Last Sunset - Imalung Lookout

On Friday evening, we walked over to the Imalung Lookout across from our apartment to watch the sunset over the rock for the last time before flying out in the morning.

Prior to walking back to the room, Jasmyn and Riley made sand angels in the red sand of the dune.

Kata Tjuta - Walpa Gorge

On Friday afternoon we all went out to Kata Tjuta and did the Walpa Gorge walk. This walk takes you into the gully between two of the domes.

Due to the heavy rain the night before the small creek that created this gully was flowing with a trickle of water.

In the head of the gully is a mass of vegetation caused by the water trapped in the gully.

Uluru Sunrise

On Friday morning we got up early to go and see the sunrise at Ayers Rock. We arrived at the viewing area just before daybreak.

Kata Tjuta - The Olgas

On Thursday, we traveled out to Kata Tjuta and checked out the lookout which overlooks both Kata Tjuta and Ayers Rock.

Below is a panorama showing Kata Tjuta and Ayers Rock. This was taken from the lookout shown in the other photos.

Sounds of Silence Dinner

On Wednesday night we went to the Sounds of Silence dinner. We were picked up from the hotel reception and taken in coaches to a dune overlooking Ayers Rock and The Olgas. Here we watched the sunset on Ayers Rock and enjoyed canapes and drinks.

After sunset we walked down to an outdoor dining area where we were served a buffet dinner. The food was exceptional and after dinner a staff member run through a tour of the night sky. Due to the full-moon some of the stars were not able to be seen but we were able to look through telescopes at Jupiter and the Moon.

Dessert, Coffee and Port was then served prior to everybody being taken back to the resort by coach.

I can recommend to anybody the Sounds of Silence dinner.

Ayers Rock Climb

The start of the climb.

Brett and Phil heading up the climb.

Phil and Brett further up the first section of the climb.

Phil and Brett silhouetted at the top of the chain.

As you can see I piked on the climb and didn't go to the top. I made it to just past the beginning of the chain.

Kings Canyon - Rim Walk

On Monday, Phil, Brett, Terri, Niamh, Dad and I went to Kings Canyon and did the Rim Walk. On the way to Kings Canyon we saw camels. Michael has been out to Ayers Rock a number of times and has never seen camels in the wild.

Here is Brett and Terri, with Niamh in the sling walking up the first steep set of stairs at the start of the Rim Walk.

A view from the lookout at the top of the first climb. This is looking at the gully behind Kings Canyon.

The group having a rest in the shade after the first climb.

A small stand of cycads growing in a protected gully in Kings Canyon.

This is the Garden of Eden. It is a protected gully you can walk into. Around the corner this pool empties into a series of waterfalls which eventually cascade into the top of the canyon.

Another view of the small cascade running into the pool in the Garden of Eden.

The waterfalls flowing out of the Garden of Eden. This is at the very top of the canyon. Given the large amount of rain the region has had over the last month the falls had a good flow of water and the creek below was flowing freely.

First Visit to the Rock

Our first visit to Ayers Rock (Uluru) as a family. Here we all are standing in front of the rock.

Here is Riley standing in front of Ayers Rock. Seems to be more interested in the dirt on his hands.

Jasmyn and Riley waiting to start the Mala Walk on Sunday morning.

Yvette, Jasmyn and Riley standing at one of the waterholes at the base of Ayers Rock. Many had a lot of water in them due to the large amount of rain that has fallen over the past month.

A Surprise for Uncle Phil

Uncle Phils reaction when he realised his whole family had come to visit him at Ayers Rock. Was still stunned 10 minutes later.

The whole family sitting eating lunch in the Gecko Cafe at Ayers Rock Resort.

Phil and Kristy. Phil has finally got over the shock enough to have a beer.

On the Plane

At 9.10am on Saturday we boarded our QANTAS 737 ready to fly to Ayers Rock. Here we all are on the plane.

Yvette and Jasmyn.

Uncle Brett, Auntie Terri and Niamh enjoying the flight.

Riley enjoying the in-flight entertainment.

After 3 hours on the plane and a very long day, Riley fell asleep watching the Wiggles on a DVD. He slept for about 30mins and woke up ready to see the Rock out the window.

At the Airport.

Early start this morning. The shuttle bus arrived at 5.45am to take us to the airport.

After a short wait for Poppy to arrive on another plane we checked in our baggage and went for a ride on the travelator.

At about 9.00am we boarded the plane and took off for Ayers Rock.

 

Packed. All ready to go!

All packed, ready to go.

Tomorrow morning we are off to the airport to go to Ayers Rock.

Welcome to our holiday blog!

Over the next week our family will be traveling to Uluru in the Northern Territory. We will use this blog to record our experiences and to provide a record of our trip for when the kids are older.

Enjoy the trip!