A Walk Through the Ochre Red Sand Dunes & Captivating Desert of the Australian Outback
From Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge, we crossed the street and made our way through the sea of soft ochre red sand dunes and desert shrubs to reach Imalung Lookout. Along the way, we had many opportunities to observe and admire the fascinating flora and fauna of the Australian desert in the outback.
The land was predominantly flat, dry and barren. Interesting looking trees and shrubs with needle-like pointy leaves populated the land abundantly. We heard birds and insects noisily calling out in the distance but we did not see them. The air was hot and dry, but the heat was bearable because we travelled in spring where the temperature was relatively low. Also, it is the season where there will be less flies flying about to annoy the hell out of us. 😉
The soft sand dunes were in striking ochre red while the crystal clear sky was in the brightest blue I have ever seen! The high colour contrast created a picturesque, eye-catching background for taking beautiful photos. Everywhere we look, it was picture perfect. <3
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A Glimpse of Uluru (Ayers Rock) at Imalung Lookout
Daphne and I reached Imalung Lookout after a 15-minute scenic walk through the sand dunes and desert landscape. At the lookout, we had a good view of Uluru (Ayers Rock) from a distance. It stood out majestically in comparison to the flat landscape surrounding it. 🙂
Fun facts: Uluru is 3.6 kilometres long and 348 metres at its tallest point. It stands 43 metres higher than Sydney’s Centrepoint Tower, 24 metres higher than the Eiffel Tower and is just 33 metres lower than the Empire State Building. Even from a distance, Uluru (Ayers Rock) looked impressive. For now, I can only imagine the large scale of its colossal size if I were to stand in front of it.
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Conveniences & Anangu Aboriginal Cultural Experiences at the Resort Town Square
The Resort Town Square was teaming with life and activities when we got there. There is a post office, supermarket, spa, various restaurants, souvenir shops, tennis court and even a swimming pool and bar at the Resort Town Square! Everything you ever needed or wanted is available at the town square. We bought fresh groceries, pre-packed meals such as sandwiches and chilled drinks there.
Daphne bought a postcard and mailed it back home while I played around with Australia’s famous cork slouch hat. Before this, I didn’t know the use of such an odd-looking hat, but now I know! The hanging corks attached to the hat serve a purpose to shoo away pesky flies and insects from one’s face, especially in the outback during summer where flies and insects are almost everywhere. 😀
Besides providing the necessary conveniences to visitors, the Resort Town Square also offers a wide variety of Anangu Aboriginal and Australian Indigenous culture and traditions experiences where visitors can participate in the free daily activities organised by Ayers Rock Resort’s Indigenous activities team.
Among the activities offered were guided or self-guided bushwalks, learn how to throw a spear or boomerang, listen to the enchanting sounds of the didgeridoo, paint an Anangu aboriginal art or enjoy the traditional Indigenous dance and theatre performances.
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A Magical Sunset & Southern Night Sky Stargazing at Pioneer Lookout
From the Resort Town Square, Daphne and I decided to hop on the free shuttle bus provided by Ayers Rock Resort to get back to our dormitory – Outback Pioneer Hotel and Lodge. For your information, a free shuttle bus circulates the Resort daily and departs approximately every 20 minutes; picking up and dropping off visitors from various destinations/stops within the Resort. 🙂
At the dormitory, we then decided to head out to Pioneer Lookout to watch the sunset. The lookout is located a stone’s throw away from our room and it was an easy walk to reach it. At Pioneer Lookout, we had an even better and closer view of Uluru (Ayers Rock) as compared to the view we enjoyed at Imalung Lookout. This is due to the fact that Pioneer Lookout is located closer to Uluru (Ayers Rock).
We patiently waited for the sun to set and it was not long before we witnessed one of nature’s spectacular shows. Uluru (Ayers Rock) magnificently changed colours and hues as the sun sets. It was a sight to behold! And, the Southern sky gradually changed colours and hues from bright blue to crimson red, dark orange, dark blue and subsequently, pitch black to unfold a breathtaking sky full of stars! With no artificial lights present from urban dwellings to overpower the natural night light, the sky came alive with billions of mesmerising stars twinkling in delight. 😀
We could see the constellations of stars clearly in the sky. We saw the beautiful Milky Way and spotted the Southern Cross too! It was by far, the most magical sunset and precious moment I have ever experienced in my entire life! Hands down to it! I will forever remember this magical moment in Uluru, Northern Territory, Australia. You too should experience it at least once in your lifetime.
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Up next: 3D/2N Uluru – Kings Canyon – Uluru Camping Tour by Emu Run Tours