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Published: August 27th 2009
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Day 119 - Alice Springs to Uluru
It was still dark this morning when the alarm went off at silly o’clock. We’re still not convinced we’ve got the time right even though we’ve checked with a few people, these time changes really throw you out!
We put the TV on to try and find an update on the cricket (forearmed is forewarned!) but we can’t find anything at all.
One of the neighbours very kindly came round late last night with an un-opened container of milk saying that they were leaving first thing in the morning so it would be no good to them. We thought that was very kind but we actually left earlier than them this morning so we hope they have enough milk seeing how they gave us theirs!
We’re on the road just before 7am and the sun is giving everything a beautiful glow. There are very few people up and on the road at this time of day so we have the place all to ourselves for a while!
The Stuart Highway runs right through to Adelaide so it’s not long before we have oncoming road trains despite it being a
Sunday, they never rest! We’ve got the UHF on so we can hear any shout outs to us if people can’t see to pass but it’s all pretty quiet although at this moment in time, 08:43, we have a road train in our wing mirrors sitting a little way back.
It’s time for a fuel stop and we seem to have picked the same gas station as everyone else but have no idea where they’ve all come from because we’ve seen so little traffic! There are tour buses and 4WDs, variety club bash cars and all sorts filling up at Erldunda!
Can you guess what happened next? That’s right, we got back on the road and it went on and on and on and on!
We pass plenty of the free campsite rest stops, most of them are empty and they don’t look too inviting given there’s little or no shade and the temperature soars into the 30s come the afternoon.
Of course we’re fixed on the horizon for the first glimpse of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Apparently most first time visitors to the area get initially confused between it and the rock that is Mt Conner.
Just to prove the point, we stop at the Mt Conner lookout which is clearly marked as such and then in behind us pulls a number of tour buses. The amount of people offering to take photographs of each other in front of ‘Ayers Rock’ was incredible. Surely the coach driver must have told them that it was in fact Mt Conner? Maybe not, maybe that’s the way they get their kicks!
On we go and sure enough the real first glimpse of Uluru is ‘just around the corner’, wow, seeing it for real is pretty special. It’s huge!
We drive closer and closer then turn off to the Yulara resort where the campground is. The resort has everything in one area and was purpose built several years ago to service visitors to Uluru. Long gone is the original campsite at the base of the rock where Lindsay Chamberlain’s baby vanished all those years ago in such mysterious circumstances.
I need to produce my drivers licence to be able to book into the resort, this is to satisfy the strict alcohol policy in case we want to purchase any in the bars or stores but we’ve got
our own supplies! Nevertheless, it’s a requirement so we fish it out, get booked in and set up on pitch 28. The campsite is red dust tracks but there’s a swimming pool here and the amenities are clean so we’re happy enough with staying here for 3 days at a cost of $114! Bit steep but that’s the price so that’s what we pay.
First stop, swimming pool! It’s been a long drive for Darryl so we go chill out and catch some rays by the pool.
It’s $25 per person for entry to the National Park but that will get us in for the next 3 days so that’s pretty reasonable we think. We decide to go out there for the sunset and when we come to the entry booth we’re pleasantly surprised to find out that our ticket will allow us entry for the rest of today and then the next 3 days which is even better!
The sunset is great to watch and although we’ve not come particularly well prepared with chairs, food, drinks etc like others, we have a lovely time watching the light fade away from the sky.
It’s been a
good introductory day and we’ll look forward to whatever tomorrow brings in one of the most famous areas in the world!
Love to everyone
Dar and Sar
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Poorvi and Puneet
non-member comment
WOW
Hi Dar and Sar, WOW is the word I can think of. You guys are doing what a lot of Australians can never do :) Pictures and blogs are great! I am sure its all worth it.....Take care and enjoy it while you can ......Look forward to see you soon. Poorvi and Puneet