Abbey Holmes lived in the Northern Territory for eight years and has explored many areas of the region but there is one memory that stands out to her.
“Uluṟu will always be incredibly special to us because it’s where Keegan and I got both engaged and married,” she says. “Now, to be returning there, this time with our son, feels like coming back to a beautiful chapter of my life. I have so many amazing memories tied to that place. It will be really special to experience somewhere that has meant so much to us and create a whole new set of memories there as a family.”
Abbey is headed to the Red Centre on a classic “road trip through the heart of Australia”: two nights in Alice Springs, two at Kings Canyon and two at Uluṟu.
“This is one of my favourite road trips, and whilst you’re in the Red Centre region it’s always great to experience a few different areas and see how unique each place is,” she says. “Uluṟu, Kings Canyon and Alice Springs all offer something so different. From the landscapes and natural beauty to the culture and experiences.”
Abbey says that taking to the road means that one of the biggest highlights is the ever-changing landscape as you watch the kilometres tick over.
“The sense of space, the changing colours and the feeling that you’re a long way from everyday life,” says Abbey. “Sometimes the journey is just as memorable as the destination.”
Family connections
This time around Abbey will be travelling with her one-year-old son who she is excited to have experience a Red Centre road trip. “There’s something really special about sharing places that mean so much to you with your own family, and I think we’ll come home with some pretty incredible memories and of course, some beautiful family photos for us to treasure, too,” she says.
Abbey is a passionate traveller with a particular interest in exploring the remote and regional parts of Australia. She loves immersing herself in history and getting off the beaten track.
“I love becoming more educated on our beautiful country that we are lucky enough to call home,” says Abbey. “I think it’s so important for all Australians to educate themselves on the 65,000 years of culture right here in our own backyard. The NT is raw, wild, beautiful and incredibly diverse.”
“Having lived in Darwin for eight years, the NT has always been incredibly special to me, but Central Australia has such a different character. There’s this incredible sense of freedom, space and adventure, alongside such a strong connection to Country, culture and community. The red landscapes, ancient history and sheer scale of the Red Centre make it feel completely different to anywhere else.”
Making magic moments
With a wealth of memories already tied up in the arid lands and rugged beauty of the heart of Australia, Abbey is hard pressed to pick what she is most looking forward to on her upcoming road trip, but Uluṟu is a candidate.
Abbey is setting out on a classic Red Centre driving adventure. Beginning in Alice Springs, she’ll experience the town’s rich history and culture before heading out to explore the wider Red Centre. Crowne Plaza Alice Springs Lasseters makes a comfortable base for exploring Australia’s true heart and the nearby MacDonnell Ranges are a stunning collection of red cliffs, rocky gorges and lush outback waterholes.
While at Kings Canyon, Abbey and her family can wander the sheer sandstone walls that rise from the desert. A walk along the canyon rim reveals the true scale of this natural wonder and the Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon offers a place to unwind beneath the outback stars. She will also be enjoying experiences like a Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner at Uluṟu and staying at the iconic Sails in the Desert.
“I think it will be really special to reconnect with the NT and, most importantly, I hope we come away with lots of memories as a family; the kind of trip that we’ll look back on for years to come,” Abbey says.
Experience Abbey’s Red Centre adventure for yourself with an exclusive six-night, multi-stop escape through Alice Springs, Kings Canyon and Uluṟu. Enjoy two nights’ accommodation at Sails in the Desert at Ayers Rock Resort, as well as a two-night stay at both Discovery Resorts Kings Canyon and Crowne Plaza Lasseters Hotel by IHG. Plus, this exclusive package also includes Thrifty car rental for the duration of the itinerary. Don’t miss out, 6 nights from $2,599 (or $2,499 for LuxPlus+ members). Call Luxury Escapes’ dedicated concierge on 1300 336 019 to book.
Discover the Northern Territory
Feature image: Tourism and Events NT. Images: Supplied
This feature originally appeared in Issue 14 of Dream by Luxury Escapes.
