BLACKBOOK FLIGHT OF FANCY On-demand helicopter rides –from a 15-minute rock-top fly-by to all-day journeys across nearby Kings Canyon – offer lofty perspectives on the desertscape below. aatkings.com LET THERE BE LIGHT Artist Bruce Munro’s spectacular Field of Light comprises more than 50,000 frosted-glass spheres that illuminate the sky across 49,000 square metres at the base of Uluru. ayersrockresort.com.au NATURAL HIGHS Uluru’s Infinite Splendour N othing encapsulates the raw beauty of Australia’s rugged outback like this sunset-orange rock, jutting majestically from a vast meadow of sandy scrubland in the country’s Northern Territory. While several generations of visitors have scaled the spiritually significant sandstone colossus, a 2019 law banning the popular climb will finally give due respect to its sanctified standing among surrounding Aboriginal tribes. Still, there’s no dearth of adventure in the shadow of this 348m-tall monolith. Here’s a look at the most exciting activities on offer. ♦ TAKING THE PLUNGE Get a bird’s-eye view of the area’s spectacular burntorange landscape – and a jolt of adrenaline – on a scenic, 3,700m parachute jump with Skydive Uluru. skydiveuluru.com.au HOG HEAVEN Hop atop one of Uluru Motorcycle Tours’ Harley Davidsons for a wind-in-your-face race around the rock at sunrise or sunset. fb.com/ ulurumotorcycletours DINING ON THE DUNES Savour the stillness of the desert night – as well as locally inspired delicacies liked smoked kangaroo, pan-seared scallop or fermented quandong – at an alfresco Tali Wiru dinner. Easily one of the most romantic tables down under, the once-in-a-life experience comes with a side of striking vistas of the rock and the faraway domes of Kata Tjuta. ayersrockresort.com.au/tali-wiru BUMPY RIDE Saddle up for rustic cameltop trudge across primordial terrain – and learn about the region’s unique flora and fauna along the way. ulurucameltours.com.au SCENIC STAYS Of the Ayers Rock Resort’s five retreats, SAILS IN THE DESERT (ayersrockresort.com.au) is the pick of the lot, offering up 228 chic rooms and suites, a huge pool surrounded by gum trees and the Red Ochre Spa. Über-luxe accommodations can be found at LONGITUDE 131° (longitude131.com.au), a lush desert base camp, where private tented pavilions are accented with panoramic balconies and indigenous art, and a fine-dining restaurant tempts with locavore fare and vintages. KLAS FAHLEN 28 DEPARTURES-INTERNATIONAL.COM CONTACT PLATINUM CARD SERVICE FOR BOOKINGS
Escape the Concrete Jungle Sample exquisite cuisine, stay at charming inns and take in the sights and smells of the countryside on a wind-in-your hair adventure across picturesque landscapes, all just a short drive away from some of the world’s busiest metropolises. For expertly crafted journeys beyond the urban buzz, check out our curated road-trip itineraries, online now. Visit departures-international.com/roadtrips Exclusive Launch Sponsor
