The Northern Territory & Ti-Tree

Tinto and I had a most unexpected and splendid time travelling through our back yard AND crossing over the border into the Northern Territory.  Tinto planned the trip AS SOON AS I FINISHED university studies - WE WERE READY to 'HIT THE ROAD'. 

So, this post is for any Aussies looking for wide-open spaces and for those who may not have been to the NT...for a while.  Most everyone has already been captivated by the mere sight of Uluru, but it is the 'stops' along the way, the places you stay where you meet the MOST amazing people which transforms you, too!

When you arrive in Anangu land ~ PALYA! - TRY the newly renovated Sails in the Desert ~ LOVELY. Yes, they were originally built in the late 60s, early 70s, but renovations began pre-COVID and are still going strong.  We had NO booking.  The woman behind the desk looked shocked, but that's the way we rolled this time!  Within a few minutes and standing inside a gorgeous, wide, bright lobby - huge, high ceilings and sails used for shade and beauty secured beautifully outside at the entrance and over the pool and verandah area - we were given a room for 3 days and a very nice discount.  I do not see how families afford to travel; there are only two of us, but my thinking is: most businesses have been doing it tough and we are more than PLEASED TO DO OUR PART TO HELP!  

As previously stated, the exterior looks very 70s, but you could not ask for more in a room - every comfort you needed, contemporary feel, yet cozy and inviting.  We were not too close to the pool area and even though renovations were going forward in the block directly next to us, we never heard a sound of any kind.  Amazing.  

Dining is expensive - food is superb.  Wine list is nice; it is still being developed.  If you, like us, enjoy a cocktail pre-dinner, don't be surprised if it takes a very...long...time!  If we had thought or planned ahead, we would have had supplies with us and we won't make that mistake again.  

Early morning walks are divine - I would leave the door to the room and head back towards the entrance to the resort.  The entire walk was about 35 minutes and a great way to begin the day.  I would suggest about 3 days in Uluru - especially if you like to draw or paint or if you want to hike around the area.  You will also want to make a detour towards The Olgas - Kata Tjuta - because these two extreme natural sites are pure magic - worth the drive.  Hikers were heading towards Kata Tjuta and it appeared one would need to be a strong hiker to go the distance.

WE loved drinking in the gorgeous colours of Uluru and remember...the massive rock literally changes colour at SUNSET - BE THERE.    

And, on a side note - pay attention to the signs on bathroom doors - quirky outback hotels, pubs, roadhouses, have funny or different signs illustrating which gender belongs behind each loo door.  OR...a better suggestion would be to keep your mouth shut, pay attention, stop waving and yacking to everyone you see because...

As I entered the Ti-Tree Roadhouse, Tinto was purchasing more fuel, I saw two Aboriginal men (about my vintage), lovely salt and pepper hair, wearing hi-vis shirts, blue uniform pants, and heavy work boots, and I smiled broadly and said, 'Hello, How are you'?  Well, they were grinning from ear to ear and their arms began waving above their heads and I thought to myself, 'My Goodness, they're happy blokes and they are really happy to have me greet them'.  GHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZ.  When I entered the loo, the odour was so overwhelming that I began to dry-retch and knew I needed to do what I needed to do and GET OUTTA THERE.  Well, as I opened the door to leave - I looked directly in FRONT OF ME ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE HALLWAY and the door had a blue dress on it indicating 'LADIES'.  So...I WENT IN THE WRONG DOOR and those 2 wonderful guys were attempting to STOP me ~ they were not happy to SEE me!!!  As I walked out, I turned to look THEIR WAY, with my eyebrows properly over my head by now, and they said, 'We tried to tell you - we really did'.  Yes, they did.  ALL I could mutter with a bright, red face was 'Thank you' and I heard them laugh heartily as I scurried out the front door.  MY, OH MY.  NOT GOING TO HAPPEN AGAIN.  Many of the places we visited had uni-sex loos and that's fine with me...as long as they are fresh and clean.  MOST places were. 

BE SAFE and KIND when you ROAM.

People respond to smiles, not scowls.

Blanco of The Roaming Stevens

PS: Please excuse any typos.


THIS DOOR OFFERS YOU TWO 
ATTEMPTS TO 'GET IT RIGHT'!



 

 






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