We began our mid-winter break with a few days in Adelaide with Tim and Lyndall. They have just completed a fabulous restructuring in their garden - unfortunately I didn't get to photograph it. We all went to the Clare valley for the weekend and spent the night in this delightful B&B.
This photo at the miners' dugout homes at Burra may be highly significant - it could be the last time Phil looks down on Tom.
Note the croc lurking.
Along with several hundred others from around the world we waited for the sun to set at Ubirr in Kakudu.
And it was worth the wait.
Then 2 nights in these safari tents at King's Canyon - they were great even though it was around zero overnight.
This photo at the miners' dugout homes at Burra may be highly significant - it could be the last time Phil looks down on Tom.
Then off to Darwin - this is Marg's deck with a view to the guest annexe. She probably won't forgive me for saying this but it is a great place to stay - self contained and overlooking the swimming pool.
From there we drove to Kakadu. These photos will give you a flavour of some of the highlights.
Tim and Lyndall insisted we do the sunrise cruise at Yellow Waters in Kakadu and we were so glad we did even if it meant a 5.30 wake up call.
Note the croc lurking.
Along with several hundred others from around the world we waited for the sun to set at Ubirr in Kakudu.
And it was worth the wait.
We drove down to Alice in AM's 4WD, spending a night at Mataranka where we had a long soak in the thermal pool.
Then 2 nights in these safari tents at King's Canyon - they were great even though it was around zero overnight.We walked the rim of King's Canyon - around 4 hrs - simply amazing. Note the people standing on the mound to appreciate the scale of this place. The shapes and colours are breathtaking.
I like to photograph people on our travels but given the sensitivity of the situation with indigenous Australians at present this is the closest I got - a group sitting in the dry Todd River bed in Alice.
Devil's Marbles
Ellery Gorge
Devil's MarblesEllery Gorge
More of Ellery Gorge
Standley Chasm
Uluru is a very special place. It is majestic at any time of day. We did the base walk one afternoon - it takes around 4 hours.
Uluru at sunrise - so nice to have your own private ranger to make a fire and fresh coffee while you enjoy the view.
Another day we did the Valley of the Winds walk through Kata Tjuta - the Olgas. Just wonderful - takes about 3 hours - challenging in parts, scrambling up over the huge rocks but spectacular.
Standley Chasm
Uluru is a very special place. It is majestic at any time of day. We did the base walk one afternoon - it takes around 4 hours.
Uluru at sunrise - so nice to have your own private ranger to make a fire and fresh coffee while you enjoy the view.
Uluru at midday
Uluru at sunset
Another day we did the Valley of the Winds walk through Kata Tjuta - the Olgas. Just wonderful - takes about 3 hours - challenging in parts, scrambling up over the huge rocks but spectacular.
Sunrise
Later in the day on the walk
Later in the day on the walk
On our last night we treated ourselves to a wonderful dinner. It began with drinks on the sandunes watching the sunset over Uluru - note it peaking out behind Phil.
Followed by a silver service meal looking out over Kata Tjuta ( the Olga's) - chilly but very special.
Followed by a silver service meal looking out over Kata Tjuta ( the Olga's) - chilly but very special.
A visit to the centre wouldn't be complete without seeing Sturt's Desert Pea.
