For many Aussies, a trip to the Northern Territory is rightly at the top of the bucket list. The iconic sites, including Uluru and Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas) are must-sees – but another NT destination, Kings Canyon (Wattarrka), is well worth the trip, too.
Top Views
A three-hour drive from the rock, it’s one of Australia’s – if not the world’s – most spectacular canyons. From the unforgettable views from the 100-metre high Kings Canyon Rim Walk, to the peace of the Garden of Eden waterhole at the base, this special and sacred site is unforgettable – and not just because of the steep ‘Heartbreak Hill’ walk up to the top. Yes, my legs and feet ached for days but was it worth it? Also yes!
Most guides suggest making the ascent in the early morning to avoid the heat of the day, which means that once completed (allow for about four hours to fully explore the site), the rest of your day is free for some well-earned relaxation.
Rest and Relax
I stayed at the nearby Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, in one of the newly refurbished deluxe rooms. The bathtub with a view over the escarpment was the perfect way to soak weary muscles after the morning’s hike! A leisurely dip in the pool and a cool and refreshing beer at Kings Canyon Bar & Grill later in the day also went down an absolute treat.
Let There Be Lights
Of course, Uluru is known for having so many beautiful technical displays to complement the stunning natural surrounds.
The award-winning Field of Light display was created by artist Bruce Munro, with an exhibition named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakunytjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’. It is the size of more than seven football fields, and is made up of 50,000 spindles of light.
Another incredible feature at the Discovery resort is the recently opened Light-Towers installation. Created by British artist Bruce Munro – the same man responsible for the magical Field of Light Uluru display – Light-Towers is an immersive sound and light creation that comes to life during the Sunrise, Sunset and By Night sessions.
“I hope Light-Towers will be a place where people can reconnect with nature and themselves and escape the noise of the every day in an incredible location,” Bruce explains.
To wander amongst the maze of towers, with the majestic Carmichael Crag and Georg Gill Range as a backdrop, is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Made up of 69 illuminated two-metre high cylinders, the solar-powered towers change colour, with the installation accompanied by composer Orlando Gough’s soothing music.
Successfully mixing a remote and ancient landscape (home to the local Luritja people for thousands of years) with stunning modern art and facilities makes for an unforgettable stay. If Uluru is on your bucket list be sure to add Kings Canyon, an equally magical corner of the Northern Territory, too.
Looking for your next Aussie getaway? See the sights of Uluru with Flight Centre
The Uluru and Field of Lights package includes a 3 night stay at 4-star accommodation, return transfers, and a range of complimentary activities. See the full details below, and click here to book now.
Title: Uluru and Field of Lights
Price: $1699* for two
Savings: SAVE up to $410*
Description:
- 3 nights 4-star Desert Gardens Hotel in a Standard Room
- Return Ayers Rock Airport transfers
- Use of Resort Shuttle Bus Service Indigenous Activity Program with a range of complimentary
activities - Uluru Sunrise Field of Lights including transport with AAT Kings
- Uluru Sunset BBQ with Emu Run Experience
- Free Wifi
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