shared many ‘creations’ stories and taught us about the geology. We were fortunate enough to really immerse ourselves in the beauty and culture of the superb and very iconic place.
Our accommodation was at Voyagers Ayers Rock Resort in Outback Pioneer Hotel and Sails in the Desert. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff at Voyagers Ayers Rock Resort. They will organise a transfer of your luggage between the hotels, pack a lovely breakfast for you so that you can enjoy a meal on your tour and there is even a free shuttle service between the hotels every 15 minutes, it’s just so easy to get around town. The properties have an extensive list of complimentary activities to entertain people of all ages. You can attend the Australian native bush foods walk, join the Bush Yarns to learn about Aboriginal culture and weapons or perhaps participate in a fabulous Digeridoo Workshop where you are invited to learn to play this very unique instrument. If you love art and astronomy, they have that covered too. The best part is, you don’t even need to pre-book, and you just show up!
I have been to 50 countries, yet one of my most unforgettable experiences was right here, on our very own door step in The Northern Territory. Everything from the beautiful red land to the bright stars at night, the hikes, the delicious meals, the fabulous guides and lifelong friendships – I’m sure you will love The NT as much as I did, simply mesmerising!
None of this would have been possible without the fabulous team and Viva Holidays and Sunlover and of course SEIT, Voyagers Ayers Rock Resort and all the other wonderful suppliers – thank you for making this trip so unforgettable.
You can contact Monika at the Travel Club to book your next holiday to the Red Centre.
