Brother, hey bro! Do you want to join me on a trip to Ayers Rock? That's all we needed to discuss... After more than 34 years of traveling, I finally have the opportunity to visit the Rock.
Uluru, also known as Ayers Rock and officially gazetted as "Uluru / Ayers Rock," is a magnificent sandstone rock formation located in the southern part of the Northern Territory in central Australia. It is situated 335 km southwest of the nearest major town, Alice Springs, which is about 450 km away by road.
But how should we get there? Flying "directly" from Brisbane to Alice Springs is not possible, as I would need to change planes in Sydney or Melbourne, and the layover would be 16 hours. What about the cost? It's time to think. Let's head to Adelaide, spend some time with the family, and then catch a flight to Alice Springs from there. Since Brisbane doesn't offer a "nonstop" flight, we can also enjoy a weekend exploring the wineries.
It was a fantastic weekend spent reconnecting with friends and family. We made sure to indulge in some wine tasting during our wine tour. Our chosen destination was Samuel's Gorge winery, where we ended up staying for a delightful six hours. However, our plans took an unexpected turn when our designated driver had a change of heart. As a result, we had to call our better halves to pick up the boys. Luckily, this turn of events had a silver lining as we were treated to delicious home-cooked wood fire pizzas upon our arrival home.
The weather in South Australia was typical for winter, with temperatures hovering around 8 degrees and intermittent rain showers. And oh, how could I forget the wind! Despite the weather conditions, I managed to capture some wonderful shots during a little excursion with my brother to popular local spots.
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On Monday, June 18th, we touched down in Alice Springs, ready to embark on an epic Australian outback adventure in the Northern Territory. I assumed the role of co-navigator, enjoying the ride and taking in the stunning scenery. Our first stop was visiting a few of my brother's job sites, providing me with an opportunity to edit and blog while on the go.
Upon reaching our hotel, the DoubleTree, we encountered a minor hiccup—the key cards wouldn't work. However, the hotel manager promptly attended to the issue and assured us that our room would be prepared soon. Sensing the remaining daylight slipping away, we quickly checked the time and decided to make a sprint towards the top of Mount Gillen, hoping to reach it within 45 minutes before sunset. Little did we anticipate the biting cold and diminishing light, but it was an exhilarating introduction to Alice Springs.
When we returned to the hotel, we were relieved to find the room open and waiting for us. As an added bonus, we discovered complimentary breakfast coupons—a delightful gesture that made up for the initial inconvenience.
Mount Gillen, Alice Springs
It was finally time for our road trip to Uluru (Ayers Rock), a journey spanning 550 kilometers. We hit the road and made a few pit stops along the way. One of the notable stops was the Henbury Meteorites Conservation Reserve, where a meteor collided with the Earth approximately 4,700 years ago, leaving behind 12 craters. It was fascinating to witness the remnants of such an extraordinary event.
As we approached Uluru, about 100 kilometers away, my brother asked me to check the wind speed. I quickly accessed the Willy Weather website and discovered that it was a mild 14.3 kilometers per hour, with occasional gusts. His eyes lit up with excitement because he knew what that meant—it was ideal climbing weather for Uluru. Despite the Rock being closed due to weather conditions during his previous visits over the course of six years, this time it was different. The perfect weather aligned with our arrival, and we seized the opportunity to climb. The sight and experience were truly awe-inspiring, creating memories that will last a lifetime. The five-hour drive from Alice Springs was absolutely worth it.
(Note: I fully understand and respect the cultural significance and the request from the Anangu people not to climb Uluru. They express sadness if anyone gets hurt. It's important to note that climbing Uluru will be officially prohibited from October 2019 onwards. For more information about climbing and the Anangu people's request, please refer to the Ayers Rock Resort website.)
The top of Uluru.
After spending half a day exploring the desert while my brother tended to his work and responsibilities, we set off on another 300-kilometer journey to Kings Canyon. The walk at the canyon was an incredible experience, featuring a rim track adorned with breathtaking views. The magnitude of the place was truly astounding, with canyon walls reaching over 100 meters in height, creating a striking and beautiful landscape.
Kings Canyon is situated in the Northern Territory of Australia, specifically at the western end of the George Gill Range. It is approximately 323 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs and about 1,316 kilometers south of Darwin, nestled within the picturesque Watarrka National Park.
However, one of the most memorable moments from our time at Kings Canyon wasn't the walk itself. It was when we discovered that the resort's shower had run out of hot water. Struggling to stay warm in a room with a malfunctioning air conditioning system, my brother came up with an eccentric solution. We ended up filling the spa bath with hot water, essentially turning it into a giant makeshift hot water bottle. It was one of his crazy yet ingenious ideas that provided some much-needed warmth during our stay.
Kings Canyon
Before our trip, my dad gave me some advice: "Don't get too close to the edge of the canyon." Little did I know, I had a different understanding of what "too close" meant. While some people may experience a fear of heights, I discovered that for me, being near the edge of the canyon was where a sense of calm and tranquility settled in. It was in those moments that I truly felt at peace, fully immersed in the awe-inspiring beauty of it all.
After spending a night at Kings Canyon Resort, we embarked on our journey back to Alice Springs. However, Ash, being the adventurous soul, suggested taking a shortcut via the Mereenie Loop Road. The only catch was that this shortcut involved traveling 200 kilometers on a 4WD dirt road. If you enjoy a thrilling and bumpy ride, this road is definitely for you—it's like having your martinis shaken, not stirred.
We then made our way to Namatjira Drive, leading us to the magnificent West MacDonnell National Park, which is located about 150 kilometers outside of Alice Springs. It was a quick drive for everyone to explore some remarkable destinations, and I handpicked three out of the twelve spots to visit.
First, we arrived at Ormiston Gorge, a truly breathtaking location. Next, we ventured to the Ochre Pits, where we marveled at the stunning natural ochre deposits. Finally, we made our way to Ellery Creek, another picturesque spot that left us in awe of the natural beauty surrounding us. These three destinations were just a glimpse of the remarkable wonders within the West MacDonnell National Park.
It was a race to reach the finish line and return to Alice Springs for one final night. We couldn't resist the allure of climbing to the summit of Mount Gillen, enjoying the breathtaking views once more. Later, we treated ourselves to a delightful Indian cuisine meal before settling into a comfortable and cozy bed, providing much-needed rest for our weary bodies after days of travel.
In total, we covered an impressive distance of 1,369 kilometers, with approximately 400 kilometers being on dirt roads. We embarked on exhilarating hikes, covering around 30 kilometers, traversing mountains, sand dunes, and rocky terrain. Additionally, we successfully braved the winter solstice in the vast Australian outback, adding an extra layer of uniqueness to our remarkable journey.
What an incredible trip it was, filled with unforgettable experiences and cherished memories. From the extensive distances we traveled to the diverse landscapes we explored, this adventure has left an indelible mark on our hearts.
Mount Gillen.
Two brothers sharing the love of travelling, climbing and exploring this great world of ours.
Top of Mount Gillen with Alice Springs in the backgrounud.
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