This Northern Territory glamping escape, deep in Australia’s Red Centre, treads lightly on its environment and is bringing the artistic talents of local Indigenous communities to the fore...
Leaving no trace is something to which all conscientious travellers aspire. At Longitude 131°, a glamping site on a secluded sand dune close to the border of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, it’s practically in the manifesto. This property is made up of just 16 luxury ‘tents’, each with a direct view of Uluru (Ayers Rock) – Australia’s iconic rock formation lies just ten kilometres away. It takes its name from its geographic location, but inspiration for the site’s layout is drawn from safari-style African camps. Guest tents are designed to ‘float’ above the sandy desert floor. In fact, the entire property has been constructed so that it could easily be dismantled and relocated, with the current location returned to its pre-developed state as if untouched.
Dine out in the dunes at Longitude 131 (George Apostolidis)
Inside the luxury tents (George Apostolidis)
A view from above (George Apostolidis)
Aboriginal arts, as well as native flora and fauna themes, have been used to create a distinct sense of place, reflecting the cultures and landscapes of Australia’s ‘Red Centre’. A collaboration with multiple Indigenous art centres, including those of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) lands, mean many Aboriginal works of art are on display here. Included are dot paintings and wood carvings (or punu) from Maruku, Tjala and Ernabella art centres, as well as Tjanpi Desert Weavers’ baskets and vibrant Ernabella ceramics. These complement artefacts, photographs and journals from notable Western pioneers, including Edward John Eyre, John O’Hara Bourke and William John Wills.
There is plenty to see in the surrounding area. Guests can embark on group guided excursions (included in the nightly rate) to some of the most spectacular locations around Uluru and neighbouring Kata Tjuta (the Olgas). Options include a sunset walk at the base of Uluru and a sunrise expedition to Walpa Gorge, among the dome formations of Kata Tjuta.
Relax with a view (Julian Kingma)
Dune House forms the property’s communal dining and lounge space and features a bar decorated with some 500 individually hand-painted tiles from Indigenous arts community Ernabella. Full board is included as part of the day rate, and you’ll be glad of it come the evening. The signature outdoor dining experience, Table 131°, serves up a night sky of billions of stars and even glimpses of the Milky Way.
Continuing the celestial theme, Spa Kinara (meaning ‘moon’) is the property’s spa and takes its design inspiration from the traditional Aboriginal outback shelter, or wiltja. Although fairly small – just two rooms – it offers an innovative menu of treatments using a posy of outback botanicals, including the cure-all irmangka-irmangka (scented emu bush).
For an intimate and luxurious way to experience one of Australia’s most iconic natural wonders, Longitude 131° is as memorable a stay as it gets.
Booking information: Rates are inclusive of all dining, open bar, most group excursions and Ayers Rock Airport transfers. A minimum two-night stay applies. longitude131.com.au
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