REST DAY - YULARA
REST DAY ULURU - 30th August 2017
Today is called our “rest day” – but we have a lot planned – so no sleeping in!! The first plan was to get up in time to see the sunrise on Uluru. Des reckoned we needed to leave the caravan park at 6:00 am to travel out there and get a good park. As we had our hire bikes booked to ride around Uluru for 8:00 am and our camel ride at 10:30 am – it meant we had to be all packed up early so we could go from one to the other. I was a bit concerned about the tight time-frame, but it actually worked out perfectly!! We got to the car-park and walked to the viewing platform which was crowded with other tourists. We took loads of photo’s and it is hard to pic the best one of this wonderful rock as with the sun rising, the rock was constantly changing. It was amazing and it was wonderful to think that I was finally seeing this very special place. An aeroplane flew over it just as we were leaving and I thought what a wonderful view those passengers would have. We had a nice leisurely time there and then headed to where the bike hire started, about 2 kms from the rock. We selected our bikes, I had a little trouble getting my seat right – and using the brakes!! They were the back-pedal operated style and I kept putting them on when I didn’t mean to! They were quite touchy and some sudden halts occurred. We then headed off in our instructed anti-clockwise journey around the rock. Walkers are supposed to walk in a clockwise direction – to avoid mishaps. Some people obviously didn’t understand clockwise and anti-clockwise. Not to worry! At the start of the journey there was some thick sand areas and I miscalculated the speed of Liz in front of me and to avoid crashing into her – I took a tumble from my bike!!! That was somewhat embarrassing! From then on the path firmed up, and it was an unbelievable feeling being so close to Uluru! We stopped for photo opportunities, but were always mindful that we needed to complete the 15 km ride and then move onto our camel riding. I loved going around the rock this way and would highly recommend it to anyone. Pat rode too and she showed me up and also enjoyed it! If I go out again, I will do this at a more leisurely pace. We returned the bikes to “Stretch” at Outback Cycling – and we were off in the van heading for the camel riding. The Camel Train was fabulous too, and the narrator, Steve, who walked alongside telling us all about camels and the area was good value. Very interesting how they capture the camels from the wild and break them into doing this type of work. After the ride, it was back into Yulara for a spot of lunch. Pat and I opted for a leisurely drive back to Erldunda after lunch and the others went out to the Olga’s and then back to Erldunda. That is something I will do when we are next here. By late afternoon we were all back at Erldunda, and it was lucky I had made a 2 night booking here as the place was booked out. There had been a huge gathering at Ross River of predominantly single women doing a fund-raiser for breast cancer. That had finished yesterday and many were now making their way home or furthering their holiday. Pat and I thoroughly enjoyed today – I think the plan of only 2 more riding days before hopefully an actual “rest” day is a good one, as today was busy! |
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOING THIS!!Cycle around the base of Uluru at your own pace and in your own time. The 15 km self-guided cycle journey is easily achieved in under three hours with plenty of time to stop and explore the beauty of the spiritual and unique wonder of the world: Uluru. Experience a personal connection to the sacred Aboriginal land whilst stopping to observe historic rock art and wondrous waterholes.
Bicycle hire is available from Outback Cycling's mobile bike shop at the Uluru Kata-Tjuta Cultural Centre. With options for everyone, the whole family can ride around the base of Uluru, getting up close to the amazing sandstone monolith! If you don't have your own transport, our Bus 'n' Bike package is perfect for you. Ensure you bring plenty of water, sunscreen and appropriate clothing for bicycle riding, and most importantly... your camera! Bookings highly recommended!! |