TeamBray - Camping and 4x4 adventures

2016 RoadTrip Uluru - Uluru - Sunrise Camel Ride

Our third day at the Rock and we were up early at 5.30am for a Sunrise camel ride. The kids were super excited about this.

Our camels were named-Jill, Buddy & Diesel and we were led by Dean & Greg. This tour was very well done and fun. It felt like we were in the outback - finally. It didn't even really matter that we didn't get a spectacular sunrise due to it being overcast. Once back at the farm we were welcomed with hot tea and damper. Nathan enjoyed a few hot chocolates as well.

It was great hearing about how the camels are rounded up in the wild. A group set out and bring them back, on camel back, approx 3 weeks. It was rough camping conditions and they mentioned that SPAM was always in their camp box - which gave Colin the idea that we needed some. It (Spam) wasn't quite the hit he had hoped with some of us.

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2016 RoadTrip Uluru - Olgas & Lights

Today was all about the Olgas. A short drive back into the National Park and we were at the first of two main walks. No-one was really keen a 3rd straight day of walking so we opted for two short walks. To top it off it was cold and windy.

For 1 year only there is a artist display called the Field of Lights. We went on the Stars tour via a Couch ride to the location. Here we were served drinks & Canapés including- Kanagaroo, Emu, Croc.

It was an amazing experience to be able to walk through the lights.

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2016 RoadTrip Uluru - Kings Creek Station to Yulara

We were sad to leave the quiet, peaceful camp at Kings Creek Station. We would definitely stay here again.

The kids said good bye to the resident camel and cows.

It was exciting to be finally arriving at the key destination of this trip. We have seen and done so much already it was easy to forget that the Rock was our goal.

Along the way we stopped at the big red sand dune lookout for Mt Connor and the salt flat behind.

It was a competition to see who would spot Ayres Rock first - NATHAN won!

After setting up in the Yulara Campground - we headed for the Rock. We were surprised how small the campsites were. We were camped on top of our neighbours. Strange seeing that there is so much space out here. The amenities were adequate but you had to time your shower to ensure hot water. Lucky we didn't come here for the camping.

Once we got through the National Park check point - that will cost you $50 for a family for 3 days entry, we headed to the main carpark area. The climb was closed due to windy conditions so we decided that the walk around the base was doable. 11km?? Who were we kidding. We didn't really think this through but headed off for the long walk. It was a great way to see the Rock from all different angles.

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2016 RoadTrip Uluru - Kings Canyon Rim Walk

A cooked breakfast was the way to get the energy we were going to need today. The Rim Walk at Kings Canyon. It's a 5.5km walk with at least 500 steps up and 450 down. We were going to feel it in our legs today.

It was all smiles as we headed off but these soon turned into grimaces. It was a hard climb for some of us.

The climb is definitely worth it. At the top there are some amazing views as you walk your way around the top of the canyon. We were a little worried when we saw the defibrillator at top.

This was a very welcome sign for Amanda. Her legs weren't coping. Just under 3 hours and we were back at the car.

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2016 RoadTrip Uluru - Alice Springs to Kings Creek Station

The landscape seemed to change as we headed further south and then west towards Kings Canyon. A fuel stop at Earldunda enabled us to find the best sausage roll in the outback. Yum!

A quick lunch stop at a road side picnic area ended up being quite memorable with a Dingo coming through.