The Red Centre – Balloon rides, Camel Safaris and Lightshows in Uluru
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Asko Meriläinen
Your travel planner, Entrepreneur
This August, we explored Australia’s Red Centre. While Uluru is the most famous landmark and the highlight of the trip, the region offers much more to see and do. Our journey began in Alice Springs, then continued to Kings Canyon, and finally to the Ayers Rock Resort.
Sunrise Balloon flight, MacDonnell Ranges, and Alice Springs
Our first destination, Alice Springs, is the region’s capital. The city is small, and the best way to see it is from the ANZAC Hill lookout. From here, you can view the surrounding ranges. Interestingly, despite its name, there is no natural spring in Alice Springs, and the Todd River only flows with water a few times a year.
I went on a day trip to the MacDonnell Ranges, situated just outside Alice Springs. The Ranges extend all the way to Alice Springs, dividing into the east and west MacDonnell Ranges. We explored the western side of the ranges. The day tour introduced us to some of the less-visited areas of Australia’s Red Centre, including gorges, waterholes with swimming opportunities, wildlife spotting, and sacred Aboriginal sites.
The following day began early and became a personal highlight of my trip: a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Red Centre. The early pickup is definitely worth it – you’ll see the balloon being inflated before takeoff and floating above the red centre as the sun rises was an incredible experience. The flight lasted about an hour, but you could easily stay in the air longer. After landing, you can assist with packing up the balloon before enjoying a light breakfast and, traditionally, some sparkling wine.
Even though Alice Springs is a small town, you can find some nice restaurants and do your final shopping before heading to the outback.
Glamping at the Kings Canyon
Driving distances in the Outback are long, and we took a short detour to visit the Kings Canyon area briefly. The Kings Canyon is known for majestic cliffs and amazing walks. The Rim walk is the best-known – a challenging 6 km circuit at the Canyon.
Our destination was the Kings Creek Station, where you can spend a night under the stars in the glamping tent. The Station is still a working farm but offers unique accommodation options in the middle of nowhere. Our tent was more like a cabin with an indoor bathroom and air-conditioning. The tent’s balcony was the perfect for wildlife spotting!
Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Camels and Drones
The next day, the drive continued to a town called Yulara, which is mostly known as the Ayers Rock Resort. In fact, it is a small town instead of a resort only. All hotels, as well as restaurants, cafes, shops, and galleries, are located here. You will see Uluru when you drive in, and it is amazing every time.
On the first night, we enjoyed a light show combined with a picnic dinner – an experience not to be missed! The evening begins with canapés and cocktails while overlooking Uluru and Kata Tjuta at sunset. After the sun sets, you receive a picnic hamper containing outback produce and Australian wines. The highlight is the show where 1200 drones narrate a story with Uluru as the backdrop. Aboriginal communities have shared this story for thousands of years, and this performance continues that tradition.
Days at Uluru and Kata Tjuta begin early, and the next morning was no exception. I participated in a sunrise tour to Uluru, enjoying a light breakfast as the colours came to life with the sunrise. The tour continued with visits to some art rock sites and waterholes. We returned to the resort for breakfast, but various tour options are available depending on how long and active you want your experience to be.
My next stop was Kata Tjuta, where these stunning domes seem to rise out of nowhere. Some believe Kata Tjuta is even more fascinating than Uluru, though it’s hard to compare since both are so unique and different. I drove here, but tours are available from sunrise to sunset, catering to all fitness levels.
Our final morning in the Red Centre began early with a sunrise Camel Safari, featuring Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the background. This tour departs from a working Camel Farm, where you’ll learn about the intriguing history of camels in Australia and their role in building the country. The ride was great fun, and I recommend including it if it fits into your schedule. You can often do this even on your last morning before departing.
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Tips and Recommendations:
- If you’d prefer not to drive, there’s a bus connection between Ayers Rock Resort and Alice Springs. This service doesn’t run daily, but we can help plan your itinerary and adjust your dates accordingly.
- Include as many dinner tours in Uluru and Kata Tjuta as you can, since they are well-organised, and public access to these locations is restricted. We can help to choose the best options, but please note that pre-bookings are essential.
- Ayers Rock Resort offers accommodation for all preferences, from 3.5-star to 5-star and luxury stays. Just let us know your preferences, and we will recommend the best option for you.
Photo Credits: Project Matka and Voayges – As custodians of the land, Anangu hold the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru. To share their story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, RAMUS designed and produced an artistic platform using drones, light and sound to create an immersive storytelling experience.
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If you are considering a trip to Australia and/or New Zealand don’t hesitate to use Project Matka. We are experienced travelers and never used an agent prior to this trip. Project Matka not only listened to our wants, preferences, style, likes and dislikes, but provided guidance and suggestions we hadn’t consider. Our final itinerary not only met but exceeded our expectations. The cities, hotels, tours which was a combination of self guided, private and semi-private tours was seamless and absolutely perfect. We spent 30 days between the two countries and it was a trip of a lifetime primarily due to the support we got for Project Matka.
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