Uluru (Ayers rock) - Kata Tjuta National Park

On my first few visits to Australia I would fly over Uluru (Ayers Rock) travelling from coast to coast. On one occasion the pilot announced that we would have a view as we passed over for those sitting on the right hand side of the plane. That was me sold, I just had to stop on my next trip downunder.

I stayed in a hotel called Sails in the Desert which is approx 11 miles from Uluru. Upon arrival I was in awe at the huge open skies and the red dusty landscape that seemed to go on forever. Uluru just sticks out of this earth in the middle of nowhere. It is incredibly large and packed full of important cultural sites for the Aboriginal people. You can of course visit all day long, but dawn and dusk are the best time for the photographers amongst you. The change in colour as the sun arrives or departs for the day is stunning. A visit to the cultural centre is a must to learn about the Aboriginal importance of Uluru and the area in general.

This may be your first encounter with the outback and learning about the lifestyle of these hardy communities is fascinating. Did you know there are more camels in the wild here than either Mongolia or Arabia?

A recommended tour is the Sounds of Silence where you dine as night falls over Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. You’ll be treated to a buffet meal including some of the native bush tucker as the didgeridoo plays. Away from all the light pollution of big cities you’ll have an incredible view of the night sky and a local expert will point out the Southern Cross, the signs of the zodiac and the Milky Way. This tour should be booked at the same time as your hotel as it often sells out .

A little further afield from the hotel (27 miles) is Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas. As with much of this area, this formation is considered sacred by the Aboriginal people and is connected with many Dreamtime legends.

For those of you looking for luxury in the desert, we recommend a stay at Longitude 131, a member of Luxury Lodges of Australia. This game changing wilderness camp has a spa, bespoke touring, flightseeing as well as the traditional tours. Pamper yourself here and spoil yourself with a stay at the new Dune Pavillion Suite for unrivalled views of Uluru.

Uluru is well worth the visit and a very interesting addition to your Australian itinerary. All the boxes are ticked for cuisine, culture, adventure and relaxation and I wish I had visited sooner.

For more information about a holiday in Australia contact AsktheTraveller on 01993 256 425.........Go on, AsktheTraveller.