Longitude 131: glamping in Uluṟu's glorious shadow

Longitude 131° may be remote, but a stay at this luxury lodge is far from roughing it.

As I approach Longitude 131° , I’m gently spritzed by a cool cloud of mist emitting from the lodge’s entrance. It’s a welcome respite from the all-consuming heat. And it sets the tone for what’s to come – an oasis in the desert that delivers otherworldly comfort in one of the world’s harshest environments. Longitude 131°, part of the Baillie Lodges portfolio, is a luxury wilderness experience like no other. Here’s the rundown.

a rocky and rugged landscape in Uluru — Rugged landscapes surround Longitude 131°. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)

First impressions

I’m handed a glass of Champagne at reception and sink into a plush lounge by the window. Outside, a patchwork of red earth billows out before me, extending all the way to the hulking outline of Uluṟu. I’m in the Dune House – the beautifully appointed communal hub of the lodge where guests gather for meals or sundowners. The area is decorated with Indigenous artwork and woven sculptures from the Central Desert, which guests can purchase as a memento of their time here.

dune house at longitude 131 — The Dune House is the hub of the lodge. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

The rooms

Longitude 131° comprises 15 luxury tents and the ultra-decadent Dune Pavilion, a two-bedroom villa with an expansive deck and its very own private plunge pool. The views are the undeniable headline attraction; each tent showcases a clear, magnificent view of Uluṟu that can be enjoyed from the balcony or the comfort of the plush king bed. The Dune Pavilion has views of both Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa – the only accommodation in Australia that takes in vistas of both World Heritage-listed wonders.

Lounge at Longitude 131 Dune Pavilion — The Dune Pavilion features a lounge area made for a king. (Image: Tourism NT/ George Apostolidis)

The rooms have undergone a recent refurb, leaving the space feeling refreshed and airy. The safari camp-inspired design and neutral colour palette add a feeling of lightness – a perfect contrast against the parched desert landscapes outside. The room is elegantly appointed and decorated with Indigenous art. Everything one needs for their stay has been thought of in advance: there are fly nets in the cupboard as well as a hiking backpack for guests to use.

Room interior at Longitude 131 — The view from one of 15 exclusive luxury tents. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

The bar is well-stocked with goodies that are replenished daily. I find an array of Aussie snacks and beverages that make for a delicious charcuterie board to savour on the balcony. The roomy patio consists of a sprawling daybed, lounges, and a gas fireplace to keep you cosy after the sun goes down.

Longitude 131's collection of pavilions provide jaw-dropping views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta. (Image: Tourism NT and George Apostolidis) — Longitude 131°’s collection of pavilions provide jaw-dropping views of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT and George Apostolidis)

Food and drink

I didn’t think I’d find some of the best food I’ve ever eaten in one of the most remote parts of the country. But Longitude 131° calls in top-quality produce from across the nation, plating up a taste of Australia’s finest flavours for each meal.

For breakfast, guests can enjoy an a la carte menu with elevated brekkie classics like smoked salmon with potato rosti or sumptuous blueberry pancakes. However, there is a range of pastries to grab and go if you’re rushing to depart on an early morning tour.

Lunch and dinner are three-course fine-dining affairs, served with a recommended wine pairing. Native bush ingredients are often incorporated into the menu, making the dining experience a unique reflection of the place. If you’re feeling something more low key, there are plenty of casual dining options like fish and chips.

food at longitude 131 — The food at Longitude 131° is world-class. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

In the Dune House, there is an extremely well-stocked open bar that contains everything from bush-tucker-inspired green ant gin from the NT to French Champagne. Guests are welcome to make themselves a drink whenever they like. If you fancy yourself a mixologist, there are cocktail shakers and a dizzying range of liquors and garnishes ranging from candied orange peels to native pepper berries. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, the friendly staff are always willing to assist with recommendations.

Dune House Open Bar Longitude 131 — Make yourself at home with a well-stocked open bar in the Dune House. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

Menus change every day, and all food, drinks and alcoholic beverages are included in your stay.

Experiences

Longitude 131°’s Signature Experiences are included with each booking, making for a seamless experience exploring Uluṟu. One the experiences included in my two-night stay was the Mala walk along the base of Uluṟu. A knowledgeable guide explained the unique features of the landscape, the customs of the Aṉangu Traditional Owners and the important Creation stories (or Tjukurpa) tied to Uluṟu. The walk was capped off with canapes and drinks, which we sipped while basking in awe of Uluṟu in the day’s final light.

walpa gorge longitude 131 signature experience — Exploring Walpa Gore as part of Longitude 131°’s signature experiences.

However, the most memorable experience was Table 131°, al-fresco dining in a secluded space draped by a glittering blanket of stars. Before dessert, a guide talked us through the constellations, astronomy and mythology of the southern sky. I returned to my tent to find a swag set up on the balcony outside, the fireplace blazing and a tray of Baileys and snacks set out before it. I continued stargazing long into the night.

table 131 at longitude131 — Enjoy a meal beneath a blanket of stars at Table 131°. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

Other experiences included Bruce Munro’s Field of Light, a light art installation of mind-boggling scale; A walk through Kata Tjuṯa’s Walpa Gorge; And a sunset viewing of Uluṟu with drinks and canapes.

Facilities

Pool

There are two pools at Longitude 131° – a larger pool perfect for swimming, and a plunge pool with incredible views of both Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa.

There are well-stocked mini bars at both pools, meaning guests never have to reach too far to enjoy a tipple.

pool at longitude 131 — Cool off by the pool. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)

Spa

Spa Kinara (which means ‘moon’) brings a bush medicine twist to traditional therapies. The spa is modelled on the design of the ‘wiltja’, shelters made by the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara Traditional Owners. You’ll find everything from Kakadu plum, quandong and desert lime to Australian yellow clay and desert salts.

Sustainability

Longitude 131° is engaged in sustainable initiatives, both culturally and environmentally. Most notably, their artists-in-residence program invites artists from remote communities to stay at the lodge and paint with a view of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa.

Service

Thoughtful touches like homemade native lemongrass popsicles that greet guests upon return from excursion truly elevated the experience. I didn’t have time to sit down for the a la carte breakfast one morning, so a staff member thoughtfully packed me a small bag of pastries to take away instead. The details and the level of care for guests truly make a stay at Longitude 131° a luxury experience in every sense of the word.

Details

Getting there

Longitude 131° is a short drive from Ayers Rock Airport. You can fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.

Staying there

There is a two-night minimum stay at Longitude 131°. Prices start at $3780 per night for a Luxury Tent and $7380 per night for the Dune Pavillion. The price includes all dining, an open bar with Champagne, premium wines and spirits, an in-suite bar, signature experiences and return Ayers Rock Airport transfers.

What to do there?

Signature Experiences are included in your stay, but private expeditions can be booked to explore the protected cultural and natural landscape of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Glamping in Uluṟu’s glorious shadow at Longitude 131°