TRAVEL | DEPARTURE NATIONAL
DEPARTURE NATIONAL | TRAVEL
paint your
holiday red STORY KERRY HEANEY
Adventure and awesome experiences await in australia's desert centre.
It’s not until the glowing orb of the sun slowly emerges from the deep red dunes to rise alongside the ancient monolith of Uluru that the ultimate beauty of a desert sunrise is revealed. This is the magic moment that surpasses even the soft dawn painted landscape of Kata Tjuta, and reveals that the unlikely, exaggerated colours used everywhere from postcards and t-shirts to paintings and placemats, are entirely correct. At a sunrise viewing, the gentle buzz of anticipation born of a 4.30am start followed by a bus trip and a stumble through the pre-dawn expands into crowd rapture as the sun reveals the deserts’ rich reds. Prepare yourself for the big adventure that is Uluru by starting in Alice Springs. A town known for its ‘boat’ races on the dry sand of the Todd River each September, The Alice is also a perfect base to explore the beautiful colours of Rainbow Valley, the stark light contrasts of Standley Chasm, the waterhole at Simpson’s Gap and the ancient landscape of Palm Valley. A visit to Alice Springs Desert Park will
give you an opportunity to meet some of the birds, animals and plants that live in the desert but are often hard to spot. From Alice Springs, head out on Larapinta Drive past the West McConnell Ranges and drive for five and a half hours to reach Kings Canyon. Located in Watarraka National Park, the highlight at Kings Canyon is the Rim Walk along the 270-metre cliff face of the sandstone dunes. The first climb is called Heartbreak Hill for good reason but the total six kilometre walk, which takes three to four hours, only has a ‘general fitness’ level recommendation. Reaching the Garden of Eden, about half way along the track, does require a descent but it’s worth it to relax around the natural spring waterhole surrounded by lush ferns and trees. Other less strenuous walks also are available. Kings Canyon Resort is about 10km away and accommodation here ranges from camping to hotel rooms, with several dining choices. Kings Creek Station, about 25km from the canyon, is another affordable option with camping and cabins.
MAIN IMAGE: THE BEAUTIFUL COLOURS OF ULURU – kata tjuta national park AT SUNSET (IMAGE TOURISM NT); INSET: WALKING IN RAINBOW VALLEY, ALICE SPRINGS; ALICE SPRINGS DESERT PARK, RED CENTRE (IMAGEs TOURISM NT) 42
THE ROAD AHEAD JUN/JUL 2015
roadahead.com.au
From Kings Canyon it takes four hours to drive along the Red Centre Way and reach Uluru where you’ll face the big decision – will you watch a sunrise or sunset at Uluru or Kata Tjuta? Sunset is definitely an easier ride as a sunrise requires a very early departure from your accommodation, but it is a more spectacular event. Climbing is so last century when it comes to Uluru and frankly, that first stretch of the hill path lacks a guide rail and looks steep and slippery. It’s much better to walk or cycle around the base of the majestic rock while you absorb the changing colours and the essence of the earth. A guided tour will give you insights into the legends behind the formation of the rock’s features. Don’t forget to nab your own ‘royal’ moment with a rest on the bush bench installed for the visit of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and Kate, in April 2014. Ayers Rock Resort has a wide selection of accommodation choices from camping and lodge stays to hotel and luxury camping. There’s also a range of dining alternatives from pizzas and barbecues to high quality restaurants. For a memorable outback dining experience, ride a camel to the Sounds of Silence and sip champagne as the sun sets over
Uluru. After dinner it’s time to explore the night sky with a guide and telescope. Add an extra thrill to your outback experience with a helicopter, scenic flight, motorcycle or balloon ride or relax in the Red Ochre Spa at Sails in the Desert. Ayers Rock Resort’s new Bush Tucker Trail takes guests on a journey of Indigenous flavour discovery with dishes that incorporate bush ingredients at restaurants throughout the resort. Expect the taste of Kakadu plum to pop up in braised pork belly sliders, enjoy smoked kangaroo and emu strips in a pizza and try grilled, bush dukkha-dusted crocodile tail with lemon myrtle and mango dressing. Accompany these dishes with a Lemon Myrtle Martini, a Quandong Capriocsa and Native Mint or Desert Lime Mojito bush tucker cocktail developed by Ayers Rock Resort’s Mixologist Ty Bennett. When should you plan to visit? You can arrive anytime, but for a comfortable trip pick the cooler months when it’s warm during the day and cool at night. It’s called Australia’s spiritual heart and it’s a must-see on the nation's list of iconic landmarks.
… For a memorable outback dining experience, ride a camel to the Sounds of Silence and sip champagne as the sun sets over Uluru.
RACQ TRAVEL
OFFER
Experience the Red Centre over 11 days with AAT Kings from just $3897pp twin share. Enjoy wine and canapés while watching the sun set over Uluru. For more details, refer to page 49.
INSET IMAGES: sounds of silence alfresco dinner; CATCHING A RIDE TO DINNER. Disclaimer – The writer travelled as the guest of Ayers Rock Resort. Queensland’s largest club
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