On this occasion it was best not to be a tight arse.

After a very successful day yesterday and both of us doing in excess of 25,000 steps, we agreed to continue with the plan and have a rest day.  Sleeping in till about 6:30, it was a breakfast of toast coffee and cornflakes. 

Whilst it was still cool some camp cleaning and sorting was performed, the usual stuff, laundry, kitchen dishes and putting all the magnets we have purchased in one place.

From here we headed off to see a little more of Uluru, specifically Mutitjulu Waterhole, we were also
joined by 4 bus tours and around 250 other visitors.

Sometimes the tours can be of benefit and in this case, we got an insight into the rock paintings that were in the caves close to the waterholes. The information was presented by a white fella and pretty bastardized. From the painting session, we participated in yesterday, it was clear he was no expert. At least he knew enough to keep the high paying tourists happy.

There are plaques in the area explaining the aboriginal stories and they are very interesting when told (read) in situ. As mentioned yesterday I will not be retelling the stories as they are always best to be heard in place. However, I will show you some photos of the geological monolith and are in no way meant to disrespect this significant place.

We found the heart shape in this part of the rock

There are artworks on these rocks

With what we have learnt we can actually make out what some of these drawings mean.

The afternoon was then back in camp catching up on a few emails, looking through some photos and getting ready for our big event this evening.

We selected to do the Field of Lights with the dinner package. It took us a fair while to decide what to do as, on face value, it looks pricey. There are options to just view the field for around $45 which in itself sounds expensive. For us, we had heard from friends and family who had selected the combined package and said the $250 price tag per person was worth it.

It also helps that we booked it about six months ago so in some way the expense feels to be offset by time.

The package includes transfer from the resort to the dunes where the dinner and lights are.

It would appear however that this part of the service could be improved. The first pickup is the campground at 5:30. Next the Pioneer Lodge, 5:40, Desert Gardens, 5:50 and finally Sails around 6:00. For us, we would have preferred to get on at the last stop as it is only about a 5-minute walk from the campground, but it would appear the level of inconvenience depends on how much your accommodation is each night. For reference, a powered campsite is about $55 and a room at The Sails can be from $550 to over $1100 a night.

The field is quite close to the Resort, and once we finally left The Sails at about 6:15 we were there in around five minutes.

On arrival, we noticed the sun setting and used the finger method for measuring time till sunset. Katie and I knew we had about 30 before the climax.

We were given a sparkling wine as we stood atop the dunes with around 60 others. 

There were other drink options and also a selection of canapes, these were items like kangaroo, crocodile and carrot quiche, smashed prawn and puree sweet potato tarts plus a few others. There was no shortage of drink top-ups or canapes.

Whilst sampling this selection the sun continued on its predetermined path where we saw it lay to rest on the horizon north of Kata Tjuta.

Some guests opted to come on the caravan of camels.

From here we walked down the dunes and were seated on a table of seven. One couple from France one single girl from Queensland one couple from Bari, Italy and another single girl who is moving from Canberra to start work in Kings Canyon Resort.

As you can imagine with that mix of people there were no quiet moments throughout. Sitting with great people enhanced our enjoyment of the evening.

The meal was superb and a couple of times we were taken away by the flavours and attentive staff. Not that I wanted to, but I almost forgot I was in the middle of the desert eating meals that had the quality and service of a high-end city restaurant.

We also had the pleasure of a star tour by an astronomer who pointed out planets, constellations and also the correct way to find south using the southern cross and associated stars.

Finally, after a large dessert selection and a Port, it was off for a moonlit stroll through the field of lights.

This was a truly memorable evening and although it sounds expensive, is worth it and comes with our highest recommendation.