My Jen was a proud Wiradjuri woman and always encouraged her daughter, Not-So-Small, to grow in her culture. One of her greatest dreams was to take Not-So-Small to the Outback particularly Kakadu and Uluru. When she died in 2015 many kind people put much-appreciated donations towards a fund for me to be able to fulfil that dream. At the time it wasn’t enough but over the years, by dint of adding when I could I managed to acquire more dollars. A few months ago when a certain airline announced direct flights from Brisbane to Ayers Rock at a very reasonable price I knew it was doable – so booked our flights and some accommodation for the first few nights. Last Monday we took off on our adventure. We arrived at Ayers Rock Airport and headed straight out to Uluru for our first close-up look, taking Mummy in our hearts and minds.  After a look around the wonderful Cultural Centre – the highlight of which was watching some beautiful aunties painting we drove out to Kings Canyon where we spent the first three nights.

A walk along the canyon floor admiring the beauty of the amazing feature and another a day later exploring to Kathleen Springs were our main goals. We spotted wild camels, zebra finches, a bearded dragon, a wedge-tailed eagle and hawks all the while marvelling over the seemingly barren endless expanse of the Central Desert.

On Thursday we got up early and headed back to Uluru (spotting two dingos, including one black one! along the way) for a luxurious night at Sails in the Desert – how wonderful to have a free  upgrade to a terrace room! – with it’s sumptous grounds, pool and marvellous staff.  Back to the sacred rock for some more photos, a swim for Not-So-Small in the amazing pool (all to herself at the time!), a Bush Tucker talk and some lunch, then a little rest before a brilliant sunset scenic flight over the spectacular Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) and Uluru itself in a tiny Cessna – just the two of us and the pilot. What a truly wonderful experience that was – definitely the highlight – and our pilot so knowledgeable as well. Not-So-Small loved being up front next to him!

After an easy dinner with room service we headed off to the Field of Light art installation – another fantastic experience.

One day we might get to Kakadu as well – though Not-So-Small has requested Tasmania for our next adventure – next year! In the meantime, I know Jen would have been watching over her girl as she discovered more about her First Australian heritage and smiling.

Thank you to everyone who helped the dream come true xxx