Around March 2016, I was keen to travel to a new place. My destination this time is Australia’s Northern Territory. Travel with me as I share my 2-day experience and adventures to this warm place.
Day 1
From Sydney Airport I flew to Alice Springs, the largest town in the Northern Territory, for 3 hours and 20 minutes with Qantas. Then I took another flight for 50 minutes to get to Uluru.
*If you want a direct flight, Jetstar and Virgin Australia offer one. Travel time would be 3 hours and 40 minutes only.
Upon arrival, get yourself a bottle of water and hydrate. The place is hot during the day (at least it was at the time of my visit) and could be cool during night time so bring appropriate travel clothes.
Transport
If you booked your accommodation at one of the known hotels in the area, there’s a big chance that transfer from airport to hotel and vice versa is free. The shuttle will likely be outside the airport waiting for guests. Another option is to rent a car if you want to explore the place at your own pace.
Travel time from the airport to the hotel: less than 10 minutes.
Accommodation
I got my hotel and tour itinerary info from Ayers Rock Resort. Famous accommodations are Sails in the Desert, Desert Gardens Hotel, Emu Walk Apartments, Outback Pioneer Lodge, and Outback Pioneer Hotel. However, you are not limited to these choices. There are backpackers and hostels, cabins and cottages, apartments, even camping grounds you can choose from depending on the type of comfort you are after. I’ve heard there’s also those 2.5K/night type if you want a super fancy space or you can also try Airbnb perhaps? (research mode on!)
I booked the Desert Gardens hotel because my first choice was not available on the dates I intended to stay. There is this slight fear of the unfamiliar which mostly influence my decision to stick to typical travel stuff like picking tried and tested hotels (with lots of reviews!). Check-in was swift, no drama. I was still able to eat and rest before doing my first Uluru activity. I left my bags in the room, refreshed a bit and off I went.
Uluru Sunset Viewing
Pick up time by tour guides were very prompt, so you better be at your pickup location on time. During my wait at the hotel lobby, I saw other tourists with fly masks. They were probably advised to buy one because flies are abundant where it is hot (in Australia). I decided against spending and was relieved that there was no need. It might benefit you though if one of your activities is to climb Uluru during the day (which I do not recommend out of respect for the law and culture of Anangus – the locals).
The tour includes a free air-conditioned coach to and from Uluru, a glass of champagne/wine, and a snack which they serve upon arrival. The bus driver will give you little chairs to sit on while you wait for sunset. They say the rock changes colours, and it glows during this time of day. And it’s probably safe to assume that this is what everyone’s after on this particular tour.
Unfortunately, I didn’t see this magical moment. The sky was not clear that day. Clouds, although few, were casting shadows on top of the rock, making it a bit difficult for tourists to see the transformation (see photos below). I was still grateful to have seen this majestic creation. No regrets 🙂
Photos of Ayer’s Rock Transformation
Aww, that’s it!
Finished the day by having dinner at the hotel’s restaurant and got back to my room to pack. You can opt to go to the market but I was too tired from travelling and day two requires waking up early.
*Air conditioning wasn’t working properly in my room hence, I requested a transfer. It was a bit of a hassle, but it wasn’t a long walk, so it was alright.
Day 2
Had to skip the market the night before because I was scheduled to do my 2nd activity at 7:30 in the morning (just before sunrise). This is the only time to do it because my flight home is at 10 AM to Alice Springs. Crazy planning right? Yes! I only had a day and a half free, and this was how I maximized it.
AIR EXPERIENCE – 30MIN ULURU AND KATA TJUTA (SUNRISE)
My guide was already there when I got to the hotel lobby. He took my bag (yes, had to check out beforehand too due to the early flight) and we travelled a good 15 min or less to where this air flight will happen. It felt like I wasn’t able to appreciate the whole rock experience if I only see one side of it. So, I booked a helicopter ride to see it via air.
Here’s another look at Uluru from up high:
Below is the other natural wonder, the rock domes of Kata Tjuta.
This experience is worth my travel to the northern territory. So glad I did.
After that, I waited outside the airport (the airport doesn’t open till 9 AM), and I was back again in Sydney before I knew it.