Travel Agent Eltham North

Recently I did a five day 4 wheel self drive experience from Alice Springs to Ayres Rock, driving the Mereenie Loop Road and is was incredible!

Alice Springs is a diverse and vibrant outback town. We visited some great attractions such as the original site of the Old Telegraph station where Alice Springs was settled in 1872, The Royal Flying Doctor Service, the School of The Air, which is a unique educational service, known as the “World’s largest Classroom” and The National Road Transport Hall of Fame gives you an incredible look at how the outback transport industry was pioneered from camel trains through to road trains. Finish off at Anzac Hill for panoramic views of the city and surrounding ranges.
The first night I visited the Ooraminna Station Homestead, a working family owned property, which offers a fantastic evening of food drink and entertainment all under the stars.

Next morning it was into our 4wd and off on “the loop”. The road is unsealed and can be extremely rough in some places so paying attention to the road signs and warnings are a must. The landscape is varied and incredibly beautiful with rich colours of reds, oranges and purples. Along the way you may be as fortunate as we were, to see herds of wild camels and brumbies. One of the first things you notice when you leave the Alice is the vastness of the land and sky – it truly is the wide open spaces of the outback!

Heading west you soon see the West MacDonnell Ranges. Stop at Ellery Creek Big Hole, a large permanent waterhole for a swim. There were even white sand beaches! Along the way are fantastic gorges, lookouts and ochre pits to visit. A drive of approximately 370kms from Alice Springs brings you to Kings Canyon, were we stayed overnight.

A morning walk of approximately 3 ½ hours or 6 kms, took us around the rim of Kings Canyon. It is truly awe inspiring descending hundreds of metres below to the canyon floor. The domes of the ‘Lost City’ and ‘Garden of Eden’ a sheltered valley with permanent waterholes and lush vegetation make up this beautiful place.

Leaving Kings Canyon and driving the 305km to Uluru (Ayres Rock) is a breeze! Driving on the sealed Luritja Road and Lasseter Highway we once again passed beautiful scenery. As there had been unusual amounts of rain in the centre, there was lush green growth and flowers everywhere. The sunrise viewing of Ayres Rock is a must. The bush breakfast that is prepared is fantastic. We enjoyed a great coffee and damper while watching the rock going through various colour changes as the sun rises. Unfortunately the weather did not allow us to do the climb, but we did enjoy a 9.5km base walk taking in the stories of the Rock and the beliefs the Aboriginals have for this site. Then it was off to the Olgas for a short 7km walk to see more of the great landscape.

In the evening we took up the dining experience of the ‘Sounds of Silence’. The best wines and canapés were served on a red sand dune whilst a didgeridoo was played. As the sun set we walked back down the path to a beautiful silver service dinner with true Aussie foods like barramundi, crocodile and kangaroo and more great beers and wines.

A “star talker” then talks about the stars of the southern skies and points out the various stars. As the area is so dark and with no lights to distract from the stars, this is an experience that can only be enjoyed in this area of the country.

The Sails of the Desert Resort, were we stayed is a fantastic resort to rest and relax. Great rooms and facilities such as bars, pools and spa centres a few days can easily be spent here to further explore the area.

It was a quick trip around the ‘Red Centre’ but something that I will certainly be returning to soon and taking in more of what this great country of ours has to offer.

Must do’s whilst in the Red Centre:-
Billy tea at the Ooraminna Station Homestead was the best!!
Ride a camel
Walk the rim of King’s Canyon….stay away from the edge!
Swim in a waterhole every opportunity; incredibly refreshing.
Take time to just enjoy the scenery and look beyond what you first see... there are some incredible things out there.
For more information and to book this or any other trip, please call me.