It was time to take a break from Rally preparations so we headed for Australia's deep red interior, to it's most recognisable landmark, Uluru.




The early morning flight out of Darwin to Alice Springs enabled us to spend a few hours enjoying the town before the onward flight to the Big Red Rock.




Alice is an aboriginal town full of art galleries, tourists and camels. It sits within the 400 mile long MacDonnell ranges which surround the town like a natural wall. We climbed Anzac Hill to get the best view ...




As for the camels, the annual inter-state 'Camel Cup' competition was being held the day we were in town but we didn't get to the races as time was limited.




The onward flight to the town of Yulara next to the Uluru National Park was just 40 minutes yet Qantas still found time to feed and water it's eager explorers!

Longitude 131 was to be our home for the next three nights and we were met by a member of their staff at the airport who took us back to the resort via Uluru. With the Rock standing 348m above the ground, we soon discovered we wouldn't be out of sight of it for our entire trip. In fact, we were told you can see the Rock from over 200km away. Our luggage had been whisked away to our 'tent' and our first tour would begin within 30 minutes of our arrival. We just had time to don long trousers and shirt sleeves (to keep the troublesome flies at bay) and join 10 other guests before departing on a short coach journey to the base of Uluru where we got to appreciate our first Uluru sunset - up close and personal. The resort had sent one of their guys out ahead with champagne and nibbles and observing the dramatic colour change from a burnt ochre to a glowing red was a delight for the eyes. The troublesome flies were soon forgotten.


The deep red sand of the Park


The texture of the Rock



Note the colour of the Rock above and as it changes just minutes later below




Each day began with a wake-up call ensuring Longitude 131 had the best seats in the house at sunrise viewing spots. It was cold though, so lots of layers needed before natures central heating arose. Just enough time to squeeze in a quick cooked breakfast before departing and if not, nibbles on the hoof and a cooked something on return to the resort mid-morning. Tour Guides employed by the resort ranged from Kiwis to white Aboriginals. All equally as passionate about Uluru but Ned, who walked us through the Valley of the Winds whom we eventually realised was a white Aboriginal was able to enlighten us on indigenous life first hand.


Ned's mother was Irish and he had an Aboriginal father.

Afternoons were spent relaxing after a delicious 3 course lunch and early evening, we'd jump on the coach for a sunset tour .

The 'tent' was a little more solid than most and had the most wonderful of views ... from the shower, the bedroom ... in fact, every which way. The Rock was there - just 10kms away. This glamorous camping (glamping) experience was sheer luxury. The staff were fantastic too. The word 'No' does not exist at Longitude - and many of the Aussie guests commented that they're not used to such customer service in Australia. We wholeheartedly agree.









We didn't climb the Rock. Many people do. It's Aboriginal owners - the Anangu people ask that visitors don't climb Uluru due to it's great spiritual significance. Of another great concern is the fact they feel a sense of responsibility for the safety of visitors. 36 people have died attempting to reach the top - not an insignificant number and being so remote, not the best of places to get injured. Plans are to stop the climbs by 2020.





We may not have seen them in Alice but we saw these wild camels at Uluru.

After three nights on land and the final helicopter flight around the Rock, we returned to Oceans Dream safely anchored in Darwin - thanks go to friends and boat-sitters Kailani for keeping an eye on OD. Next week we leave for Indonesia.