Day 26: Erldunda - Ayers Rock/Uluru - Olgas/Kata Tjuta

The wind was blowing strongly during the night. It is also windy in the morning and therefore 'a bit' cool.

Samuel and Michi start the day with soccer training. After breakfast, a visit to the kangaroos and emus, and filling up our Maui with fuel, we set off towards Ayers Rock - the landmark of Australia at 10:30 am. In Erldunda, you turn off the Stuart Highway and drive straight for 240 km. The kids sleep during the drive. I study the travel guide and Michi tries to keep the camper in the lane. Which is not always easy. Once we get hit by a gust of wind and catapulted onto the opposite lane. There is a bit more traffic here than usual, but fortunately, no one is coming towards us at this time. We arrive at Ayers Rock Resort at 1 pm (here we have mobile reception, some accommodations, a gas station, a shop...) and check in at the campground for 2 nights at camping spot number 18.

Across from us is an Australian family with two children aged 3 and 4. Samuel is extremely happy to finally have playmates his own age. He is now a frequent guest at our camping neighbors. To Samuel's great delight, the girl lends him her bike and he can ride a few laps around the campground. We have a small meal outside and then head to the pool. There is a lot going on here and we meet the French couple again, whom we already met on the Ghost Gum Trail in the West Macs. The swimming fun only lasts shortly because a thunderstorm is approaching. We prepare the camper for the trip to explore Ayers Rock and the Olgas. Fortunately, the rain is short-lived and the sun and a rainbow appear quickly. Perfect weather for our tour.

At the gate, we pay our fee and continue, always keeping Ayers Rock in sight. Really fascinating. A real power place!

We decide to take a detour to the Olgas/Kata Tjuta. It's about 45 km each way. The rock domes are already visible from a distance. We don't find the viewpoints here particularly special and decide to drive back to Ayers Rock for the sunset. Luckily, we have enough time for that.

The sunset parking lot just after the gate is already bustling. We park and bring our camping chairs. It's funny that we chose a spot right next to people from Tyrol and we also meet our camping neighbors. Unfortunately, some clouds have gathered again after the rain, but we still experience a breathtaking sunset at the Egg Rock (according to Samuel).

November 18, 2016

Overnight stay: Ayers Rock Campground (2 nights 88 AUD, large site with pool and playground, families with small children are staying at the campground for the first time and Samuel is very excited about the playmates of the same age)

Weather: cloudy to sunny, windy, afternoon thunderstorm & rain, 33 degrees Celsius

373 kilometers traveled today out of a total of 3,333 km