After about a 3.5-hour flight from Sydney to Ayers Rock, Uluru appears in the distance in the heart of an increasingly red landscape. The airport—and the resort located about 8 kilometers away—seem lost in this vast ochre wilderness. Our destination today: Kings Canyon, 305 kilometers away.
AAT Kings guide and driver, Dan, is waiting for us by the baggage carousel, ready to share these five days of adventure in the Outback with us.
The bus takes us down the Lasseter Highway to our first stop, about sixty kilometers away, Curtin Springs, where our lunch awaits. Ash and Lyndee Severin, the owners of the cattle station, welcome us to this property of over 1 million hectares—larger than Belgium—with its 4,000 head of cattle. Travelers stop here to refuel, have lunch, dinner, or even stay overnight.
The station is ideally located between Uluru and Kings Canyon Resort, and only 35 kilometres from Mount Conner, a magnificent 300-meter-high rock formation which is part of the property and that many mistake for Uluru when they get to the Red Centre. SEIT organizes tours to Mount Conner from Ayers Rock Resort. Curtin Springs is also famous for its 'Paper Tour,' which showcases arts and production of a unique paper made onsite from local bush plants such as spinifex.
** To learn more about Curtin Springs, click here **
Two hours later, Kings Canyon emerges from the semi-desert as the sun slowly sets on the horizon, setting the rocks ablaze. We drive up to the Kings Canyon Resort, a welcome oasis amid the rugged and majestic landscape. The resort's architecture blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings, its earthy tones mirroring the red hues of the canyon walls a few kilometres away.
As we step into the reception area, we're greeted by the warm smiles of the staff. Check-in is swift, and soon we're handed the keys to our Deluxe Spa Room. Excitement builds as we make our way through landscaped pathways lined with native flora. Opening the door to our room, we're immediately struck by its spaciousness and elegance. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer panoramic views of the surrounding outback, and the décor reflects a tasteful fusion of modern comfort and local charm.
I set my bag down and explore the amenities. The centerpiece is undoubtedly the spa bath, positioned to allow a serene view of the bush and ochre rocks around. Deciding to unwind, I fill the tub with warm water and add the aromatic bath salts provided. As I soak, the fatigue from the journey dissipates. The sky outside transforms into a canvas of vibrant oranges and purples, the sun making its final descent.
After this spa indulgence, I step out onto the private balcony. The air is crisp, and the sounds of the wilderness create a symphony of tranquility.
With the gentle sounds of the night lulling, I drift off, content and eager for what tomorrow will bring at Kings Canyon.
