Hectic times with no time for blogging at the moment, so why don't you head over to Viator and take a look at our piece 3 Days at Uluru, on Australia's star attraction and one of our favorite spots in the country.
Have you been to Uluru? If so, what did you think? I went the first time with my parents in 1980, just a month before baby Azaria Chamberlain was supposedly taken by a dingo from her parents tent. It was a very different place then with a far fewer tourists, just a service station, general store and a simple camping ground close to the base of the Rock near the Aboriginal community. Now, it boasts a handful of brilliant hotels and restaurants, with loads of activities and tours. It was a completely different experience this time, but I loved both. To me, it's a magical place and an unmissable attraction, and should top traveller's lists of things to do in Australia. Is it on your travel list?
Sunday, May 24, 2009
3 days at Uluru
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
12 comments:
We had only 24 hours in the park - which for us was the perfect amount of time to take in the beauty of Uluru and Kata Tjuta before heading on.
I'd find it hard to recommend the Sounds Of Silence - the food was dire, and the location far from the rock. The star gazing was fantastic though - are there any astronomy only tours?
Only 24 hours? Gosh, we had trouble squeezing everything in over a week. This itinerary covers 3 days, and even then I think it's a bit rushed. But it depends how active you want to get, and whether you want to do the base walk and Valley of the Winds walk, or whether you're happy just taking in the beauty of the things at sunrise ans sunset then 24 hours is enough, isn't it?
Yes, we were very disappointed by the food at Sounds of Silence the night we ate there, especially in contrast to some of the fabulous food at other restaurants at Ayers Rock Resort and Longitude 131. The astronomy bit was really enjoyable, though, wasn't it? There aren't any astronomy-only tours there at the moment (although there are in Alice Springs), but let's hope they start one.
Thanks so much for your comments!
good travel post I liked it...
Definitely on my traveler's list! Sadly, my first "encounter" with Uluru Rock was after I saw 'A Cry In the Dark', when it sparked an interest, both on the site and the case.
Now that I'm a mother myself, I feel really sad when little babies lose their lives :( It seems so unfair, like they never even had a chance at this wonderful life!
I always tell myself that life is short, so travel more and see the world! I hope I get to see Uluru one day! I think I might go in 2011, as I have a family wedding to attend in the Philippines then!
-Jen
I haven't been to Uluru yet (or anywhere in Australia for that matter) but it's on my travel list. I've wanted to visit ever since I read a Swedish travel article about the outback and Uluru in elementary school. Magical is the word that sprung to my mind when I saw the photos. I'm looking forward to see it for real, whenever that may be.
Very beautiful. I've never been. It reminds me a little of Arizona.
that rock is almost the same like in the movie, avatar
Hi Jen - I love your attitude! Travelling when I was a child with my parents is what has made me who I am, I guess, so good on you for doing the same with your child!
Hello Erica - it is magical - a variety of things make it so, but it's hard to describe why (I will try one day!) - you really must visit it.
Postcards and Coasters - you're right! That part of Australia is definitely a little like Arizona, Texas, and the south-west USA more generally, but it's also so very uniquely Australia - the vegetation and wildlife makes it so, I guess.
Hi Julian - really? I'll have to check it out.
Thanks for commenting everyone!
What a perfect post - I have three days in Uluru this autumn, so now I have a very handy guide about what to do. I really can't wait.
Thanks for your comment over at my blog by the way - it'a always lovely to get nice comments, especially from a travel writer like yourself.
I love, love, love what you've said about Uluru both here and at the Viator site! Brilliant stuff, as always!
It is an amazing place, isn't it? It's always such a (travel) risk to go to a place that is a single experience destination (not that it is, but that's the pitch), and I think what works about Uluru is that it lives up to the expectations of most visitors. I think the current discussion on climbing Uluru will likely cause a higher spike in the climb, which is a bit of a shame (though recent pop polls have indicated that, sadly, the majority of Aussies think climbing it is more important than respecting traditional owners requests). But the positive is that the surroundings will continue to have general control by the traditional owners, so it will never go the way of other Indigenous-centred ecotourism spaces.
All true - it's an amazing place. I remember the first time I was on my way there and not expecting to be impressed, thinking "it's just a rock, right?" But I was blown away, absolutely loved it and was taken back by its beauty.
That said, I think the Bungles, up in the Kimberley, are even better, plus without the crowds.
Thank you all for your comments! My apologies for taking so long to respond - so tricky when I'm on the road and don't always have access to the net. But your comments are indeed appreciated! :)
Post a Comment