Australia,  The Archives,  The places we've been

The Magical Land of Uluru

November 13, 2025 /

Last year, Abbott announced that Sydney would join Boston, Chicago, New York, London, Berlin and Tokyo, as the newest World Marathon Major. Since our world-famous kidney donor athlete had already conquered the original six, off to Australia we went! Stephen asked me what I wanted to see there and my very first answer was…the magical land of Uluru. Join us this week for a walk about in the land down under!

Getting There

We lucked in to two Delta One seats on our way from LA to Australia. The trip from Sydney to Uluru, however, was a touch LESS glamorous. And really, other than the leg room, we found Jetstar to be very serviceable, efficient, and punctual. And in the end, isn’t that what REALLY counts?

Jetstar jet on the tarmac in Sydney
Jetstar jet, which boards from the tarmac
Two people on an airplane, looking uncertain about their journey
Our “uncertain” faces
Picture of a man’s knees right up against the seat in front of him in an airplane
Not much clearance

Sails in the Desert

Our home away from home for the first three days was Sails in the Desert. It is one of four resorts in Uluru and is by far, the most luxurious.

Lobby of the Sails in the Desert. It is a glass building, surrounded by white sails suspended from poles
The Sails at Sails in the Desert
Lobby and artisan shop at Sails in the desert
Lobby and artisan shop at Sails
In-ground pool with bright blue water at Sails in the Desert
A little TOO cold for swimming
King sized bed in the middle of the room at Sails in the Desert. The area rug under the bed display colors reminiscent of the desert
A balcony, a king bed, and an area rug that highlights the colors of the desert

Around the Village

From our room, we took a stroll to the town square, which contained everything you need for a comfortable stay. They had:

  • a post office
  • a green space, where the local folks liked to hang out
  • souvenir shops
  • an IGA
  • and LOTS of feathered friends!
Vast green lawn, surrounded by eucalyptus trees and a bright, blue sky
The town square
Pigeon with a crested head, walking on a red side walk, next to red earth
Crested pigeon
Colorful birds in the eucalyptus trees in Uluru
Australian Parrots

Not Usually Buffet Fans But…

Our first night at the hotel, we opted for the buffet at the Ilkari restaurant. Though we aren’t USUALLY buffet people – you HAVE to to see the spread! The bread station ALONE made us want to eat there. This was followed by the seafood bar and ALL the desserts.

Multiple loaves and slices of bread displayed on a counter at the Ilkari buffet.
All the breads at Ilkari
Seafood bar at Ilkari. Displayed are oyster, shrimp, muscles and calamari
SOOO much seafood!
Bar displaying meats, including a platter of ribs at the buffet at lkari
Ribs and MORE!
Dessert station at Ilkari restaurant, featuring a white and milk chocolate fountain
Yes, that IS a white and milk chocolate fountain!
Refrigerator full of desserts, including a platter of crème brulee at Ilkari
Look at the crème brûlée!!

Sunrise Hike around Uluru

The next morning, we met our tour guide at 6 am to head to Kata Tjuta National Park. Before setting off, our guide, Dmitri, gave us packs that included snacks, water, lunch and a thermos of coffee. Since it wasn’t even 40 degrees that morning, we were SO happy for the cup of happiness.

As we walked around Ayers Rock, we learned the stories of the indigenous people, called the Anangnu. Uluru is still used to teach younger generations about their history and the structures in the rock serve as proof that the stories are true.

Orange sunrise against black desert and trees in Uluru
Sunrise at Kata Tjuta
Daybreak at Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Uluru, Australia
Daybreak near Ayers Rock
Guide for the sunrise hike at Uluru
Dmitri, our righteous hike guide
Team heading off on the hiking tour at Uluru
Hiking tour group

Different at Every Angle

From a distance, Uluru resembles a loaf of red bread in the desert. But as we approached, we marveled at how different it appeared every where we looked.

Mound of Uluru, made of red earth and showing striping
First, displaying stripes
Lighter red rocks, broken off from the main structure at Uluru
Lighter red color and broken rocks
Golden colored rock making a cave at Uluru
Golden colored cave at Uluru
The rusty looking red rocks of Uluru
The rocks appear to be rusting!

So Many Surprises

Besides the sacred stores, we had so many moments of delightful surprise – including that we were allowed to walk in the caves and TOUCH the rock.

Rock structure that looks like the face of a whale
Whale face rock
Man standing inside a large cave at Uluru
Stephen standing in a cave and TOUCHING the rock!
Calm water pool in the middle of red rocks at Uluru
Oasis in desert
Cave paintings at Uluru displaying a white feather
Feather cave painting
Cave painting featuring drawn animal prints at Uluru
Animal print cave drawings

Dinner in Desert

That evening, we went back out to the desert to enjoy a sunset dinner, called Tali Wiru. In the indigenous language, this means “beautiful dunes”.

Man playing a didgeridoo in the desert. He is seated near a ring of benches.
The evening kicked off with music performed on digeridoo
Woman holding a champagne flute filled with rose wine in the desert
We were also greeted with many glasses of sparkling rose
Menu on white paper in a leather book, on a teak table. Behind it is a glass of rose and a table lamp.
Seating at our table for two, with the tasting menu

And then MORE Magic Happened

Once the sun went down, things ONLY got better. Not only was the sky AMAZING, each course was a work of art!

Clouds that are pink and red as a the sunsets in Uluru
That sunset!
Wooden platter with loaves of bread and a pat of butter, sitting on a teak table. Behind it is a table lamp and the desert.
First course, warm bread loaves and herbed butter
The amuse bouche, which is in a white bowl with a foamy top
Very amusing bouche!
Black round plate containing a fillet of barramundi.
Fillet of barramundi
Dark sky with the galaxy and stars visible
The sky was so dark, we could see nebula and satellites going by!
Apple pudding in a small bowl, covered by a thin skin of caramel. Sitting on a white place. Behind it is a dessert wine.
Dessert AND dessert wine!
Circle of people seated around a bon fire in the darkness of Uluru
Bonfire and First Nation stories closed the night, while we sipped hot chocolate and brandy

After just three days and two nights in Uluru, we had to say goodbye. We will never forget how amazing it was to be there. Ayers Rock and the desert is truly a magical place. It’s no wonder that for tens of thousands of years, humans have stood in awe of its beauty.

As wonderful as it was, we had more of Australia to see. Next up…Melbourne and the Great Ocean Road. If you thought Uluru was great…hold on to your hat! We will share with you some of the most beautiful coast lines in the world. AND you’ll hear how Stephen did driving on the LEFT side of the road!

If you enjoy these stories from around the world, consider subscribing today for free. And you can always follow us in real time on Instagram at The__Travel__Oracle. Until next time!

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