[vc_row][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”1798″ img_size=”full”][vc_column_text]A trip to the vast Australia is not complete without exploring the dense Australian Outback. This country, which is also a continent and an island has so much to offer. But it’s the country’s treacherous outback that I find most intriguing.
The popular cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane have their obvious claims to fame; even a stop in Cairns to enjoy the breathtaking view of the Great Barrier Reef is a no-brainer.
However, I would be remiss if I didn’t strongly encourage you to take an extra day on your Australian adventure to visit Ayers Rock (aka Uluru) deep in the Australian Outback. This somewhat remote destination is home to the awe inspiring “rock” you’ve most likely seen in post cards and featured on The Oprah Winfrey Show (when her entire studio audience won a trip to Australia).
Ayers Rock is an easy trip from Sydney, with maybe a quick 30-45min layover in Alice Springs. When you first arrive in the town of Ayers Rock, you quickly realize the town is built around those adventurous tourists who want to see Uluru up close and personal.
Now don’t think this place is solely a tourist trap, because it’s not. There are aspects that cater to tourists, but the town has done an amazing job of maintaining some authenticity so the town can be a tribute to its ancestors.
[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”1800″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center”][vc_column_text] There are only a certain number of hotels available in the area, and they all seem to be owned/run by the same company. There are hotel shuttles that run between all the hotels, and to/from the airport. The good thing is that the shuttle service is included within your hotel rate (last I checked).
Now once you’re settled in, I highly recommend a sunrise camel tour, and then a sunset BBQ underneath the stars.
The sunrise camel tour is simply amazing and worth getting up at 5am, even on your vacation. Tour guides pick you up from your hotel and transport you to the start of the tour. You climb atop your camel, and you’re off for an easy trek through the outback.
The tour guides give you bits of history while you take in the spectacular views of the sunrise from different angles and in different lights. I guarantee you’ve never seen anything like it before. I am still in awe.
Later that evening, you start the sunset BBQ enjoying wine and cheese while watching the sun set over the horizon. The colors that wash over the evening sky, and the shadow patterns that bounce over Uluru in the distance will take your breath away.
You will gain a whole new appreciation for the beauty of mother-nature. Once the sun sets you will enjoy an all-you-can-eat authentic Australian BBQ. You can even try grilled kangaroo if you’re really feeling adventurous. It tastes like lamb chops to me.[/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid element_width=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1507311423234-42d4c972-66dc-4″ include=”1802,1803,1804,1807″][vc_column_text]In between the sunrise camel ride and the sunset BBQ, to round off your day in Ayers Rock you may enjoy a day trip out to Uluru where you can get up close to the rock and actually touch it. Just beware of the flies. They are harmless, but there are so many of them you may need to use a fly net to keep them away from your eyes and ears. The fly nets aren’t fashionable, but get them and I promise you, you’ll thank me later.
While out at the rock, you can go on a short hike around the rock, and purchase souvenirs at a store not too far away. You can also have a tour guide provide some additional insights. But of course, you’ll have to pay for the tour. The tour guides are leery of eaves droppers, and tend to stop talking when they sense someone is trying to eaves drop on their tour. Of course, I’d never do something like that. **wink wink**
The Australian Outback is definitely somewhere you will never run the risk of over staying your welcome. You’ll surely know when it’s time to ‘get outta dodge’. One full day, maybe two is more than enough time to enjoy all there is to enjoy in the Outback. A short bus ride to the airport and you’ll be on your way back to the big city of Sydney or maybe head further west to Perth or the surrounding area.
Hope to see you soon in the Outback.
Verne K. Perigord
“After silence, that which comes nearest to expressing the inexpressible is music”–Aldous Huxley[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]