Having to roll out of my bed at Ayer’s Rock Resort I felt more like a zombie than my normal self. Pre-dawn has never been my friend, and compounding late nights leading up to the trip and a 5am wake-up call meant I was tired and in need of coffee o’clock to happen sooner rather than later.
But one of the highlights of the trip to the Red Centre was about to happen – and my first experience ever – of riding a camel, and seeing the sunrise over Uluru.
Annabel from Get in the Hot Spot and I rode Tanami, named after the Tanami desert in the North-West of the Northern Territory.
It was my first ride and I couldn’t stop laughing as Tanami stood up and we settled into life onboard!
Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olga’s, with our camel train!
The morning sun really put on a show as the sky turned to pinks and purples, the colours I had hoped to see during the Uluru sunset.
Heather, our super guide and chief speed demon around the Red Centre. and Mark from Travel Wonders riding on the ‘Honeymoon’ camel – the anchor camel at the end of the.
Annabel and I patting the ‘puppy dog’ of the group. He kept showing me his teeth… I think he forgot to brush that morning!
The site we’d been waiting to see – Uluru with an almost white sun rise!
The skilled cameleers filled us in with information about the camels, the bush, and life in the Red Centre – and they weren’t half bad on the eyes either!
Details
As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
17 Comments
Antoinette | love.antoinette
September 12, 2012 at 12:19 pmAmazing post and photos Nicole! I unfortunately missed out on Ulura when I went to Australia back in January. I’ll definitely have something to come back to! This post also reminded me of my first camel ride in Egypt. Wasn’t it hilarious? Especially when you had to lean all the way back!
Nicole
September 14, 2012 at 4:45 pmI was petrified I was going to fall off when they said lean backwards! I think I thought I’d bump into the camel behind me haha.
Hope you manage to get back to Australia to see the Red Centre. It really is a stunning place. 🙂
Bianca
September 12, 2012 at 7:52 pmIt’s worth getting up at sunrise for the soft light that makes every photo look stunning.
I’ve been to Uluru 3 times. It’s an amazing place and somewhere everyone should make the effort (and it is an effort) to visit.
Nicole
September 14, 2012 at 4:46 pmAgreed Bianca!
I don’t usually see sunrises (I like my beauty sleep) but it was so magical with the light pinks and blues as opposed to the darker purples at sunset.
Annabel Candy, Get In the Hot Spot
September 12, 2012 at 8:51 pmHi Nicole,
Didn’t we have a lovely time the time we rode a camel. Apart from the freezing cold of course which is my excuse for wearing that hat! We look so happy though and for good reason:) We’re notching up quite a few cool travel experiences together aren’t we?!
Nicole
September 14, 2012 at 4:47 pmHaha, at least you were warm in your hat. I was freezing! But it was worth it for the experience.
Kyoto, the Red Centre – I think we’re doing quite well! Wonder where our roads will cross next? 🙂
Brenda
September 14, 2012 at 12:45 amThat must have been such an amazing experience. Love the photos
Nicole
September 14, 2012 at 4:48 pmIt was a fantastic experience, Brenda. Hope you can take part in a sunrise camel ride one day soon!
Tom @ ActiveBackpacker
September 14, 2012 at 4:30 pmBeautiful photos and looks like a lot of fun. Love the shot of the puppy dog camel, he looks cute 🙂
Nicole
September 14, 2012 at 4:48 pmThanks Tom!
The puppy dog camel, I wish I could remember his name, was really cute – except when he kept showing me his teeth which I swear he forgot to brush that morning. 😛
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December 11, 2013 at 7:51 amI’ve been twice at Uluru but not on a sunrise camel tour. It seems to be really interesting! Gorgeous photos!
Angus Pryor
March 4, 2014 at 9:44 pmSeeing Uluru at sunrise was one of the best things I’ve done. But never on a camel! Great photos
Samantha Proctor
September 17, 2015 at 4:40 pmHey there!
I love all your photos from your trip to Uluru! It truly is such a magical place in Australia!
I think everyone needs to go when they visit Australia!
Thanks for sharing your experience!