A family adventure: travel to natural wonder of Uluru
It’s a rite of passage to take the family to Uluru, our most famous natural wonder, finds Sue Wallace.
Nothing quite prepares you for the first sighting of the Australian icon that is Uluru, as it changes colour throughout the day. To view it as a family is one of those precious moments that will long be remembered. You can savour the beauty of Uluru by foot on a guided base walk, on a bicycle or motorbike, or take to the skies for a scenic flight by helicopter or light plane.
The Red Centre is also known for its bright night skies due to the area’s low humidity and little unnatural light. Astronomy is brought to life in a Family Astro Tour, with a local astrologer who showcases planets and a galaxy of countless stars that set the southern skies ablaze. Stargazers are taken on a wondrous journey that touches on how ancient cultures turned to the night skies for mythology, finding directions and predicting upcoming seasons. Families are also shown how to explore the darkened skies using telescopes, iPads and binoculars to find constellations, stars and planets.
The Maruku Arts Dot Painting Workshop is a fun introduction to indigenous art, where families can gain a greater understanding about Aboriginal culture. Bush Yarn sessions are just as fascinating, as elders talk about the men’s use of weapons for hunting and women’s tools and techniques for gathering bush tucker.
The Desert Awakenings Tour provides insight into Australia’s unique landscape, ecology, culture, heritage and history. It’s just one of 65 experiences at Ayers Rock Resort in the spiritual heart of Australia. Others include boomerang and digeridoo lessons.
All children are transfixed by Jack the camel at Uluru Camel Tours, home to more than 60 friendly camels and one cheeky one! Jack has a liking for stopping every so often, and even seems to grin and show his teeth while on the way to the stunning new Field of Light installation. There’s something magical about watching soft light creep over a darkened desert as a blood red sunset streaks above Uluru – all while sitting on Jack.
British artist Bruce Munro planted 50,000 solar-powered slender stem “lights” in April in an area the size of four football fields. Situated within the shadow of Uluru, the result is mesmerising. A camel ride to see the attraction, on show until March 31, 2017, is another exciting experience on offer around Ayers Rock Resort. But as stunning as the installation is, it’s that magnificent big rock that really takes your breath away.