The Red Centre — Chyka.com

WORDS: CHYKA KEEBAUGH

IMAGES : CHYKA & CHESSIE KEEBAUGH

I feel like I can say this with absolute confidence…

…That the highlight of any trip to the Nothern Territory is setting eyes on amazing Uluru. Whether you drive, fly, train, bus or helicopter - the minute you set eyes on this amazing natural wonder you will be mesmerised. Rising from seemingly nowhere in the deep centre of Australia, seeing Uluru for the first time at sunset was truly breathtaking. As the light changes and the sun goes down, the colour of the rock also changes, both sunrises and sunsets cause changes to its colour from browns through to oranges, reds to grey.… I knew it would be spectacular, but this really did blow me away. We have all seen photographs featuring Uluru, but nothing really prepares you for the impact. Its sheer size makes everything around it miniature, its vibrant colours make everything else seem dull and the red sand that surrounds it is absolutely beautiful - even if it does get into everything!!

For someone who has travelled and lived in this country their whole life, I cannot believe that this is my first trip to Uluru. After spending a few days travelling through Katherine and Alice Springs, I have learnt so much, met wonderful people and loved every second of it. But, like everything we leave the best ‘til last - and that was Uluru. Experiencing and understanding the cultural and spiritual significance of Uluru and the Anangu traditional landowners has been an amazing learning experience that I will treasure.

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ADD IT TO YOUR bucket LIST!

What is the best time to go to Uluru? The best time to come is between May and September, when the maximum temperature during the day is usually between 20°C and 30°C. The cool weather means it is safer and much more pleasant to walk, and there is very little rain. And you definitely need two to three days at this special place. Take walking tours, helicopter tours, sunset and sunrise walks - do all of it!
Field of Light As Uluru turns into a dark silhouette, the amazing ‘Field of Light’ by artist Bruce Munro illuminates for as far as the eye can see. gentle rhythms of colour light up the desert. Overwhelming in size, covering more than seven football fields, its beauty has to be seen to be believed. The light show has been so popular is has been extended indefinitely!
Places to stay near Uluru are all within the Aboriginal-owned Ayers Rock Resort. Here you will find a range of accommodation options. From self-contained apartments, an outback hotel, 5-star luxury accommodation, hotels, backpacker rooms and a campground with sites and cabins. The Ayers Rock Resort is a good base with shops, facilities and guided tours leaving regularly to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.