Sydney, Uluru and which wine area?
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
Sydney, Uluru and which wine area?
My wife and I are arriving in Sydney on Thursday, August 22 and have 13 days in Australia. We return to the U.S. on Wednesday, Sept. 4. I believe this is near the end of wintertime? We are not beach goers or into athletic endeavors. Also, we will not rent a car. Uluru is on my wifes bucket list (therefore, non-negotiable ) and she is looking at a 4 night/3 day package at the resort.
I thought that we would spend the night of our arrival in Sydney to get over the long flight. Were thinking of flying to Uluru on the next day, 8/23 and departing on Tuesday 8/26. We definitely want to spend the last 3-4 nights of our trip in Sydney.
What Im looking for is help to fill in the blanks between Uluru and Sydney, which would be 4-5 days that need filling. We are thinking about going to a wine area and saw that there are wine tours to the Blue Mountain region that involve overnight stays.
I would appreciate any suggestions on places to visit and time frames. We have some flexibility in our schedule. Yall give me some great help back in January when I was in Sydney for the first time, only for 2 1/2 days. I have wonderful memories of the friendliness of the people there. Thank you in advance.
I thought that we would spend the night of our arrival in Sydney to get over the long flight. Were thinking of flying to Uluru on the next day, 8/23 and departing on Tuesday 8/26. We definitely want to spend the last 3-4 nights of our trip in Sydney.
What Im looking for is help to fill in the blanks between Uluru and Sydney, which would be 4-5 days that need filling. We are thinking about going to a wine area and saw that there are wine tours to the Blue Mountain region that involve overnight stays.
I would appreciate any suggestions on places to visit and time frames. We have some flexibility in our schedule. Yall give me some great help back in January when I was in Sydney for the first time, only for 2 1/2 days. I have wonderful memories of the friendliness of the people there. Thank you in advance.
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,920
A very good time of the year to visit. Getting towards spring and will not be hot/cold in the red centre.
Does the Uluru package include flights?
If not you could fly to ADL and visit the Barossa and/or McLaren Vale. 10 times better than the Hunter
Both area will have tours you could take from Adelaide (no self driving)
SYD-ASP-AYQ-ADL-SYD Link----> Great Circle Mapper
Edit
Does the Uluru package include flights?
If not you could fly to ADL and visit the Barossa and/or McLaren Vale. 10 times better than the Hunter
Both area will have tours you could take from Adelaide (no self driving)
SYD-ASP-AYQ-ADL-SYD Link----> Great Circle Mapper
- https://southaustralia.com/travel-bl...5-wine-regions
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Australian_wine
- The 5 greatest wine regions in Australia to be enjoyed
- Adelaide | South Australia | Great Wine Capitals
Adelaide is the capital city of the state of South Australia and the gateway to 18 distinctive, world renowned wine regions. Located between the white sand beaches to the west and the cool, rolling hills to the east, Adelaide boasts an eclectic small bar scene, restaurants that embrace Australias cultural diversity and the most vibrant food market precinct in the country.
Edit
Last edited by Mwenenzi; May 7, 2019 at 2:59 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Massachusetts, USA; AA Plat, DL GM and Flying Colonel; Bonvoy Platinum
Posts: 24,221
While you're in the Red Center/Centre, if your fitness level is up to it (I saw where you wrote that you're "not into athletic activities) I'd suggest hiking Kings Canyon. It's a three-hour drive from Yulara. You can rent a car or sign up for a day trip. I hiked it a bit less than three years ago. While I am used to hiking, I was 74 years old at the time, and I suspect you are quite a bit younger. I did not find it particularly strenuous, and definitely found it worth the time. An online search for photos will give you an idea of what to expect there.
#4
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,241
If you are going all the way to Uluru, it makes total sense to spend more time in the red center. There's so much to see.
I agree with Efrem that King's Canyon is a great option. It is a long, but not particularly strenuous, hike. There's a bit of an easy incline to start but once you get to the top it's just a stroll (but a long one). Up to you if that is the sort of thing that interests you.
Perhaps fly to Alice Springs and spend a night or two there, do some day trips, and see the wonderful Kangaroo Sanctuary (where you can hold a baby Joey on their sunset tour).
Here are some photos of mine from the Red Center
I agree with Efrem that King's Canyon is a great option. It is a long, but not particularly strenuous, hike. There's a bit of an easy incline to start but once you get to the top it's just a stroll (but a long one). Up to you if that is the sort of thing that interests you.
Perhaps fly to Alice Springs and spend a night or two there, do some day trips, and see the wonderful Kangaroo Sanctuary (where you can hold a baby Joey on their sunset tour).
Here are some photos of mine from the Red Center
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
A very good time of the year to visit. Getting towards spring and will not be hot/cold in the red centre.
Does the Uluru package include flights?
If not you could fly to ADL and visit the Barossa and/or McLaren Vale. 10 times better than the Hunter
Both area will have tours you could take from Adelaide (no self driving)
SYD-ASP-AYQ-ADL-SYD Link----> Great Circle Mapper
Edit
Does the Uluru package include flights?
If not you could fly to ADL and visit the Barossa and/or McLaren Vale. 10 times better than the Hunter
Both area will have tours you could take from Adelaide (no self driving)
SYD-ASP-AYQ-ADL-SYD Link----> Great Circle Mapper
- https://southaustralia.com/travel-bl...5-wine-regions
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Australian_wine
- The 5 greatest wine regions in Australia to be enjoyed
- Adelaide South Australia Great Wine Capitals
Edit
Im still reading thru the Adelaide material, but it seems very intriguing and doable. Ill be asking more questions after I get through that material. Thanks for the great suggestions, so far.
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: MEL CHC
Posts: 20,920
QF fly SYD-ASP-AYQ
Have not checked VA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayers_Rock_Airport
Some more info on the area here (open the wiki)--> Oz Fest #11. "The Red Centre" Australia. Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, 2014
edit
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kings_...hern_Territory)
The walls of Kings Canyon are over 100 metres high, with Kings Creek at the bottom. Part of the gorge is a sacred Aboriginal site and visitors are discouraged from leaving the walking tracks.
Three walks exist at Kings Canyon. The two km (return) and approximately one-hour Kings Creek Walk traces the bottom of the gorge. At the end of the walk is a platform, with views of the canyon walls above. The six km (loop) Kings Canyon Rim Walk traces the top of the canyon and takes three to four hours to complete.[1] A steep climb at the beginning of the walk, which locals call "Heartbreak Hill" (or "Heart Attack Hill", due to its steepness), takes visitors up to the top, with views of the gorge below and of the surrounding landscape. About half way during the walk, a detour descends to the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by plant life. The last half of the walk passes through a maze of weathered sandstone domes, reminiscent of the Bungle Bungle. A slow descent brings the visitor back to the starting point. The loop can also be done in reverse (anti-clockwise), but the National Park Rangers encourage visitors to walk in one direction. Access to the walk may be restricted during hot weather.[2] The 22 km Giles Track connects Kings Canyon to Kathleen Springs and is popular with more adventurous hikers.
Three walks exist at Kings Canyon. The two km (return) and approximately one-hour Kings Creek Walk traces the bottom of the gorge. At the end of the walk is a platform, with views of the canyon walls above. The six km (loop) Kings Canyon Rim Walk traces the top of the canyon and takes three to four hours to complete.[1] A steep climb at the beginning of the walk, which locals call "Heartbreak Hill" (or "Heart Attack Hill", due to its steepness), takes visitors up to the top, with views of the gorge below and of the surrounding landscape. About half way during the walk, a detour descends to the Garden of Eden, a permanent waterhole surrounded by plant life. The last half of the walk passes through a maze of weathered sandstone domes, reminiscent of the Bungle Bungle. A slow descent brings the visitor back to the starting point. The loop can also be done in reverse (anti-clockwise), but the National Park Rangers encourage visitors to walk in one direction. Access to the walk may be restricted during hot weather.[2] The 22 km Giles Track connects Kings Canyon to Kathleen Springs and is popular with more adventurous hikers.
Last edited by Mwenenzi; May 8, 2019 at 9:29 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
While you're in the Red Center/Centre, if your fitness level is up to it (I saw where you wrote that you're "not into athletic activities) I'd suggest hiking Kings Canyon. It's a three-hour drive from Yulara. You can rent a car or sign up for a day trip. I hiked it a bit less than three years ago. While I am used to hiking, I was 74 years old at the time, and I suspect you are quite a bit younger. I did not find it particularly strenuous, and definitely found it worth the time. An online search for photos will give you an idea of what to expect there.
#9
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
If you are going all the way to Uluru, it makes total sense to spend more time in the red center. There's so much to see.
I agree with Efrem that King's Canyon is a great option. It is a long, but not particularly strenuous, hike. There's a bit of an easy incline to start but once you get to the top it's just a stroll (but a long one). Up to you if that is the sort of thing that interests you.
Perhaps fly to Alice Springs and spend a night or two there, do some day trips, and see the wonderful Kangaroo Sanctuary (where you can hold a baby Joey on their sunset tour).
Here are some photos of mine from the Red Center
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149998...57673508059797
I agree with Efrem that King's Canyon is a great option. It is a long, but not particularly strenuous, hike. There's a bit of an easy incline to start but once you get to the top it's just a stroll (but a long one). Up to you if that is the sort of thing that interests you.
Perhaps fly to Alice Springs and spend a night or two there, do some day trips, and see the wonderful Kangaroo Sanctuary (where you can hold a baby Joey on their sunset tour).
Here are some photos of mine from the Red Center
https://www.flickr.com/photos/149998...57673508059797
#11
Join Date: May 2006
Location: GA
Programs: VA-PLT, QF-GLD, DL-GM, UA-ex1K, AA-exPLT, HH-DM, IHG-PLT, MR-GLD
Posts: 8,241
We did the King's Canyon walk in 3 hours from car park to car park. I would call our pace 'leisurely'. Keep in mind King's Canyon is a long drive from Yulara and you really need to start the hike early in the morning or else the heat will make it not very fun.
Yes, we got a proper welcome from the NT's finest
Yes, we got a proper welcome from the NT's finest
Last edited by CPMaverick; May 8, 2019 at 9:56 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,925
JQ fly SYD AYQ
QF fly SYD-ASP-AYQ
Have not checked VA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayers_Rock_Airport
QF fly SYD-ASP-AYQ
Have not checked VA
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayers_Rock_Airport
#15
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: California
Programs: AA EXP...couple hotels and cars too
Posts: 4,548
I can recommend dinner at the McGill Estate Restaurant by Penfolds. Astonishing dinner and wines....https://www.penfolds.com/en-us/visit...ate-restaurant
If you get down to ADL...
If you get down to ADL...