TRAVEL WITH CHRIS BROWN ULURU IN A WEEKEND Most Aussies plan to see Uluru once in their lifetime, but often see the trip as very involved a long 4WD car trip or a series of expensive flights. But Virgin and Qantas now fly direct from major cities to the big red rock. Are you desperate to get out of the city for a weekend away? You could find yourself in the Outback in just 3 ½ hours. ABOUT ULURU FAST FACTS: Uluru was created over some 600 million years, and the Indigenous Australians have been in the area for the last 10,000 years.
Uluru originally sat at the bottom of a sea, but today stands 348m above ground. One of the most startling facts however, is that some 2.5kms of its bulk is underground. Uluru lies west of the Simpson Desert, not far from the Red Centre of Australia, about 335kms southwest of Alice Springs (as the crow flies) and 463kms by road. Contrary to popular belief, it isn t the biggest monolith in the world; Mount Augustus in Western Australia holds that title Uluru is about 3.6kms long and 1.9kms wide, with a circumference of 9.4kms. The Indigenous people own the land, although the Australian government currently holds a 99year lease. ULURU INDIGENOUS WALKING TOUR This walking tour is lead by a local indigenous tour guide who will show you some breathtaking sights of Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park. During the walk you will notice that Uluru dominates the surrounding landscape. No photograph can do justice to the sheer presence that these icons exude. Uluru holds a spiritual significance for the traditional owners, the Anangu people. The spiritual nature of the place attracts visitors from within Australia and around the world to experience it. Increasing numbers of visitors elect to respect Anangu wishes and not climb Uluru. During a tour the guide will do a cultural presentation. Sitting around a campfire the guide explains the traditional tools used by Anangu to live daytoday, and how these tools were made using only stone, wood and resin. The guide makes natural super glue from a plant in front of your own eyes, after which you will be taught how to make and throw spears. Phone: 0447 878 851 Email: contact@uluruaboriginaltours.com.au ULURU CAMEL TOURS Awardwinning Uluru Camel Tours is an owner operated tour business based in the Red Centre of Australia showcasing 25 years of passion of all things camel!
They offer a camel experience that can t be beaten anywhere in Australia, with the world heritage area of Uluru and Kata Tjuta as the stunning backdrop. The Camel farm is situated at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort and is open all year round for visitors to come and have a short ride and explore the camel museum and saddlery. It is home to 40 friendly working camels who visitors fall in love with! Guests leave with lifelong memories of Uluru and the Outback. If you are looking for the ultimate way to experience this beautiful desert region that no one else can offer it is well worth a visit. Cost: starting at $75 per person Phone: (08) 8956 3333 Email: reservations@ulurucameltours.com.au ULURU MOTORCYCLE TOURS Uluru Mortorcycle Tours was the first registered Harley Davidson Motorcycle Tour Company in Australia, kicking off in February 1991. With over a decade of experience, they offer customers an unforgettable and funfilled adventure around Uluru and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). The tour allows you to be the passenger on an authentic Harley Davidson Heritage Softail Mortorcycle while the guide takes you to enjoy the spectacular views of Uluru and the surrounds. There are a number of different adventure tours to pick from and they have rides scheduled at the best time to see Uluru including sunrise, daytime or sunset. Cost: starting from $100 Phone: (08) 8956 2019 Email: info@ulurucycles.com Where: Yulara, NT SOUNDS OF SILENCE DINNER The Sounds of Silence dinner unlike any other! Where else do you get to watch the sunset over Uluru and then dine under a million stars in the middle of the dessert? There is the enticement of sipping on champagne as the sound of didgeridoos fill the air and a storyteller shares tales of the area. At sunset, Uluru transforms into a range of different colours, so make sure you take your camera.
Your journey begins on a lone sand dune. A path takes you to an uninterrupted, three hundred and sixty degree view of this vast landscape. In front of you is the fabled Uluru; behind you are the domes of Kata Tjuta and, possibly the most spectacular sunset you have ever seen. Here you enjoy sparkling wine and a selection of delectable canapés. Dinner is a gourmet BBQ of Australian delicacies, such as Kangaroo, Barrunundi, Crocodile and Emu. All served with bush condiments including bush tomato chutney, lemon myrtle, native mint, wild lime and wattleseed. After dinner, you'll sit back and take in the mystery of the desert at night as an Astronomer takes you on a tour of the southern night skies. The Sounds of Silence experience includes: Canapés Beer, wine and nonalcoholic drinks Buffet BBQ (vegetarian options available with prior notice) Scrumptious desserts Tea, coffee and port Entertainment Star talk and stargazing Return transfers from your Voyages Ayers Rock Resort accommodation. Tour Departures Tour operates daily. Pick up times are seasonal and approximately 1 hour prior to sunset each day. Duration of the tour is around 4 hours. Cost: $169 Phone: 1300 134 044 Email: travel@voyages.com.au WEBLINKS Uluru Indigenous Walking Tour: http://www.uluruaboriginaltours.com.au/ Uluru Motorcycle Tours: http://www.ulurucycles.com/ Uluru Camel Tours:
http://ulurucameltours.com.au/ Sounds of Silence Dinner: http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/soundsofsilence/?gclid=cjo65u7b_bucfqsxpgodwlsarq