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The Outback really is an exciting area for all sorts of exploration. I recall the first time I went there was during a school “field trip” when I was in 10^th grade. Wow, ‘The Rock’ (Uluru) looked so big and awesome the first time I saw it, and I remember I couldn’t wait to climb it and my good friend Neal and I raced to the top! We camped in tents that visit, and on my last trip, I again stayed in a tent – but very different!

Longitude 131ْ – Voyages Tented Safari camp at Uluru – is total pampering and luxury in an absolutely stunning setting. Now there tents are not like my first visit – but the same style that a lot of us have come to know in Botswana and the wilds of Africa, where you have a bathroom, permanent sides, air conditioning (not just open flaps either) and where else in the world can you lift your head from the pillow and watch the sunrise over the world’s largest rock? Voyages have done an excellent job in creating unique touring for the fortunate guests of 131ْ (there are only 15 tents) and a stay in one of these really is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had! All meals, drinks and exclusive small group touring are included and at night the campfire is a very inviting place to sit and relax after a day in the outback!

Ayers Rock Resort also has other types of accommodation ranging from deluxe to moderate and include Sails in the Desert, Desert Gardens, Outback Pioneer and The Lost Camel hotels. All are very well set up and offer guests a great experience while there with a myriad of restaurants and activities and swimming pools. With a choice of small group touring with Uluru Experience tour company to the larger coaches of AAT Kings Tours, all guests have a great choice to see Uluru their way.

The Uluru Visitors Center offers a great insight into the history and Aboriginal significance of the area, but then you can also take part in exciting adventures such as camel trekking, visits to Cave Hill for some great rock art viewing, helicopter flights around the area, and motor cycle tours around the base to name a few. One of my favorites and something I do every time I go back, is the Sounds of Silence dinner, where you are out under the stars on tables complete with crisp white linen and superb food. Listen to the astronomer explain why there is no Big Dipper in the Southern Hemisphere, instead the Southern Cross is larger than life, and then enjoy a typical bushman sing some songs as the evening progresses – it truly is special!

Really at least a 2 night stay is needed at Uluru to really understand this area and all its history. With easy flight access from Cairns and Sydney, it is a must for all Americans visiting Australia! Visit our website for more details about Voyages Ayers Rock Resort – www.swaintours.com/voyages

Often we combine Ayers Rock with Kings Canyon, (which a few hours drive away) as well as a stop in Alice Springs. We have some great tours that start in Alice and 4WD across to Kings Canyon and onto Ayers Rock – either accommodated in motel style or camping under the stars – a great family bonding experience! For my Mum’s (Mom’s) 70^th birthday I arranged for a 4WD tour with my brother and sister in law (and her Mum) to travel from Alice to Kings and onto the Rock. She loved every minute of it and sent many photos saying “I bet you never thought I could do this”. She is an Aussie but had never been out to the rock before.

Also, just about 2 hours drive from Uluru (or Alice) is the township of Titjikala – this is probably the truest of ultimate indigenous experiences one can have. The people of Titjikala belong to the Arrente, Luritja and Pitjantjara clans. Aboriginal people started gathering in the Titjikala area in the 1950’s when the mission truck visited every 6 weeks. In 1953 there were only 6 people living in what is now known as Titjikala. Now there are over 300 Aboriginal people residing here.

There are 5 safari tents perched on polished timber flooring 2 yards above sandy red dunes overlooking the wonders of the Simpson Desert, complete with private en-suite which includes free standing bath and 'eco' friendly flush toilet. The tents have been extended to include a private decking with great views enabling you to enjoy a majestic desert sunrise and sunset.

All meals are personally prepared by the Gunya Titjikala's resident 'bush tucker' chef where western style dishes are fused with the local 'bush tucker' which include witchetty grubs and wild fruits and berries. I remember my first (of many) witchetty grub meals – when you are there you must try it!

Here each day you go 'bush' with the local Aboriginal ‘traditional owners' and learn the daily survival knowledge of the oldest living culture in the world. Visit amazing landscapes including the historic Chambers Pillar and on the return home collect bush tucker for the evening meal.

One point that was really amazing to me and worth noting is that while at Gunya I only had interaction with local Aboriginals as Gunya only employs locals from the Titjikala Aboriginal Community, which ensures a truly authentic cultural experience.

For those seeking a unique, authentic, cultural experience, Gunya is perfect. You will come back from this a changed person with a greater understanding of and appreciation for Australia’s indigenous culture.

At Swain we can include this 2 night (or longer) experience along with a stay at Uluru and/or Alice Springs. Just call one of our wonderful team members and let them customize it fit your clients' exact needs.

So when we now speak of ‘The Rock’ or the ‘Outback’, know that there are many choices on offer to include a wide variety of experiences. As usual many of our team have been to Uluru and Gunya and can share first hand experience of it all.

I am off over there again for a quick visit in mid June to check up on the new refurbishments at Ayers Rock Resort, but knowing Voyages, I know they will have done an incredible job!

Suggested Itineraries including The Outback
 

Sydney, Rock & Reef From $2125 Length 9 Nights Cities Sydney, Ayers Rock, Cairns Details Itinerary & Information		Circle Australia From $2765 Length 12 Nights Cities Melbourne, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Sydney Details Itinerary & Information
Ultimate Outback From $9720 Length 12 Nights Cities Melbourne, Grampians, Broken Hill, Flinders Ranges, Kangaroo Island, Adelaide, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Sydney Details Itinerary & Information		Grand Circle From $3089 Length 13 Nights Cities Adelaide, Alice Springs, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Sydney Details Itinerary & Information
Aussie Adventure From $3065 Length 17 Nights Cities Melbourne, Adelaide, Kangaroo Island, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Sydney Details Itinerary & Information		All Over Australia & New Zealand From  $3985 Length 18 Nights Cities Auckland, Rotorua, Queenstown, Christchurch, Melbourne, Ayers Rock, Cairns, Sydney Details Itinerary & Information