31 Aug Uluru – the romantic heart of Australia

Uluru – the romantic heart of Australia

I’m ashamed to admit that it took a pandemic to get me to the romantic heart of Australia! Not that it hasn’t been on the bucket list FOREVER. Uluru is truly a unique, romantic destination – perfect for a wedding, honeymoon or any special celebration!

The upside of  travel plans being much curtailed during COVID-19  is that we got to discover our own backyard.  So when opportunity knocked my husband and I jumped at it.

Complete with facemasks, hand sanitiser and border passes, we eagerly hopped on our flight from Brisbane to Yulara, to discover the real Aussie outback.

And what a revelation it was! Hot – yes; flies – yes (well, we did visit in November) – but sooo much more than that.

Here are my hot tips:

Some Aussie outback history

A good place to start is understanding some Aboriginal history, so I recommend reading books such as Bruce Pascoe’s Dark Emu , Archie Roach’s Tell Me Why or Marcia Langton’s Welcome to Country.

The famous rocks – Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) are believed to have started forming about 550 million years ago when the area was covered by sea. This was followed by movement of the earth’s tectonic plates when the sea disappeared 400 million years ago. Finally, the softer rocks fell away 300 million years ago, revealing the sandstone and conglomerate rock monoliths of today. The area is a sacred site for Australia’s Indigenous peoples and the feeling that you are in the presence of something very special is all-pervading. Uluru and the 36 rocks that make up Kata Tjuta stand proud and looming within the UNESCO World Heritage listed site of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It has been home to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people, otherwise known as Anangu (pronounced arn-ung-oo), for over 60,000 years.

Hiking around Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Walking around the rocks are a must, or there are also bike and Segway options. However, I feel that taking it slowly and peacefully is much more appropriate. Breathing in the serenity and allowing yourself to be present is a soulful experience. Aboriginal people believe that the rocks were formed by ancestral beings during The Dreaming, and are also the resting place of ancient spirits. Many sacred rituals have been performed in their caves and you can see the evidence through drawings and paintings. In many areas, it is forbidden to take photos, in respect of the ancient traditions. Depending on the time of year you travel, walking may be limited to early in the day, before the sun’s heat makes it unbearable.

Romantic sunrise and sunset spectaculars at Uluru

Experiencing the rocks at both sunrise and sunset are quite spectacular and there are a number of ways to do this. We opted for a Sunset Camel Tour through Uluru Camel Tours on our first evening, which was a quirky intro to the outback. Complete with dry Aussie commentary, snorting though well-behaved animals, and bush tucker-inspired drinks and nibbles!

On our second evening we enjoyed the Sounds of Silence Dinner which really is a ‘must do’. Sipping champers as the sun dips below the horizon, transforming the landscape into a rusty golden cocoon is nothing short of stunning. Dinner under the stars, accompanied by an explanation of the myriad of bright and soft lights overhead is educational and memorable. As with these sorts of experiences, don’t expect the food to be the highlight when you are in the presence of unspeakable beauty.

The next morning we rose at 4.30am to immerse ourselves in Bruce Munro’s Field of Light. Covering an area of over seven football fields, the 50,000 solar-powered lights  change colour and create a grounded reflection of the light-sprinkled vista above, as well as a metaphor for sprouting seeds into blossoms.

There are numerous viewing platforms if you want to do your own thing with a picnic and cocktails at sunset or sunrise. There are also Indigenous bush tucker and educational experiences, helicopter flights and concerts and opera throughout the year.

 Where to stay at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Our group stayed at the Sails in the Desert Resort, part of Ayers Rock Resort, which dominates the township of Yulara. The resort boasts stylish interiors featuring Indigenous artworks and the rich hues of mustard, deep crimson, burnt orange, and the browns so typical of the surrounding landscape. A number of free activities are included in your stay, such as a Bush Food Experience, guided nature walks, a Didgeridoo Workshop, Bush Yarns and Capturing the Cosmos astronomy experience.

Of course, if your budget can stretch to the ultimate in luxury, then Longitude 131 is definitely worth considering.

A unique destination for that romantic occasion

Nothing says ‘quintessential Australian’ more than an outback wedding! The backdrop of a stunning landscape, combined with a unique experience for you and your guests would be truly magical. You could combine your special ceremony with a memorable honeymoon or extended holiday exploring the red centre.

What to pack for an outback getaway

Regardless of what time of year you visit, checking the weather forecast is important. While the desert can be exceedingly hot during the day, the night-time temperatures can plummet. If you visit during the summer months (December/January/February) as we did, ensure you take long-sleeved shirts in natural fibres (cotton or linen are best), as well as sunscreen, to protect you from the scorching sun. A hat and sunglasses are essential, as are fly nets during this dry season. Lip balm, a water bottle and sturdy walking shoes are also important. A warning – the red dirt of the outback will be an enemy for your whites!

What Indigenous souvenirs to buy

There are plenty of opportunities to buy quality Indigenous artwork and souvenirs in the outback. Walkatjara Art is the Aboriginal owned not-for-profit art centre belonging to the Mutitjulu community at Uluru. At the Maruku Arts you can buy a myriad of Indigenous paintings and traditional artworks. You can also participate in art experiences. Trust me, you will be seduced by the colours and contours of the landscape and the artwork that embraces and celebrates it so beautifully!

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