Uluru: One to Remember

I want to go to this mystical destination of Uluru. This article was sent to us from the Southern Hemisphere; written by Nicola Harvey, a traveler and mom of two boys.

 

Some holidays are jaw-dropping, leaving an imprint for life, with the tiniest memory taking you back to the place that made you stand still and reflect. Few destinations really have such an impact – the Aboriginal site of Uluru is one of them.

Famously known as Ayres Rock, located in the mystical Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park of Australia’s Northern Territory, this sacred spot has become accessible over recent years, with regular flights from Sydney. Long-haul, indirect travel is more comfortable when booking extras, such as airport hotels for a night’s rest, or convenient airport parking, try Heathrow airport parking.

When to visit? Depends how hot you like it! The temperature varies between 22 – 35°c. Come December and January, the temperature soars to around 40°c! Remember your sun-cream and hat!

A resort, respectful of Aboriginal culture, the area is popular with all travellers, including backpackers and group tours. A great way to meet new friends, a group tour will give you the opportunity to experience a spiritual experience out of your comfort zone, really reaping the benefits. Once a taboo, lone travelling is now a major trend, and having done it myself, I can certainly recommend it. The sense of achievement and confidence gained from meeting new people without your safety net is certainly something to try. The phrase “travel broadens your mind” really is true.

The park houses not only one of the world’s largest monolith, but also The Olgas, or Kata Tjuta. Translated as ‘many heads’, they consist of 36 red domes – spiritual to Aboriginal people. Due to the red colours, the ever-changing hues make sunset and sunrise a stunning and majestic experience.

There are many ways to travel around – take a camel across the dunes, or ride a Harley Davidson around the base of the rock with the wind in your hair. For an overall view, take a hot-air balloon ride – perfect! All this costs dollars, so save where you can, with pre-booked extras coming to the fore –give  airport parking a try and Birmingham airport parking for great rates.

Want serenity and pampering? There are many hotels offering fantastic spa treatments. If you prefer to be at one with nature, there are campgrounds with great facilities. A night under the stars is legendary.

It would be a crime not to learn about Aboriginal culture, and Cave Hill is the place. Yankunytjatjara displays rock art, dating back 20,000 years, telling the story of Aboriginal dreamtime. To catch your breath, head to the top of Cave Hill for breathtaking views. Before you leave, be sure to try some traditional bush-tucker!

The nearby city of Alice Springs is accessible by bus and offers restaurants and shopping opportunities, or a visit to the Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Feeling energetic? Get your boots on and go bushwalking in the MacDonnell Ranges, pitch a tent and camp for the night, to be at one with nature.

Not so adventurous? Stay local and visit some wonderful displays of Indigenous art at one of many galleries.

I guarantee however you visit, you’ll leave with amazing memories you’ll never forget, and a sense of calm which seems to permeate the air. These experiences in life are few and far between. You can experience all this, with fantastic extras helping even more, such as Bristol airport parking when flying indirect to Sydney.

I’ve not met a single person who’s visited Uluru and been disappointed – truly a once in a lifetime destination, and too good an opportunity to miss.