The Way to Australia’s Heart is Through Brisbane

No image embodies the essence of Australia quite like Uluru. Both geographically and symbolically, the world’s largest monolith, formerly known as Ayers Rock, has become a symbol of the nation, and the centre of its ancient spirituality. To the Aṉangu, who jointly manage Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park with Parks Australia, Uluru plays a central role not just in the world’s creation, but also in Tjukurpa (‘chook-orr-pa’), the traditional local law that also encompasses stories, songs, dances and ceremonies. 

But, in a country of contrasts, we’ve got the perfect stopover city before the journey there! Virgin Australia operates regular services between Brisbane and Australia’s Red Centre, allowing you to experience award-winning service as you journey to the spiritual heart of Australia.  

Discover the Best of Brisbane and the Northern Territory or embark on our Aussie Coastal City & Outback Sojourn today!

Ways to Explore Uluru

A trip to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is more than just a bucket list item. It brings you closer to this land and its people through sacred sites, ancient lore, and geographical wonders. Yes, both Uluru and Kata Tjuta (formerly known as The Olgas) are visually stunning, but a guided tour will give you a much greater appreciation of its role in Indigenous culture. As guides share Tjukurpa, visitors learn about the roles served by different parts of Uluru in traditional ceremonies, the legends attached to some of its most interesting features, and how to photograph the rock while respecting the local culture. Visitors will also learn about ‘Songlines,’ the sacred paths forged by ancestral beings that connect landmarks across Australia, serving as navigational tools, as well as lore keepers and conduits of spiritual energy. You can also learn about Uluru’s wildlife, as well as anomalies like the waterfalls that plummet from the top of the rock while the surrounding desert soaks up the rainfall.  

Uluru’s maroon, orange and red hues reach their most vivid at sunrise and sunset, but the park comes alive after dark, too. Experience dinner under the desert stars, explore the serene Field of Light, or enjoy Wintjiri Wiru, a spectacular drone and light show telling the ancient Mala story as it takes to the air. Science and spirituality come together here like nowhere else in Australia. 

Icons of the Outback

The vast Northern Territory offers fascinating encounters with nature from the tropical rainforests and waterways of Kakadu National Park to the resilient desert eco-systems and communities of the Red Centre. Kata Tjuta, located 30 kilometres/19 miles from Uluru is another sacred site, said to be the eggs of the mighty Rainbow Serpent. The Waḻpa Gorge Walk reveals the site at its most magnificent, with rare wildflowers growing between its red domes. Stick to the marked paths, and be sure to include both sides of the gorge in the frame when taking pictures. Those up for a physical challenge might tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk for unbeatable views of the domes.   

Just over three hours’ drive away lies Kings Canyon, a spectacular sandstone formation within Wattarka National Park that’ll redefine your notions of Outback beauty. You can take a thrilling scenic flight over the canyon, or a tour with an Indigenous guide to learn how the Luritja and Pertame peoples have long used this land for food, medicinal and spiritual purposes. If you’d rather explore on your own, there are trails here for every fitness level, exploring both the rim and canyon floor. We don’t recommend doing these walks in full drag and heels as Terrence Stamp, Hugo Weaving and Guy Pearce did in a popular Australian film, but you do you. 

How to Get to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

The quickest route to Uluru and nearby landmarks from North America is through Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, located in the state’s southeast corner. The flight takes just over 14 hours from LAX or SFO, or around 14.5 hours from Vancouver. From here, passengers can connect to destinations across Australia–including Uluru with Virgin Australia–but before jumping on another plane, spend a few days exploring one of Australia’s fastest growing cities, or sunning yourself on the pristine beaches of the nearby Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast. 

Exploring the Best of Brisbane

Hugging the winding banks of the Brisbane River, Queensland’s capital city has gone from strength to strength in recent decades, emerging as a diverse metropolis with superb dining, nightlife and cultural scenes. At just over two million people, it’s the perfect size, and enjoys good weather year-round, from its crisp, sunny winters to its tropical summers.  

This is an outdoor city at heart, and after breakfast at a Bohemian café on West End’s Boundary Street, a walk through Southbank Parklands offers fantastic views of the city skyline. This vibrant precinct is famous for its man-made beach and tropical greenery, including the Southbank Arbour fringed with purple bougainvillea flowers. Right next door, you can easily lose yourself in the free museums of the Queensland Cultural Centre, which are a great pick for families too. The City Botanic Gardens and River Walk showcase more of Brisbane’s beauty, but it’s also worth leaving the CBD behind. Hop a ferry bound for Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary to enjoy unforgettable close encounters with Australia’s most famous native creatures. Nearby Mount Coot-Tha supports the city’s largest Botanic Gardens and Planetarium, with views from its peak beloved by locals and visitors alike. Consider spending a day or even staying overnight at Tangalooma Resort, where visitors can hand-feed majestic wild dolphins. 

An hour in either direction, it’s possible to visit the Gold Coast to the south or the Sunshine Coast to the north. Both offer superb surf beaches and rainforest hinterland, cris-crossed with beautiful trails. The heart of the Gold Coast, including Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach will please busier visitors who want more dining, shopping and entertainment options from their beach vacation. The Sunshine Coast and southern parts of the Gold Coast are better suited to a more laid-back holiday or long stay. Both can be reached via train, or within an hour’s drive from Brisbane Airport. 

See More with Virgin Australia

Virgin Australia’s domestic flight network connects you to 33 destinations across Australia including Uluru, with an expansive network from major Australian cities, including Brisbane. Consider flying to Cairns for a few days to explore the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree, the world’s oldest living rainforest, or head to Darwin, your gateway to Kakadu National Park. Wherever you go, your journey begins with Virgin Australia’s award-winning service.