By Ewen McRae
There are few sights in the world more impressive than Uluru. Rising out of the red sands of the flat desert surrounds, the monolith has the ability to take your breath away over and over again as the light and shadows dance over its face.
I made my maiden journey to the Red Centre on the first Jetstar direct flight to Uluru, and was instantly taken aback by its beauty. Desert flowers, red sands as far as you can see, and of course the imposing presence of Uluru and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) make for a truly spectacular backdrop for any traveller seeking the solitude of the Aussie outback. When getting up close with Uluru, there’s any number of ways to take it all in. You can jump on the back of a Harley-Davidson for anything from 30 minutes to a full afternoon for an adrenalin-fuelled trip around the rock, or hire a bicycle for a few hours and take things at your own pace. It’s a 14-kilometre cycle around Uluru, so for those not keen on a long walk, a bike is a perfect way to see it up close.
Be sure to leave time at the end of your day to take in a famous Uluru sunset. The changes in the light give the rock a different quality every few minutes as the sun recedes and the clear desert sky comes alive with the lights of the Milky Way.
It’s also worth making an early start to witness an Uluru or Kata Tjuta sunrise. Be sure to rug up; the morning chill is not to be underestimated.
• www.ulurucycles.com
• outbackcycling.com/uluru
Ewen McRae travelled courtesy of Jetstar and
Voyages Ayres Rock Resort.
