Our pilot gave an informative commentary, pointing out landmarks along the flight path including Kata Tjuta National Park with its large domed rock formations, and the Finke River, which is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest river in the world.
It runs from the MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory to the western edge of the Simpson Desert in northern South Australia, a distance of almost 700km. It's usually a string a water holes, but when the rain comes, it becomes a raging torrent.
At Ayers Rock Airport, we were met by our tour guides for the day, who loaded up the bus and took us to a picnic spot very close to The Rock.
Before setting out on our trip it was important to eat, and a brilliant picnic lunch was set up. As we took photos and chatted with fellow adventurers, the guides pointed out features around us and gave us a few dos and don'ts.
The traditional caretakers of Uluru, the Anangu, discourage people from climbing the Rock and there are certain areas where you can and can't take photos.
Sacred sites are off limits, but there are, of course, plenty of places to get your memorable shots.
Once we had packed up lunch, we headed to Uluru. The ancient monolith is impressive. It stands more than 860m above sea level and has a circumference of 9.4km. It towers above you when you are alongside it and there is an amazing feeling of spirituality.
We visited a cave with ancient rock drawings, which was the meeting place for the local people. Our knowledgeable guides were able to explain their meanings, which I found fascinating.
We also saw the Mutitjulu Waterhole, home to Manapi, an ancestral water snake.
Arriving back at Alice Springs, we were collected by bus and returned to the Ghan with enough time for a quick freshen up before being transported to the historic Alice Springs Telegraph Station for an Outback barbecue, complete with a local band, a chat about the night sky from a very entertaining astronomer and complimentary camel rides.
The three-course meal was washed down with the best Australian wine and beer. A fine end to our incredibly memorable visit to Uluru.
Checklist
GETTING THERE
Pukekohe Travel's Outback to Orient tour visits Uluru as part of The Ghan train journey from Darwin to Adelaide.
