ULURU: We checked out of our hotel about 7:00 on the 19th and grabbed a taxi to the airport where we had a 9:30 departure to Uluru or, for those who have trouble pronouncing the name, it is called Ayers Rock. Here’s the link for more information Uluru. After checking our bags, we found a place for a sit down breakfast. Time passed quickly and, before we knew it, time had arrived for us to get to our gate. Boarding went smoothly which has been the case for every domestic Australian flight we have had; we figure that is because they use both doors so the front of the plane loads at the front and the back of the plane loads in the back. Another interesting contrast is checked bags are not by the number of bags but overall weight so, if you had 2 checked bags, as long as the total combined weight was under 50 lbs. there was no charge. Had a very smooth flight and was greeted by a bus from our resort which shuttled us to our home for the next two nights Desert Gardens Hotel. Our room was not available so we walked to the resort town square and found the Kulata Academy Cafe for a late lunch.
After eating we explored a few shops and then visited the Wintjiri Arts and Museum. The art gallery is Indigenous and the museum provided insight into local and resort history, geology, floa, fauna, and Aboriginal culture. Upon our return to the hotel, we were able to get into our rooms. That evening we had reservations for the Field of Lights dinner. A bus picked us up and delivered us to the viewing platform overlooking Uluru and, while the sun sat, we ate canapés and drank sparkling wine. Once it became dark, we made our way to our dining table which we shared with 5 women from Australia. There was a buffet incorporating native ingredients such as crocodile, kangaroo, barramundi, and qua song. After dinner, an astronomer decoded the southern night sky for us. We then proceeded to walk among the field of lights by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro who has come ‘home’ to the place which inspired it…Uluru. The field was filled over 50,000 slender stems crowned with glass-frosted spheres. A magnificent sight! A bus brought us back to the hotel where we retired to our respective rooms around 11:00.
On Wednesday I got up around 4:30 a.m. in order to get on the bus for the Uluru Sunrise and Kata Tjuta Valley of the Winds tour at 5:10. We traveled to the Kata Tjuta National Park where we walked to the viewing platform that afforded us great views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta while the sun rose over them. Before leaving the bus, we were given coffee and a cold breakfast box so I drank and munched while enjoying the fascinating landscape/view in front of me. Another ride in the bus took us to Kata Tjuta where we enjoyed two walks by the Valley of the Winds. Because we did not bring any water, we were not permitted to take the more strenuous walk into the valley but did an alternative. Both walks were awesome with the first being to the Karu lookout and the second Walpa (windy) Gorge. Not only did we get a good view of the desert landscape but a close up view of the amazing formation of Kata.
Back at the hotel, we went to the hotel restaurant for lunch in the relaxing atmosphere of the outside patio. After lunch, Barb and I walked to another hotel where we had an appointment for facials plus foot/leg massage at the Red Ochre Spa. Total relaxation for close to 2 hours; it was heavenly! On our way back to our lodging, we went to the post office, bank, and supermarket. Went our separate ways until shortly after 7:00 where we gathered for a drink and dinner. All of us were very tired so went to our respective rooms about 8:30. I rearranged my luggage for the next day’s departure and was in bed by 9:30 with lights out.
This morning we got up for an early plane ride to watch the sunrise; Mortimer came along. What a spectacular sight! Our female pilot was very knowledgeable and provided all of her 6 passengers with great photo opportunities. Very smooth landing and we took a bus back to our lodging.
Decided to take the luggage down to the lobby, check out, and leave it in holding until our bus arrived for the airport. Walked into the town square where we visited the few shops and had coffee/muffin at a cafe. Walked back to the hotel, stopping at the cultural museum on the way. We were…basically…killing time.
CAIRNS: Arrived back at the hotel and waited for the bus to arrive. Once it did, luggage was loaded and we drove to the airport. Went thru check in and discovered Qantas charged luggage by number of bags and not total weight; after a re-shuffle, we managed to have one check in with two carry on for no extra charge. Our flight provided us with a meal of chicken pie plus drink for no extra charge. Arrived at Cairns, retrieved our luggage, and called the car rental agency where Bill had booked a car. The representative was waiting for us, drove us out of the airport to a place where Bill got instructions on the car operation, signed off on the rental papers, and became our driver. It was now dark but we were able to find our way the Trinity Beach and the beachfront apartment we had rented. Very nice place! After settling in, we walked to Blue Moon for dinner. Good food and very interesting menu. Returned to our apartment and settled into our respective rooms for the night.
On Friday, we gathered in the kitchen for instant coffee; we decided to get some supplies later in the day. Here is the link to Cairns for more information Cairns. Left our lodging, after putting in a load of laundry, for Cairns Botanical Gardens where we parked and found a cafe for breakfast. After eating, we explored the gift shop and walked the gardens. Beautiful, beautiful displays which we thoroughly enjoyed. Link for the Gardens Botanical Gardens.
Left the gardens and drove into Cairns where we located the pier we were going to depart from the next morning for an overnight in the Great Barrier Reefs. Had lunch at ThaFish which was by the harbour and very good food. Went into a few shops and walked to where our boat the next day was departing; talked to the owner to make sure we had all the details. Drove to a local liquor store where we made some purchases and a popular grocery store throughout Australia called Woolworths. Purchased dinner and breakfast supplies, including coffee. Settled onto the patio for some wine and cheese/crackers. After relaxing for an hour or so and retrieving our laundry from the dryer, made preparations for our 2-day adventure on the Great Barrier Reef. Since we had to be up by 6:00, went to bed early.
Saturday, the 23rd, we prepared for our overnight journey to the Great Barrier Reef. After a light breakfast, we headed for Pier A at Cairns. Since we were early, we found a harbour side cafe for coffee.
At the appointed time, we boarded our sailing vessel called the Coral Sea Dreaming minus our shoes; all shoes are removed before boarding and not given back until final docking so everyone were barefoot for the trip. There were 11 passengers and 3 crewmen on board. It took over 4 hours to reach the reef where the first dive/snorkel took place; all total, we went to 3 different reefs during the two days. I made the decision not to snorkel but to stay on board; the openness of the ocean without land in sight “freaked” me out. After the first dive and lunch, of sandwiches and salad, the ship went to the second dive area where we spent the night. Bill did 2 dives and was going to do the night dive but had problems with the mask he was wearing which caused irritation to his eyes so night dive was out. Watched the sunset and had pasta dinner provided by the crew. Adjoined to my private cabin (it was about the size of my entryway back home but with a lower ceiling), read, and fell asleep. Rose the next morning to watch the sunrise with a cup of coffee in hand. After a light breakfast, another dive was made. We then moved to the third reef where the final couple dives along with snorkeling occurred; after diving, Bill went with Barb for a snorkel.
A late brunch was prepared and after eating, the ship pointed back to Cairns where we arrived about 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Drove back to our apartment where I took a shower and got into clean clothes. All were tired so decided to eat on the patio and not go out for dinner. In my room with lights out by 10:00.
Monday was our last day in the area and spent it going to Kuranda Village which was established in the late 1880’s; here is the link Kuranda Village. The village had butterfly and bird sanctuaries that we wanted to visit. Took the train up to the village and the sky rail back. Walked to the butterfly sanctuary, stopping at a shop to purchase a gift for a friend. Really enjoyed walking through the butterfly area; we were fortunate for have a knowledgeable guide with us and she explained the whole development process of the butterfly.
We found a cafe for lunch across the street from the sanctuary; I had a cold beer and sandwich. Next we went to the bird exhibit; an area filled with Australian birds free to fly or perch on trees or bushes to their content. Barb had the unfortunate experience of one crapping on her face and blouse; not a pleasant experience.
Since we were to catch the sky rail around 2:00, we only had a half hour to shop and get gelato. On our way, Barb purchase a t-shirt to replace her soiled top. Did find gelato and ate on our way to the station. The sky rail made two stops; one at Barron Waterfalls and the second at Red Peak. We got off at both places and walked the designated trails plus went into the museum at Red Peak.
Arrived back to the starting point and after exploring the gift shop plus purchasing a picture of the three of us in the sky car, we went back to our apartment where I organized my luggage for our departure the next day to Brisbane. We walked to a waterfront Italian cafe and had dinner of lasagna which was quite rich. Back at the apartment, I read for awhile and turned off the lights around 9:30.