09 May 2024
7 mins Read
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.
Rugged landscapes surround Longitude 131°. (Image: Tourism NT/George Apostolidis)
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.
The Dune House is the hub of the lodge. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)
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.
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.
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 Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT and George Apostolidis)
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 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.
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.
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.
Longitude 131°’s Signature Experiences are included with each booking, making for a seamless experience exploring Uluṟu. 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 tipples, which we sipped while basking in awe of Uluṟu in the day’s final light.
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.
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.
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.
The plunge pool looks out to Uluṟu. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)
There are well-stocked mini bars at both pools, meaning guests never have to reach too far to enjoy a tipple.
Cool off by the pool. (Image: Ryan Linnegar)
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, irmangka-irmangka and desert lime to Australian yellow clay and desert salts.
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.
Thoughtful touches like homemade native lemongrass popsicles that greet guests upon return from excursion truly elevated the experience. On an early morning excursion, I didn’t have time to sit down for the a la carte breakfast, 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.
Longitude 131° is a short drive from Ayers Rock Airport. You can fly direct from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Cairns.
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.
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.
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