Hot air balloon flights that will allow tourists to view Uluru from above are to take to the sky in March.
Such flights have never been previously allowed but, with Ayers Rock Resort also set for a major makeover, it seems things are changing quickly in the Red Centre.
The balloon deal follows two years of negotiations between Australian adventure company, Outback Ballooning, and the Central Land Council.
It is stressed that the balloon flights will not occur in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park or over the Rock itself but rather in the Patji region between 10 and 25 km to the south. The operators assure potential customers that Uluru will still be clearly visible.
The flights will last approximately 30 minutes and will typically cover between 10 and 20 kilometres.
Organisers say the balloon will be a perfect viewing platform for sunrise at Uluru with no turbulence, vibration or noise “other than the occasional reassuring roar of the burner”.
The four-hour package, including an ‘exclusive’ tour as well as the flight, will cost $450 per person, with each balloon carrying a maximum of 10 or 16 passengers.
