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In the following itinerary, there are several columns describing the day. Text within [brackets] in the heading line explains the purpose of the link to the corresponding item.
Within the diary entries, the date heading is a link to the photo page (as for the itinerary). The day of the week/ordinal number is a link back to the itinerary, and the day's title is a link to the track (as for the itinerary). Where images occur inline, right click the image to see it full scale.
These pages are under construction, and may have anomalous entries. In particular, photos are in the process of being added, and the photo directories may not be fully annotated.
Note that the pages may change over time as I edit in further travel details. Note also that when the document refers to 'John', the author is assumed, unless stated otherwise. Entries in red still require attention. Where an entry is preceded by a © symbol, it means that the entry has not been fully completed.
Items listed under Documents are not publically available. Access to private documents is restricted.
| Day | Date | Time | Place | Blog | Track | Sleep | Notes | To Pay | Due | Steps | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 09 Sep (Wed) | 0850(+1000)-1130(+0930) | JQ664 MEL-AYQ | Getting There | 20260909-Yulara | Sails in the Desert | Ayers Rock | paid | 6262 | UluruItinerary.pdf | |
| 1 | 10 Sep (Thu) | all day | Sails in the Desert | Relaxing | 20260910-Yulara | Sails in the Desert | Ayers Rock | paid | 9643 | UluruItinerary.pdf | |
| 2 | 11 Sep (Fri) | all day | Uluru | Uluru | 20260911 | Sails in the Desert | Ayers Rock | paid | 12684 | UluruItinerary.pdf | |
| 3 | 12 Sep (Sat) | all day | Kata Tjuta (Olgas) | Olgas | 20260912-Yulara2KingsCanyon | Kings Canyon Resort and Lodge | Kings Canyon | paid | 10424 | UluruItinerary.pdf | |
| 4 | 13 Sep (Sun) | all day | Kings Canyon | Kings Canyon | 20260913 | Kings Canyon Resort and Lodge | Kings Canyon | paid | UluruItinerary.pdf | ||
| 5 | 14 Sep (Mon) | all day | Kings Canyon to Alice Springs | Kings Canyon | 20260914 | Crowne Plaza Alice Springs | Alice Springs | paid | UluruItinerary.pdf | ||
| 6 | 15 Sep (Tue) | all day | Alice Springs | Alice Springs | 20260915 | Crowne Plaza Alice Springs | Alice Springs | paid | UluruItinerary.pdf | ||
| 7 | 16 Sep (Wed) | all day | Alice Springs | Alice Springs | 20260916 | Crowne Plaza Alice Springs | Alice Springs | paid | UluruItinerary.pdf | ||
| 8 | 17 Sep (Thu) | 1035-1240 | QF1817 ASP-ADL | Alice Springs | 20260917 | Atura Adelaide Airport | Confirm: 77959674 | paid | UluruItinerary.pdf | ||
| 9 | 18 Sep (Fri) | 1010(+0930)-1200(+1000) | QF678 ADL-MEL | Getting Back | 20260918 | 5 Fran Court | paid | UluruItinerary.pdf |
On arrival, you will be transferred from Ayers Rock Airport to your hotel by AAT Kings. After collecting your luggage, follow the courtesy hotel transfer signs and proceed outside the terminal to board the waiting complimentary AAT Kings coach.
Woke up before the alarm, which is our usual want. Barb made a cup of tea, while I got dressed and tidied up a few things for the trip. I did try to tread the paper on my iPhone, but it refused to expand to a readable size, so I have that up. It made me decide that perhaps I did want to take the iPad with me after all, since that is at least a tractable size!
We were all ready by 0610, so I started to lug the floppy bags out to the driveway, where I discovered our driver to the airport was already in the driveway! So a quick collection of Barb and the remaining travel items, and we were able to make an early start with our driver Sajid.
He took us a very different route to the airport, explaining that the Monash freeway was closed, due to an accident, so we went via a complicated way that ended up on Riversdale Rd, before dropping down onto the Monash, and from there, the usual way to the airport.
It was our first time via Terminal 4, so we were feeling our way a bit, but soon found ourselves a Soul Origin cafe, where we could have coffee and a bite to eat (not having had time for breakfast). We had plenty of time, as we arrived at the terminal by 7, and the plane was not due to depart until 0850.
Departure was on time, and I am writing this in my iPhone 1 hour into the flight. The flight took 2 hours, 46 minutes and 36.59 seconds. Being in row 3, we were almost first off at Uluṟu, and were immediately treated to glimpses of the famous rock as we climbed into the waiting bus.
First stop was Sails in the Desert, so named because all the main buildings we covered with shade-cloth sails, which made for quite an eye-catching look. Since we near enough to first on the bus, we were also first off, so we got to reception first, which was a win, as there were lots of other people also getting off here, annd it turned out that registering seemed to take much longer than usual. Not that that mattered much anyway, as our room was not ready, so we had to sit and twiddle our thumbs for a bit.
But it was lunch time anyway, so we took up a table at the convenient cafe opposite the registration desk, where we could keep an eye on our waiting bags, and ordered lunch. Barb had a caesar salad and a glass of prosecco, I had a wagyu beef burger and a glass of chardonnay, both of which were a bit ordinary. My thoughts were that Grill'd did better burgers, and the chardonnay, which came from Tumbarumba, would have been better if it had come from the MIA.
This was all followed by much more twiddling of the thumbs, since nothing had happened to the bags in the meantime. In fact nothing happened even by 3pm, so Barb went and asked what was happening. Something happened alright, someone came and took away the bags, but that was all. Half an hour later, Barb asked again, and was told "Oops, sorry!" and we got our keys and a room number.
But not out of the woods. Find the room was a bit of a challenge, partly because not all rooms were mentioned on the first sign that we came to, and when we asked some staff member, they said that our room was in a different block of buildings, "over there", with a general wave of the arm. So finding "over there" was the next challenge. We think we found it, when there was a sign saying "rooms 341-362 ->", so Barb marched off in that general direction, leaving John to mind the backpack, which by this stage was getting a little heavy. Five minutes later came a call on the phone: "I've found it!"
The only thing that I could say in room 230's favour was that it was directly above room 130. Otherwise, following the signs gave very little help. But at least the keys worked, and we could settle ourselves into a room, slightly before 4pm.
One of the things that John wanted to settle was how his lack of laptop was going to work. As stated earlier, the first version of this blog was typed on his iPhone while on the plane, so he was keen to get that text transferred to Barb's laptop, and check that plan to share one laptop was going to work. Not so fast. The thing that he had not taken into consideration was the over-invasve role of passwords in computer lives. Normally, we get somewhat inoculated against this disease by the part played by many pieces of software that remember who you are, and prompt with remembered passwords almost seamlessly. Not so when you are using a different computer which does not remember old, or even recent, passwords. Aided and abetted by the fact that although one has gone to the trouble of setting up a password vault to help remember passwords, the up-to-date copy of that vault has not seen fit to automigrate itself to any new computer that one might use, or even a phone made by the same company that made one's original computer. "iCloud"? "iShit" more accurately.
Much swearing and cursing later, I did manage to dig myself out of the iShithole and get things working. But I resolved never again to leave home without my own trusty(?) laptop.
We had dinner in the Ilkari restaurant, a buffet that offered surprising good selections of vittles. John started with a selection of the various seafoods on offer: oysters natural, green-lipped mussels in a mild chili oil, delightfully cooked calamari strips, and steamed prawns. Barb skipped the oysters, don't know why. We both tried the kangaroo in bush tomato curry with biriyani rice, yum, anf followed that up with a great selection of desserts, lot of small portions of various things, like pannacotta, chocolate fountains, creme brullees, lime tarts, etc.. It was great beng able to try a bit of everything without feeling like one was overindulging, even if one was!
After dinner, early bed. It was a long day.
Let the journey begin! Join your APT Driver-Guide and fellow travellers for a Welcome Dinner this evening - an excellent opportunity to get to know one another and start your journey together. Please meet your Driver-Guide in the foyer of Sails in the Desert at 6:00pm.
Late breakfast this morning. Much the same buffet format as last night, with lots of small portions, and plenty of choices. We both had a custom made feta, warrigal greens and spinach omelette, well as the usual yogurt, orange juice and french pastries. Barb had a capuccino, but I settled for the standard filter coffee as it was much the same as a long black, and I did not have to pay extra!
After breakfast, I caught up with this blog, while Barb went for a walk around Yulara (it is not very big!) She took lots of photos, especially of the big rock nearby. Afterwards I joined her at the resort lookout, a sort of wizard's eye at the end of one of the blocks of buildings. Quite a nice view, especially of the rich red soil aroud the place. Then a cup of coffee before a pre-high tea, which was a special Australian Native High Tea.
Begin your day early with an exploration of the base of Uluru before the crowds gather. The cooler morning air provides a pleasant setting, free from the scorching heat of the outback. Walk alongside your Driver-Guide, absorbing stories from the Dreamtime and unravelling the history of this ancient landmark. Following this, visit the Cultural Centre to delve into the traditions of the Anangu people, the rightful custodians of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
In the evening, partake in a special Signature Experience with a Sounds of Silence dinner under the stars. With Uluru visible in the distance, raise a glass of bubbly and indulge in a delectable bush tucker-inspired buffet, complemented by the enchanting sounds of a didgeridoo. As night descends, witness the surroundings of Uluru come alive with thousands of coloured lights extending into the distance. The renowned Field of Light invites you to wander and immerse yourself in its magical ambiance - a surefire highlight of your journey.
Well, the blurb says "Begin your day early with an exploration of the base of Uluru before the crowds gather", but that was bullshit. There were already huge crowds there before we even got there! So finding a possie from whence to take photos was the first challenge (apart from getting up at 5:00am for a 5:45 start on the bus). Barb and I went separate ways, since Kirsty told us that heading for the lookout platform was a bad option. I did in fact go to the lookout platform and found a spot that was not too bad, but it was difficult to get the whole rock in the photo. Barb went to Kirsty's recommended spot, and claimed that it was OK, but I have not seen her photos yet.
It was a little tedious waiting for the sunrise, timed for 06:46, especially as the lookout platform kept filling up with more people. I turned around at one stage to take a photo of the rising sun, and when I turned back, someone had jumped in the space that I had been leaving so that I could at least get some of the rock in my photo. He did get the message, and moved on before much longer, but not before I took a photo of his face - which annoyed the shit out of his wife, who kept claiming that it was illegal to take photos of people without their permission! To which I retorted that it was immoral to take someone's photo spot without their permission! I think they got the point at that stage.
I have to say that it a bit of an anticlimax, as the sun came up behind some clouds, and there was none of that dramatic reveal as the sunlight burst upon the rock. By 07:00, most people were sated with the spectacle and started dribbling away. Our bus was leaving at 07:10, so I soon followed them, and caught up with Barb as the tracks joined. Back on the bus, there was a general consensus that the whole thing was a bit of a fizzer. Oh well!
Back to the resort for breakfast, this time with Dominic and Sohia from Kidman Park, Adelaide. Swapped stories about life in Adelaide. Straight after breakfast, back on the bus for a trip to the base of Uluru. Our first walk was into the Mustijulu Water Hole, a permanent water source and hence very important to the Aborigines. Also quite beautiful.
The next walk, a bit further on around the base of the rock, was to another water hole at Kantju Gorge. Unfortunately, the path there was a quagmire of thick red mud, which stuck to our shoes and gradually built them into platform soles! In between picking our way through all this mud, we saw some cave art, and special men only and women only caves. Interestingly, one could take photos of the men caves (a few jokes about that name!), but not of the women caves - literally, secret women's business. There was one cave dubbed the "community centre", which was where whole families would gather, and do community cooking, hence the alternate name, the "kitchen cave".
Just as we reached the water hole however, my unsmartphone went flat, so "no photos" was indeed a blanket rule for me. It was also quite a pretty spot, so I hope that the photos that Barb took do come out OK.
Back on the bus, the next stop was the Cultural Centre, where we watched a movie of the political development of Uluru, from the early (and shameful) treatment of the Aboriginal Culture, through to the handover of the ownership of the rock back to the local Aboriginal tribe, the Anangas, in 1975 (Thanks, Gough Whitlam!)
Back on the bus, and back to Yulara and the Geckos restaurant/cafe, where we had lunch. John had gnocci (surprise, surprise), while Barb had a salad. Some beer was also consumed.
The afternoon was free, and Barb went to the indigenous garden walk - but only for four plants before the rain came, and the rest of the walk was called off. John had planned to go to the didgeridoo lessons, but we did not finish lunch in time.
The two of us met up in the bar for a drink, before preparing ourselves for the evening's entertainment - dinner, followed by some sort of light show. The bus was delayed leaving, but it was no matter, and we arrived at the venue (out in the desert) to be presented with champers and canapes, before sitting down to a meal out in the open air.
It was a full 3 course meal - first a very nice soup of carrot and ginger, followed by an immense buffet of multiple salads and meats of all kinds: chicken, beef, kangaroo, barramundi and lamb chops. All excellent, but at this stage of the night, a little challenging to eat because it had become quite dark, and it was difficult to see exactly what one was eating! There were some electronic candles, but that only illuminated where the plates were, not what was on them.
Midway through all this, we were treated to some very interesting didgeridoo playing, even to the point of the played coming up to our table and resting the business end of the 'doo on the table. It reminded me of the bagpipes - very much an outdoor instrument!
Then we had a talk on the night sky, and it was fortunate that by this time most of the clouds had rolled away, and there were stars that he could talk about. I found it quite interesting, because although much of it was stuff I already knew, I did learn to recognize the Scorpio constellation, about which I did know, but never quite learned to recognize.
Then it was time for the light show. Called the "Field of Light", it involved about 5000 glass bulbs, all connected together in bundles, and spread across several hectares of land, so that the effect was of a vast field of luminescent crops of some (perhaps alien) form. Very hard to take photos of, but that did not stop us trying.
By this stage, we all were getting quite cold, and so we headed for the welcoming warmth of the waiting busses. Once all were on board, we headed back to the resort, and started packing, ready for departure tomorrow.
Enjoy additional time today for an in-depth exploration of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Venture to Kata Tjuta, famously known as the Olgas, covering over 20 square kilometres with its 36 majestic domes. These towering formations, reaching up to 546 meters, create intricate valleys and steep-sided gorges. Kata Tjuta holds significant cultural importance for the Anangu people, and its name translates to "many heads".
This afternoon, leave the national park behind and journey onward to Kings Canyon.
Finished off a few outstanding items to pack, then breakfast in time for an 08:30 start on the bus, travelling to Kata Tjuta (Olgas) to do a pleasant little stroll called the Valley of the Wind walk. Kirsty draw maps in the sand/gravel to show how Australia got squeezed by tectonic plate shifts, first from both east and west, and then from north and south. First the Pendleton mountain range was squeezed down, then it was squeezed up to become Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Mt Conner, all interesting rock formations sticking out of the surrounding flat landscape, and all in a straight line.
The going was initially smooth, but soon changed to a steep slope of conglomerate rock, which required careful attention to where one put one's feet. Our walking poles proved invaluable in this territory, and allowed us to cover more distant than those in the party without. There were a few benches along the way, which allowed John to catch his breath a little. Barb just kept shooting along.
The walk was along a huge canyon, one side of which was in direct sun, the other a big sandstone cliff of a beautiful rich red, but unfortunately on the shady side. Nevertheless we took lots of pictures! The canyon eventually squeezed together (just like the Australian land mass) into a narrow gorge where the track petered out and we were told "No entry beyond this point". Not that we were motivated to go further, as we had passed Kirsty on the way up, and she had told us that we needed to be heading back.
A few photos, and we set off on the return journey. Given the injunction from Kirsty, we put the poles to work, and zoomed along, overtaking several others of our party on the way. Imagine then our surprise when we got back to the bus to find that we were the first back!
Once all the others were back - some rather later than others - we set off on the next leg to King's Canyon, but not before another pee stop, which fortunately, were lots and near between! Our route took us back to Yulara, then on to King's Canyon. We had a lunch stop at Curtin Springs, where John had a very welcome beer, and enjoyed some home made sausage rolls with chips and salad. It was a brief stop, and we were on our way again by 13:10.
Just before our next comfort stop at the King's Creek Station, we came across a bunch of camels grazing by the side of the road. Kirsty stopped the bus, and we all grabbed thousands of photos of the herd (is that the right collective noun?) of about 15 camels.
Not long after that, we came across a galloping (?) of horses, so more stopping and photographing. Then a short way further, more camels and horses at the King's Creek Station, and the necessary pee stop. Another half hour's driving and we were at the King's Canyon Resort. Time to unpack and settle in before John headed off to the bar. There was some confusion over just what bar we were supposed to meet at, so half the group went one way, and the other half to another bar known dimunuitively as the "little bar". No matter, we had a table full of friends: Rod and Cathy, Mary-Jane and Graeme, Dominic and Sophia, and Kathy and Graeme. (That cant be right, I have muddled up the names somewhere).
Dinner was sort-of OK, but we did end up eating tomorrow night's dinner, with the promise that tonight's would come tomorrow. Given the confusion that surrounded the placing of our orders, I was not surprised, but it did leave some people guessing (Barb included) over exactly what it was that they had ordered.
Barb and I had a bath after dinner, because of the unique bathroom that looked out through a picture window on the local rocks. It was a bit dark, of course, but it did give a bit of a feeling of bathing under the starts. Then bed.
Explore the heart of Watarrka National Park today, where pristine bushland and captivating red rock canyons offer an extraordinary experience. The Luritja people have called Watarrka National Park home for over 20,000 years. Venture on the Kings Canyon Rim Walk, a challenging hike that takes you around the rim of the canyon's remarkable sandstone walls. Upon reaching the lookout, be captivated by the stunning views of the canyon itself. About halfway along the walk, discover the Garden of Eden, showcasing a waterhole surrounded by riverine vegetation.
This evening, visit the Light Towers by acclaimed British artist, Bruce Munro. Be taken on a captivating and immersive journey. The towers consist of 69 two-metre towers that change colour in response to music emanating from within them.
Barb was off to an early start this morning, as she was determined to do the King's Canyon Rim Walk. John, suffering as he was from a sore hip after yesterday's exertions, chose to stay behind and catch up on his blog, which he did after joining in breakfast with several other non-walkers.
Barb was back at 12:15, feeling very pleased with herself, and headed straight to the shower. She said that the walk was excellent, the highlight of which was pausing to sit and admire the so-called Garden of Eden. I look forward to seeing all the photos!
Departing Kings Canyon, travel along the scenic Mereenie Loop Road, pausing for photo opportunities before continuing to the remarkable Gosses Bluff Crater, where lunch is enjoyed. Arrive in Alice Springs later this afternoon and take a guided tour of this iconic outback town.
TBC
Today, venture to Tjoritja, also known as the West MacDonnell Ranges. Explore Simpsons Gap, a revered scenic area holding spiritual significance for the Arrernte people, with legends of Dreamtime stories echoing through its towering cliffs. This location features a permanent watering hole, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife observation, particularly the Black-Footed Rock-Wallabies.
Continue your journey to Angkerle, where a creek adorned with spring-fed pools attracts a diverse array of unique birdlife. Named Standley Chasm in European terms, it pays homage to Ida Standley, the first school teacher in Alice Springs in 1914. Subsequently, visit Ormiston Gorge to unwind amid the unique flora.
The remaining afternoon is yours to savour at your own pace.
Finish your evening with a special outback Bush BBQ, marking your final night in the outback. Delight in your meal while being entertained with boomerang demonstrations, cattlemen stories, and musical performances.
TBC
Farewell your fellow travellers in Alice Springs this morning after breakfast.
Your tour concludes at the Crowne Plaza, Alice Springs at 8:00am. You have purchased additional accommodation in Alice Springs.
TBC
You will be transferred from your hotel to Alice Springs Airport by a representative from Alice Silver Passenger Services. To reconfirm your pick up time, please call Alice Silver Passenger Services on 0477 245 941 the day prior your flight.
TBC
(No itinerary)
TBC
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