In June 2019 I chose to take a break from our Victorian winter and travelled to Uluru for 4 days.
The Jetstar direct flight between Melbourne and Ayers Rock, departing at 0945 and taking just 3 hours a convenient and perfectly acceptable airline choice, especially as the Viva Holidays economy holiday ‘wholesale package airfare’ included, meals and 20kg check in luggage, providing a seamless start to my winter break.
AAT Kings have an enormous presence in the centre, with all flights into Uluru being met by AAT Kings large comfortable coaches for transfer to the Uluru Resort – a purpose built complex of accommodation, restaurants and shops catering to every visitor to the centre.
The transfer takes approx., 10-15 minutes depending on your accommodation, I chose to stay at Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel and this is the first accommodation complex as you reach the resort.
I primarily chose this property as having just undergone a refurbishment and the complimentary upgrade to an Uluru view room allowing for clear ‘distant’ views lived up to expectations. The room was spacious and the soft refurbishment evident.
The 1st floor accommodation affording the views, is set in several blocks within the resort and can only be accessed via steps therefore not the correct choice for all clients. These rooms also faced the main access road into the resort which was surprisingly busy not only with coaches but the grey nomad camping brigade – June & July being a peak time to visit!
The Emu Walk apartments is a reasonably priced apartment complex and perfect for families on a budget, located alongside Desert Gardens. Lost Camel again predominantly apartment style another well priced option here. Outback Pioneer is a more budget style of accommodation and located the furthest from the airport – this property does have a lively bar popular with all visitors and backpackers alike.
Sails in the desert has always been considered the most deluxe accommodation option at the resort – the actual guest rooms were not obviously more superior than Voyages (in fact were smaller) but lift access is available here. The public areas have a definite more deluxe feel and the restaurant outlets offering the most superior menu and wine list catering to the most discerning of guests.
The better restaurants in all the resort hotels get booked out – it is advisable to pre-book especially for Sails to avoid disappointment.
Sightseeing
To visit Uluru itself a National Park entry permit must be purchased , at a cost of $25.00 for a consecutive 3 days use – this is an easy online procedure https://parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru
I chose an AAT Kings Uluru Sacred Sites & Sunset Tour for our first night. We were collected from our accommodation at 1445hrs and taken to the Uluru Kata Tjuta visitor centre for an initial introduction to this historical land. Here the Tjukurpa Tunnel takes the visitor back to the beginning of time with historical documentaries and explanation of the Anangu Law. A visit here ensures a full understanding and respect for the area and the importance and significance to its custodians.
There is also a shop selling original Aboriginal Art pieces and wood carvings – well worth a visit. Following this we were taken by coach and the stories of the various faces of Uluru were fully explained.
A short walk to a picturesque waterhole completed the visit, before being taken to a viewing point away from Uluru where we experienced a stunning sunset over the magnificent rock – together with champagne and canapes a highlight end to the informative evening.
The following morning we participated in another AAT Kings Sunrise at Kata Tjuta Tour – formally known as the '“Olgas.” Collected at 0610hrs we were taken by coach to the foot hills of the expansive rock formation and to a viewing platform at the western dune where a box breakfast was served while watching the sunrise over Kata Tjuta and also Uluru in the distance. Warm clothing essential as a very cold 4C when we started this tour.
Following sunrise we were then taken to the Valley of the Winds walking trail - a fabulous 3 hour guided walk – stunning clear sunshine this was a highlight of my trip to the centre.
Our free day we elected to return to Uluru, and hired bicycles to cycle around the base of the rock – a flat easy 9.5 kilometres – I especially enjoyed no tour time restraints.
As last year was the final time visitors were being allowed to climb Uluru, it was especially busy with queues of visitors lining up to conquer this. However after visiting the Tjukurpa Tunnel experience we elected not to participate in the climb in respect for Anangu Law, it also looked quite steep and difficult!
Our final tour again operated by AAT Kings was the ‘Night at the Field of Light’ - a spectacular art installation closely located to Uluru which visitors walk through once night falls .
Prior to the walk – sunset is enjoyed with pre-dinner drinks and canapes giving the opportunity to talk to others and compare ‘Red Centre’ holiday experiences. A delicious 3 course gourmet dinner is then served under a star filled sky on shared tables of 10 accompanied by an interesting talk by an astronomer.
Having visited Uluru in a fairly mainstream way with AAT Kings and certainly appreciate this AAT product is perfect for many clients, I especially liked the option for using a more boutique operation and SEIT Outback Tours answers this. Most tours are operated by Mercedes Benz 4 wheel drive 11 seater vehicles ensuring a maximum group of 10 passengers in the group. The pros and cons of various options we can definitely discuss with you and arrange something to suit your specific needs.
Uluru complex itself is a credit to the ownership employing predominately first nation personnel throughout. The Kulata Academy Café is highly recommended for light meals and bakery products. The café operated by students from Ayers Rock Resort's National Indigenous Training Academy, a terrific concept for their step into hospitality.
All in all a terrific highlight of our Uluru visit.
