Desert Awakenings

Itinerary:

Travel away from the crowds to a secluded sand dune to watch the spectacular sight of sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. In the company of your expert guide and with no more than 20 other passengers, Desert Awakenings is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region. Arrive at the private dune top viewing area well before the sun breaches the horizon. As a traditional bushman's breakfast is being prepared over the fire, the guide will explain the retreating star scape above. Enjoy a cup of billy tea and damper as the sunrise brings spectacular views of Uluru and the vast landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. After breakfast the guide will explain the natural history of the region, and as the daylight reveals the myriad of animal tracks in the sand; an insight into what activity took place during the night. Next depart for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and stop at the Cultural Centre; a vibrant and engaging place of learning where the local lore of the Anangu (Aboriginal people) is explained in fantastic detail. Next head off to the Rock where a short walk into Mutitjulu waterhole is taken. A visit here will help to appreciate its cathedral like proportions and why it is such a powerful and spiritual place for visitors and Anangu alike. The guide will explain some of the rock paintings and some of the stories from the creation period as told by the Anangu people. Desert Awakenings is an experience that delivers insight into the ancient landscape, ecology, culture, heritage, and history of Australia's spiritual heartland.