Unfortunately our last few days in Perth reflected the poor performance of England's cricket team at the WACA after I had to have some antibiotics to treat a nasty stomach bug and spent most of the weekend chilling on the sofa. However, on our last evening we enjoyed a meal with Jo and David at sizzlers and then a stroll in Kings Park to hear the end of the 'Carols by Candlelight' concert. As we looked across the beautiful view over the city our evening was topped off wonderfully by a fireworks display. The perfect send off and reflection of an amazing 10 days we`d had in Perth!

As we waved a teary goodbye to Jo and David at the airport we were sad to be leaving but looking forward to our 3 day camping trip to Uluru...the outback here we come! After an interesting flight over the red centre were we managed to catch sight of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) before landing in Alice Springs, a lovely little town that would be our base for that evening. We checked into Alice Lodge a great little backpackers place before making food and getting an early night before our 6am pick up.

Tuesday morning we were picked up by Jared our tour guide for the next 3 days along with 20 other tourists of varying nationalities from Czech to Korean to German! We were soon introduced to one another and barriers were broken as Jared got us all to write our names in ornage marker on the windows of the bus and then take the mic and provide various details including our first kiss and favourite oz destination.

We soon learnt that Uluru was a long way away from Alice Springs as we drove for around 5 hours the first morning until we arrived at Kings Canyon. Here we loaded up with plenty of water in our rucksacks, slip slap slopped and put on our hats. We looked like true explorers (kind of). We enjoyed a 4 hour hike through the 'Lost City' and seeing the 'North and South walls'. Halfway we were all very excited to swim the 'Garden of Eden' after walking in 30C heat. Im sure you brits back home cant imagine this heat right now! On the way to Curtis Springs were we set up camp for the night we collected wood by the roadside and enjoyed watching the moon coming up before the sun set. After an amazing camp fire meal we all settled down in our swags under the stars and got some sleep ready for another big day tomorrow.

After a 4.30am start on Wednesday we went to Kata Tjuta were we did the 'Valley of the Winds' walk which was around 9km. Halfway round Jared informed us greatly on aboriginal history and we had chance to ask him lots of questions that had been on our minds since the start of the tour. I have to say that the vastness of the Northern Territory is amazing and very mystical. The significance of Uluru and the whole area to the aboriginals is interesting to say the least and you do often look around in amazement at the beauty of this place. That evening we drank a few tinnies (yes we are getting into the aussie slang!) as we watched the sunset over Uluru. We also visited the cultural centre at the site and had a short base walk around some of Uluru. To see the rock change colours is magical and something we will never forget. On our way back to the campsite Jared managed to do about 20 turns in the car park whilst blasting us out as usual with his tunes and we all sang along to some great classics just loving the moment. I know ive said this before but this is definately the life!

Yes on Thursday we had another 4.30am start but it was abit more exciting as we got to walk up to a more remote spot were we made breakfast and watched the sunrise over Uluru. Again...spectacular! By 9am we`d all managed the 10km base walk all the way around the rock and were pleased to meet Jared back at the bus who had somehow managed to change into a santas outfit. We all got candy sticks and hats, this would definately not be a christmas we would forget in a hurry!

Although a 6 hour drive back to Alice Springs sounds like a drag, I dont think I could ever tire of looking out of the window over the landscapes of the Northern Territory. Just beautiful and we hope you enjoy the pictures as much as we did taking them. Ash topped off his trip with a camel ride at the local camel farm. We definately slept well that night as we pondered over the amazing trip we`d just made (1000km just over) and the fascinating culture of the aboriginals. One we will never forget!