A direct flight from Brisbane to Ayers Rock (Uluru) oveflew a completely dry Lake Eyre. My trip began with a five day AAT-Kings Tour taking in Uluru, Kings Canyon to Alice Springs. At Yulara, the resort hidden away from view of the Rock, accommodation was at the Pioneer budget resort. Bus transport was provided for both sunrise and sunset views of Uluru. Shuttle bus also allowed one to visit the Aboriginal Display Centre and to take walks arounbd the massive rock. A day trip to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) included a walk into the Walpa Gorge. Quite an experience to see this historic area in the dead heart of the nation.
KING CANYON
Next we bussed on to Kings Canyon in the Watarrka National Park, halfway to Alice Springs. The resort nestles in the gorge between massive sandstone cliffs. The two hour creek walk provides ever changing views, with the light and shade colouring the rockfaces spectacularly. There is a rim walk at the top of the cliffs, but I didn't have the energy to handle the huge number of steps involved.
ALICE SPRINGS
The bus delivered us to Alice Springs. A two day ticket for the shuttle bus that passes all the main tourist attractions was a good investment. The Desert Experience park is a great introduction to the geography and wildlife of the area. I also took in the Royal Flying Doctor base, the School of the Air, the Rail and Heavy Transport museum, the old Telegraph Station and Anzac Hill. And of course I also checked out the dry Todd River which is home to many Aborigines camping out. I would have liked to visit Hermansburg and Snata Teresa Mission, but hadn't allowed denough time for that.
THE GHAN RAILWAY
The next stage of the journey was Alice Springs to Darwin on the Ghan railway. A very comfortable overnight trip with great food and a good commentary along the way. A brief stop at Tennant Creek and Daly Waters before an excursion stop at Katherine. I signed up for a boat ride up the river into the Katherine Gorge - very scenic. Then on to Darwin.
DARWIN
I scored a noisy motel in the main street, but it was convenient for getting around.
Photos of the trip can be seen here.
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