Five- thirtywake up and after a seamless ride to the airport arrived 2.5 hours early and joined the long wait for our flight (which ended up being delayed a further 1 1/2 hours).

Eventually got on the plane and left Ruth in her palatial Row 1 seat while David and I languished with the masses in the southern-most corners of the plane.

David and I napped our way through the flight while Ruth chatted up the young 27yo next to her who said he had been working towards visiting the rock for 20 years. He couldn’t quite fathom our collective 180+ years of waiting.

Landed in Yulara around 2, picked up our vehicle (sadly not the cute little 2 door Jeep but the way more sensible Mitsubishi parked next to it).

We’re staying at Sails in the desert- beautiful spot with the nicest and most welcoming staff we’ve encountered in a long while.

Capitalised on the free local shuttle bus to stock  up on breakfast supplies, finally got our first look at the rock at the Naninga Lookout a short climb up from the AR campground.

Then on to the Outback Hotel /youth hostel where we have just partaken on the all you can eat baked potato and salad bar under the enormous canopy of the outdoor bar. Definite outback vibe here.

The place is filling up fast with live music due to start any minute. The staff are lighting gas heaters so it seems the desert freeze is about to roll in.

Hearty food, puffa jackets, wine and music – all bases covered!