Have you ever decided on a whim to throw caution (and budgets) to the wind and splurge on something that turns out to be one of the most breathtaking experiences of your life so far?? I seem to be becoming a bit of a fiend for this, and my latest splurge of a joy flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta did not disappoint.
We decided on a sunset flight hoping for some spectacular colours and were excited to learn that for some reason we were the only 2 booked for that afternoon – we would have a plane to ourselves! 
As our little aircraft took off from Uluru airport, I saw why people may have decided against a flight that afternoon – it was pretty hazy. I was miffed.
Oh well, I would just have to make the most of it. We passed Uluru and although it was hazy, it was still beautiful. 
Then we neared Kata Tjuta and I had to remind myself to keep taking photos. What from the ground looked to be domes nowhere near as impressive as Uluru turned out to be the most incredible rock formations I’ve ever seen.
As we circled around, the view constantly changed and I could see the valleys in between, the green edged water run offs from the rain a few weeks back and the incredible colour glowing in the late afternoon sun.
I was almost considering asking our pilot for a second pass and to skip Uluru altogether I was so impressed. I’m so glad I didn’t, as even though another turn around Kata Tjuta would have been amazing, the Rock beckoned and proved that she wouldn’t give up her outback title without a fight.
Again, my preconceived ideas were turned on their head, and Uluru turned out to be every bit as spectacular from the air as Kata Tjuta.
The usual ‘loaf’ shaped image that had always been in my head was sliced as we flew past incredible striations, ripples and folds. We could even see pools of water catching the light at the top.
As the sun sank lower, the colour intensified lighting up the rock with an almost theatrically improbable glow.
We needed to be back by dark, so with great regret we turned back toward home. Over my shoulder the show continued and I could see Kata Tjuta putting in a final attempt to claim top billing.
Back at the airport with my feet on the ground, my head was still in the clouds reliving the incredible sights we’d just seen. It had looked to be a stunning sunset even from the ground with clouds catching the last of the light, but nothing can compare with that joy flight.
If you’ve made the trek out to Uluru, do not hesitate to have an opportunity to see it from the air – you won’t remember how much it cost next year but the memories of it will last a lifetime.
Where's Wiwi? 
What an amazing place. Those arial wide-field shots with the low sun angle are just amazing.
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Thanks Jon! It really is amazing, I can’t believe it’s taken me so long to go!
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It’s truly an amazing place. I’d love to get ‘down under’ for both the landscapes, and for a chance to image the southern sky. I want a crack at the milky way over those amazing landscapes, and a crack at the Magellanic clouds. Such amazing sky objects…
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I’m sure you’d do a better job capturing the Milky Way than I did! I hope you make it there soon, I’d love to see your shots!
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Stunning photos including some perspectives I’ve never seen before. That light is amazing eh? Going there is on my travel to dos and when that eventually happens, I will remember your insistence about doing the flight 🙂
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The light really is spectacular, I was obsessed with the red earth too! I hope you get there one day, it really is one of the most special places I’ve been to!
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Absolutely stunning images!
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Thanks so much Cindi, I’m glad you enjoyed them!
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Fabulous shots, the light is just gorgeous! I visited Uluru about 10 years ago but was on a major budget, though if I ever get back there I’ll definitely be doing this!
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Thanks, it was a pretty spectacular evening!
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Great pictures, Olivia! We are looking at going to Uluru in July….might have to chuck a flight on the list of things to do!
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I hope you go! Definitely do the flight if you can, it was incredible. The lower angle of the sun and colour at sunset was a treat! Thanks so much for dropping in!
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Wow! Spectacular!
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Super pictures!
Greetings from sunny Warsaw. Feel free to watch the new collection of photos in the album ‘Roses’
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Thanks so much for your comment Marko, I’ll be sure to visit.
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I’m so glad I found you through Instagram! I love your photography, and this flight over Uluru looks spectacular. It’s now on my list of things to do!
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Thanks and likewise! This flight was absolutely amazing, I hope you get to do it with your family one day soon!
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