Mt Dare and Uluru

This is the follow up of Simpson Desert and Dalhousie Spring

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The sunrises and the sunsets here are unbelievable. I pack up my camp slowly, enjoying strong coffee and a hearty breakfast. Most of the other campers are very quick. It doesn’t take them long to jump from their cots and start their cars. I’m not in a hurry, today I don’t have long to drive and I feel lazy with the good feeling that I achieved something yesterday.

When I’m ready I first tackle to horrid rocky sections leading out of Dalhouse Springs. It’s unbearable again, mostly the fear that a tyre might burst at any moment. Surprisingly I get out of the stony section without a flat tyre (but it is not too late). Then the dirt road leading to Mt Dare seems a highway, real pleasure.

This is a good part of the track. When I get into the serious rocks I'm not in the mood for photography.
This is a good part of the track. When I get into the serious rocks I’m not in the mood for photography.

Mt Dare is a good place, I only wish it was my next overnighter – it is too early, not lunch yet, but never too early for a beer. I cannot believe my luck to meet the legendary guy called Jeff. He puts up with my awkwardness, and despite my lack of communication skills manages to maintain the lively chat, showing me his machine – a well-equipped Toyota.

Vesko at Mt Dare.
Vesko at Mt Dare.
Mt Dare Hotel.
Mt Dare Hotel.

Then I depart. The road to Stuart Highway is very good (my opinion after the horrid rocky roads around Dalhouse Springs). I wanted to see Finke, appearing as a village on the map, but when I come near I realise it is an aboriginal settlement protected with barb wires and a gate. Never mind then stopping here, I continue towards A 87, and some 150 km later I get to Kulgera Roadhouse on the highway. The fuel here seems prohibitively expensive, so I step on the highway hoping for cheaper fuel at the intersection for Uluru. No such luck – the diesel there is $2.20.

The road to Stuart Highway.
The road to Stuart Highway.
I encounter some livestock.
I encounter some livestock.
I cross into the Northern Territory.
I cross into the Northern Territory.
I see a large lizard.
I see a large lizard.
The large lizard doesn't seem to be aggressive or dangerous.
The large lizard doesn’t seem to be aggressive or dangerous.

It’s amazing – Mike warned me about this scam around Uluru, where some aboriginal people try to stop you on the highway, pretending to be in a car trouble. I knew it to be a scam and still  when I saw a family sitting around a stationary car, I stopped. The man was frantically waving his hands for help. I stopped, but then I quickly run away, when I realised the man was asking if I had some spare beer for them to pass time until the NRMA arrives.

The eerie landscape of this country gets into me. I will grow to like it.
The eerie landscape of this country gets into me. I will grow to like it.
No, this is not the well known rock in the middle of Australia. Apparently there are a few other rocky monoliths around Uluru.
No, this is not the well known rock in the middle of Australia. Apparently there are a few other rocky monoliths around Uluru.
Now, this is Uluru. I will remember forever, that the it could glow pink in the setting sun.
Now, this is Uluru. I will remember forever, that the it could glow pink in the setting sun.

Everything around Uluru is very expensive, not only the fuel. At Curtin Springs I pay $75 for a miserable cabin with space just for a bed, but I don’t care. Tomorrow I will drive to Uluru airport to pick up my girl. I will tell her about my amazing trip, about the desert, about the Canadian backpacker/receptionist at Kidman Camp in North Bourke and the student girls I met at the Bullah Bullah Waterhole.  She will just smile and say: Yeah, right – you have vivid imagination…

Then we will have a few luxury days at Uluru Resort, and we will have a great trip back to Sydney through the Painted Dessert, Oodnadatta track (only one flat tyre, fixed at Williams Creek for $50), the legendary Marie pub and the wonderful Flinders Ranges, Broken Hill, Silverton etc., but this is another trip entirely.

The End

10 thoughts on “My trip to the Red Centre 6”

  1. Sensational trip report Vesko!!! I’m very envious and I agree that your wife will suggest you’re dreaming – they all do. Great stuff mate
    cheers Gerald

  2. Hey Anthony, thanks mate. The Freelander 2 is a great little 4×4 that can punch well above its weight if you lead it appropriately and accept it’s limitations . I find it very comfortable on long trips, regardless of dirt road or tarmac. I have done now numerous similar trips and it have never let me down or disappointed. Highly recommended.
    Good luck!

    1. Thanks, Vesko. I am very close to buying a FL2 (my first) so it was great to hear how it coped with your adventure. I have also just re-read your blog and enjoyed the writing and pics just as much second time around!

    1. Hi Teigan, I did this trip about two years and 30000 km after I bought the Landy brand new. At the time I thought that while the Landie is still new, this would be my best chance to cross the desert and I’m glad I did. Cheers.

  3. Hi, I see you changed to 17 inch wheel/tyre combo. Do you have any details on what you changed to? And was it worth the change? I have same car and on 18 inch (standard 235/60×18), considering a change to 17 inch for more durable tyres – appreciate your views, and really like your website!

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