A special weekend at the Ayers. Rock Resort to celebrate 30 years since the handover of this national park from the Australian Government to the traditional custodians, the Anangu People. The Australian Chamber Orchestra has arranged a series of concerts to acknowledge the event.
Early start with a 5am bus from Canberra to Sydney and 9.30 flight to Ayers Rock, arriving at midday.
Our first impressions were of the redness of the soil and the flatness of the land apart from massive rock formations, Uluru and Kata-Tjuta. Brilliant views as we flew into the National Park,
Our hotel in the resort is the Desert Gardens. The whole resort is owned by Voyages, which means that everyone staying in various hotels can all use the common facilities, regardless of the hotel level - pools, restaurants, shops.
A range of restaurants and cafes for all occasions. Wonderful presentation, views and artefacts.
Something for everyone.
A humpy - A reminder of timeless indigenous culture. The Anangu people have the distinguished reputation of being the world's oldest continuous culture, passing down the same traditions for 30,000 years.
Indigenous theme in light fittings.
And more..
Modern designs incorporating traditional patterns.
Even the pizzas continue the theme.
Some eye-catching craft objects.
Early morning Uluru tour.
Sunrise.
Uluru is revealed as the sun rises.
Glowing landscape.
We continued the tour with an introduction to the dream stories of the rock.
Fascinating walk to see the rock up close and personal.
Painting caves used for generations for passing traditional knowledge.
A waterhole in the rock. It is not used for drinking. This area is on a huge artesian basin so water is plentiful for local communities in the National Park and the resort. It has the second largest desalination plant in Australia.
Native fig. Nourishing bush tucker.
Vivid fungi
Corellas.
A well-camouflaged lizard.
The Australian Chamber Orchestra - three concerts with themes of seasons and place.
Guest didgeridoo player, Mark Atkins.
Lovely surprise to run into Sue, whom we met walking the European Peace Walk in August.
M&M
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