Paddy & Jen Adventures

Our first adventure in the Northern Territory was a visit to Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Words and photos will not do this special place any justice. It was so incredible to ride our bikes around Uluru and spend sunset nearby watching the rock radiate such beautiful colour. We also did a couple of brilliant walks at Kata Tjuṯa (the Olgas) which were just as jaw dropping. We got up early to join the crowds who gather for sunrise. Could have done without the crowds but we overlooked this to enjoy the spectacular sunrise showing off the beauty of Kata Tjuṯa and in the distance Uluru. We were fortunate to catch up with friends in Yulara, Naomi and Steve Stewart (from our kids junior footy days). I had seen on social media they were at Uluru and I reached out to make sure we did not miss them. We were so grateful to spend some time with them in such a stunning location.

We left Uluru and headed to Kings Canyon, Watarrka National Park, Central Australia. Another place that leaves you in absolute awe. That evening we watched sunset at a platform/ bar that was set up at the edge of the caravan park. We enjoyed watching the sandstone rocks in the distance change colour as the sun dipped behind their peak. There was a young guy playing a few tunes too which added to the ambience. Once the sun went down we headed back to the van as it was very cold. As we approached our van Paddy spotted a dingo hanging around our van door. It didn’t stay too long and we managed to get in without being eaten!!!

The following morning we did the 7km Kings Canyon Rim Walk. This walk started with about 500 steps straight up the rock and we were both puffing big time when we reached the top. From there it was a majestic walk around the rim of the red sandstone canyon, with spectacular views of the rock formations (haha another brochure steal!!). Part of the walk takes you down to a permanent waterhole called the Garden of Eden, a stunning sacred site with plenty of greenery around. It was amazing to see the huge rock walls surrounding the waterhole too. All up we walked the canyon for over 3 hours but left feeling exhilarated.

I spent the afternoon cleaning red dirt off the outside of the van. No idea why when it was only going to get filthy again a day later! We had a quick chat to some lovely new neighbours and then headed off to another walk in Kings Canyon, the Kings Creek walk, which runs through the base of the gorge. It gave us a different view of the canyon, this time we were on the ground looking up at the rock formations. Flies were horrendous and we both needed our fly nets!! We met a French family along the walk who were visiting Australia for 3 months and we enjoyed our conversation with them. Proud of our beautiful country.

We made it back to the car just in time for sunset, which we watched from the side of the road a few km’s from our caravan park. We came prepared with the nibbles and enjoyed the sun setting on the canyon. Back at the van we caught up with our new neighbours, Steve & Sheryl and invited them to join us after dinner. They are a lovely couple from Lorne in Victoria and we hit it off straight away. We had a fun night chatting and getting to know them. It was incredible how much the four of us had in common. Our dingo friend visited a few times too, but thankfully kept his distance!

The following morning we farewelled Steve & Sheryl and headed to Rainbow Valley Conservation Reserve, about 75km’s south of Alice Springs. More stunning rock formations to camp beside but unfortunately we were distracted by more red dirt getting inside the van where it shouldn’t get in. Frustrating for us as we have so many more dirt roads to travel. We plugged up where we could for the 20km off road track out of there and headed the next morning to Alice Springs.

Both Paddy and I had decided that day that we were both really ready to pull up stumps for a bit. We had been on the go for a fair while and just needed to chill. We chose the G’day Mate Caravan Park in Alice Springs to stay at as my cousin Sue and her husband Timmy worked there for a bit during their travels around Aus. The staff were so excited to hear we were related and were very welcoming.

We stayed a week in Alice Springs and although the town has its complex challenges, it was enjoyable and overall we felt safe. I found a hairdresser to help cover my greys and we even went to watch the local footy at Traeger Park. We had a few laughs at their annual beanie festival and enjoyed a great bike ride along the very dry Todd River to the Telegraph Station. We met up with friends of Paddy’s sister Bernie from her time living in Alice Springs. Vicki and Kev (brother boy) are two well known indigenous people who live and work in the area. We thoroughly enjoyed our chat with these two wonderful people.

We were also joined at the caravan park by Steve & Sheryl for two nights and we had the best time with them. Plenty of laughter and shared stories. Sheryl and I went to a pilates class together, whilst the guys had a few at the brewery. We joined them there for dinner, along with an unexpected trivia night which we were convinced we would win! How wrong we were! Anyway, it was truly amazing how similar the four of us are and we have no doubt we will catch up with them again in our travels. I need to hear Paddy and Steve have a jam on their guitars together & who knows Sheryl and I may even sing a tune or two (not!). How incredible is the universe when it brings lovely new friends in to your life during your adventures.

Check out our photo gallery page (link is top right of this page) to watch the video my talented hubby has put together on our central Australia adventures so far….just breathtaking! Below are a few other snaps of our last two weeks.