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4 Days in Uluṟu & Kata Tjuṯa, NT

If it isn’t already Uluṟu should be on your bucket list! It is honestly such a magical place, rich in culture, dreamtime stories & history. 

The red centre at the heart of Australia which beats to the sound of the didgeridoo and glows a majestic deep red at sunrise & sunset. The continually changing colour is mesmerising! Just a 3hr 20min flight from Sydney, I highly recommend everyone to spend a few days here.

Travel Requirements

First things first let’s get the travel requirements out of the way.

As of 15.02.2022 before you travel to Uluṟu you’re required to : 

  • Be fully vaccinated (with supporting evidence)
  • Fill in the linked Border Entry Form 
  • Download the Territory Check In App

*please check the upto date requirements before departure as these are subject to change.

Where to stay in Uluṟu

All the hotels are based in Yulara, a small town 25km from Uluṟu. You can use this website to explore the different accomodations.

  • Sails in the Desert
  • Desert Gardens Hotel
  • The Lost Camel
  • The Pioneer Outback 
  • Emu Walks Apartments
  • Ayers Rock Camping Ground

We stayed in Sails in the Desert, in terms of price the cheapest room is $427 per night.

The staff and service were amazing. When we arrived they gave us a welcome drink and an ice cold flannel to freshen up with. The hotel breakfast was also lovely.

The only thing I would say is at the minute the hotel pool is under maintenance. We were allowed to use the pool in the neighbouring resort ‘The Lost Camel’ which was a saviour in the heat! In terms of price comparison The Lost Camel is cheaper than Sails in the Desert. As you have to use The Lost Camel pool at the moment I’d suggest if you are coming here before 31st March 2022 book The Lost Camel accommodation for the pool & price point! 

  • Sails in the Desert Buffet Breakfast
  • Pool we were able to use at
    The Lost Camel
  • Pool at Sails in the Desert currently under construction

Temperature

This time of year (February) is extremely hot. Our temperatures averaged 39°. You need to get out and do tours/ explore early morning or evening. During the day from around noon to 5pm we spent our time at the pool or relaxing in the aircon. Drink plenty of water!

Things to do in Uluṟu 

Note that all tours will include your transfers to and from your accommodation. You will be given your pick up time on confirmation of booking. I would also recommend pre-booking the activities/tours as they can book up during busy periods.

Field of Light

The Field of Light is an art installation of over 50,000 lights bringing the desert alive at night. The cost was $44 per person, you can book it here. It’s pretty cool, colourful lights as far as the eye can see. It’s a bit tricky to photograph just how beautiful it is.

Field of Light

Helicopter Ride over Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa 

This was my top experience, it was incredible to see both Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa at a close proximity from the sky!

In terms of price I booked the 25minute flight which cost $275pp. There are a few other options the cheapest from $150pp lasting around 15mins. I would say when you’re in the helicopter the time goes really quick. If you have the budget i’d recommend the longer flight.

Helicopter Ride

Sounds of Silence, Dinner Experience

Dinner in the desert under the stars, it doesn’t get much better! For me Sounds of Silence was a really magical experience. I booked it for my partners Birthday Meal and overall the experience was just incredible. 

Price $234pp includes the following:

  • Welcome drinks & outback style canapé’s to watch the sunset. 
  • A three-course bush tucker inspired buffet & beer/wine
  • Didgeridoo performance
  • A guided tour of the night sky (we saw a shooting star!)

You’re transported out of town to the outback landscape. You are greeted with champagne and canapé’s as the sunsets in the background.

When the sun is almost set you’re taken on a short walk through the red sand to your dinner setting, greeted by a Didgeridoo performance and alcoholic beverages. We watched the remainder of the sunset over Kata Tjuṯa as our dinner was served.

After dinner the table lights are turned off, and you’ll be blown away by stars above! A tour of the stars accompanied with indigenous stories about the stars and the constellations and how they used them to navigate the land.

It’s not cheap, but it’s something that will stay with you forever. You can book it here.

Sounds of Silence

Astro Tour

We had an incredible tour guide called Todd who was so knowledgeable and informative. He took us on a tour of the night sky pointing out different stars, planets, constellations and letting us view them through a telescope. The cost was $55pp and it latest about 1.5hours.

Uluṟu Base Walk

You have a few ways to do it –

  • Segway Tour
  • Walk the 10km loop (start early morning in hot weather)
  • Ranger led Mala walk

The Ranger led Mala walk starts at 8am daily and is free. It’s a great way to see Uluṟu up close and learn about the sacred Angula land.  

FLY NETS! The flies are pesky, I would recommend buying a face covering net for both the Uluṟu Base walk and the Kata Tjuṯa walk.

Kata Tjuṯa Valley of the Winds trail

Uluru’s next-door neighbour is NOT to be missed! Offering a stunning 8km walking trail that takes you through to incredible viewpoints. Again you need to go early in the hotter months to avoid the midday heat. In the hot months the longer track closes at 11am whenthe weather is forecast above 36 degrees.

This walk offers a lot of variety, the many domes of Kata Tjuṯa were just as incredible to see as Uluṟu.

Sunrise & Sunset Viewing Point near hotel

The viewing point was just a 5 minute walk from our hotel and provided us with some magical moments. Ask your accomodation for directions from where you’re staying but it isn’t far.

Car Rental

You can rent cars in the Town Square, there’s Trifty & Hertz. 

Car rental was $220 per day, fuel was $2.35 per litre 

Airport Transfers

Your accomodation offer free airport transfers. 

Hop on hop off bus

There is a free hop on hop off bus which stops at the following resorts Desert Gardens, Sails in the Desert & the campground. The stops you can take the bus to include the Mutitjulu Waterhole, Kuniya Piti, Mala Carpark and The Cultural Centre all at Uluṟu.

For Kata Tjuṯa you can take the hop on hop off bus for a sunrise departure (4:55am). You will stop at Sand Dune for sunrise viewing and then you can either do the Walpa Gorge walk (1hour) or the Valley of the Winds walk (3hours). The bus will take you back to the resort for either 9am or 11am depending on which walking track you choose.

Ask your hotel for the bus timetable.

Our Itinerary

Friday: Flight, Hotel checkin, lunch, explore the Town Square, pool, Dinner, watched sunset at viewing point near hotel, Field of Lights 8:25pm

Saturday: Breakfast, Helicopter 9:40am, pool, lunch, car rental (drove to Uluru), Sounds of Silence 6:35pm – 10:35pm.

Sunday: Drove to Uluru for sunrise and guided ranger walk 8am, drove to Kata Tjuṯa walked Valley of the Winds, drove to other viewing points, dropped off car rental, pool time, went to The Outback Pioneer for dinner, Astro Tour 9:35pm – 11:15pm

Monday: Sunrise at viewing point near hotel, breakfast, Town Square walk, Checkout 10am, Airport transfer 10:55am.

All in all we had an incredible time here and would really recommend you go see it all with your own eyes! Pictures don’t quite do it justice! If you have any more questions please reach out to me and I’ll be happy to assist as best I can.

Instagram @gemken_ where you will see highlights of my time spent in Uluṟu.

The many changes colours of Uluru during sunrise
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Day Trips/ Hikes in NSW, Australia

Palm Beach

The perfect day trip from Sydney, approximately 1hr 15m drive from Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Things to do around Palm Beach:

1. Hike up to Barrenjoey Lighthouse

The Lighthouse 113 metres above sea-level, the highest point of the Barrenjoey Headland.

It’s very short but steep steps / hill up depending which route you decide to take.

We always go up the steps and come down the other side in a loop. I recommend you do the loop so you can take full advantage of the different view points.

It’s not the longest, toughest hike but the beautiful panoramic costal views & the lighthouse make it a must do!

2. Take a picnic to the beach

Pack your swimmers & a sandwich. After you finish your walk around the lighthouse set up for a chill afternoon on the beach.

3. Home & Away Set

Palm Beach is famously known as Summer Bay in Australian TV Show Home & Away. The outdoor set includes the beach area, the outsides of some of the houses, the exterior of the Surf Club and Alf’s Bait Shop.

Filming takes place Mondays, Tuesdays & sometimes Wednesday’s. If you go on at the beginning of the week there’ll be a high chance of seeing the cast, production & filming.

You could also book onto a tour if you’re a super fan! The Tour departs from Sydney, the guide will share all the inside knowledge & facts about the show whilst taking the scenic route to Whale Beach, Avalon Beach and Bilgola Lookout. All while passing famous filming locations and beautiful costal views.

4. Surfs up!

Take surfing lessons at the southern end of Palm Beach. This end of the beach is sheltered, calm and provides constant gentle waves making it one of the best spots around Sydney to learn to surf.

5. Ride the ferry to Ettalong from Palm Beach Wharf

Take the ferry from Palm Beach to Ettalong, a pretty beach town. The ferry departs hourly from Palm Beach Wharf and takes 25 minutes, passing between Barrenjoey Headland and Box Head.

6. Pittwater Discovery Kayaking Tour

Just a 15 min drive from Palm Beach you can rent kayaks and go to remote beaches. You can opt for a half or full day guided tour exploring bush & beaches.

7. Newport Arms Hotel

We always stop in here for food on the way home from Palm Beach. It offers a variety of different cuisines throughout the venue, from wood fire pizzas, bar food, steakhouse, seafood.. there is plenty to choose from.

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Day Trips/ Hikes in NSW, Australia

Curra Moors Loop Track, Royal National Park

Trek through bush to ocean views & Eagle Rock. I highly recommend this adventure just be sure to bring plenty of water & suncream if you are doing it on a hot day. I also recommend starting it early morning before the midday sun.  

The terrain is mostly sandy/ slightly uneven in places, particularly at the beginning. Overall its quite flat, not too challenging and the views are absolutely stunning.

  • HIDDEN GEMS: Curra Moors

Destination: approx 44km drive from Eastern Suburbs (50minutes).

Distance: 10km

Difficulty: Medium, mostly flat land.

Getting there: Drive to Curra Moors carpark on Sir Bertram Stevens Drive, Royal National Park NSW.

Parking costs: $12 per vehicle; free for NSW National Parks annual pass holders

Essential Gear

  • Comfortable footwear/ hiking shoes
  • Water
  • Hat
  • Suncream
  • Sunglasses
  • Snacks
  • Camera
  • Swimmers (optional if you fancy cooling off)

If you wish to attend a HIDDEN GEMS event please sign up to the email list and join the Facebook Group here for upcoming adventures.

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Information for travelling to & from Australia.

Update as of 2/2/22

Current rules for travelling to Ireland:

– Fill out Passenger Locator Form linked here

– International vaccine certificate

– if you have proof of vaccination or proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the prior 6 months you do not have to do a PCR pre-departure COVID-19 test. (This it for arrival in Ireland please check your airline requirements & countries you are transiting through as some airlines/ countries may require a negative PCR to fly/ transit)

You can keep up to date with government requirements in Ireland here

Current rules for travelling to UK:

– From 4am on 11 February all testing requirements will be removed for eligible fully vaccinated arrivals, that being said I recommend checking your airline & transiting country requirements

Passenger Locator Form (PLF) now required (click here for form)

– Arrivals who are not recognised as fully vaccinated will need to take a pre-departure PCR test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after they arrive in the UK.

Current rules for travelling to Australia

– Official certification of double vaccination.

– Negative pre departure PCR taken within 72 hours of flight departure time

⁃ Travel Declaration Form completed 72 hours before linked here

– Rapid Antigen Test when you arrive

– No quarantine for international arrivals into NSW, VIC, NT, QLD, SA

I can’t believe I’m **finally** back writing another blog post for help and tips on TRAVEL!!! 🥳 ✈️ At long last!

Here are the steps I followed leaving Australia to make the long awaited return home. First off my flight was Sydney > Doha > Manchester > Dublin

What was required?

Negative PCR

PCR can’t be any earlier than 48 hours before departure.

You can either:

Book a PCR with Medlab, research your nearest location. Cost: $120

OR

Do the PCR at Histopath in the airport it’s cheaper and you get an instant result (within 90mins you can queue for checkin whilst waiting) $79

You can register for the test here. There is no need to make an appointment, just show up in good time to airport and do it before checkin!

Applies to Sydney, Melbourne & Brisbane Airports. Histopath is just across from Gate D at Sydney International Airport.

PLF : Passenger Locator Form

We had to do a passenger locator form for UK & IRELAND because we were transiting through Manchester airport.

Here are the links:

Ireland can be completed 72 hours before departure linked here .

UK can be completed 48 hours before departure linked here

If you are transiting through the UK or it is your final destination you will be required to book and pay for a day 2 PCR (£45 was the cheapest we found through the link on government website, when you get to the section about your PCR booking number on the PLF you’ll see a clickable link directing you to all the purchasing options, we went with Vital)

International Vaccination Certification

You need to download your international vaccine certificate from the Medicare app.

If you are having any issues go into Medicare and they will print it for you. If you do get them to print it off for you, take a picture so you can keep a digital copy too.

Tips

– Print out all documentation.

– Allow extra time for checkin. It took us 1.5 hours just to get checked in & bags dropped off.

We got to the airport 4 hours before. It gave us plenty of time to get everything sorted and organised. There’s a lot of queuing as everyone is experiencing international travel for the first time in 2 years (ALOT has changed!), Many people hadn’t all the correct documents which slows up the checkin process. Make your life easy and arrive with all your documentation printed out and ready to go.

– I also recommend you keep an eye on the official government website of the country you are travelling to & your airline for any changes to rules & requirements as they do change often.

All in all it wasn’t stressful on the day. We had a smooth journey home to the Emerald Isle just in time to spend our first Christmas in five years with our beautiful families! 😭🥰

The return journey to Australia

I will update with links/options and added tips when I get myself organised for the journey back to Australia.

Requirements thus far;

– Valid Visa (you can apply for a Working Holiday Visa here, tourist visas aren’t available at the moment)

⁃ Negative PCR within 72 hours* before departure (I will be booking with Randox it costs £55)

⁃ Travel Declaration Form completed 72 hours before linked here

⁃ International Vaccination Certificate

⁃ PCR; fully vaccinated international passengers arriving in NSW must get a PCR (nose and throat swab) test within 24 hours of arrival and self-isolate until they receive a negative result. Take another PCR test on day 6.

⁃ At the moment there’s no quarantine for fully vaccinated arrivals from Ireland/UK, however Australia change things quite rapidly so keep an eye here to find out any change in details.

*keep an eye that it doesn’t change to 48 hours as the UK changed theirs the day before our flight home from 72 to 48hours.

Happy Christmas everyone 🎅 Wherever in the world you are spending the holidays I wish you all the joy and happiness. For those of us not so fortunate in being able to leave Australia, I hope all your Christmas wishes come true in early 2022. Big love to everyone and especially those finding it tough.

Xxx