Mount Conner, the third of the great monoliths, is 100 kilometers (62 miles) east of Uluru and on the western fringe of the vast cattle station, Curtin Springs. As the tour follows the stations' 4WD tracks, you will discover vast salt lakes that are remnants of ancient inland oceans, examine fossilized remains of the oldest life forms on earth, but best of all, experience Australia's rugged outback. Circling Mount Connor, you'll be surprised to find a hidden side with a series of rugged gorges, a perfect haven for Red Kangaroos and Rock Wallabies. Because of the dams built for watering cattle, wildlife is more prevalent here than in the desert.

The 4WD grinds and bounces its way to a high lookout giving view over the vast, arid desert on into South Australia. Before the sun sets, we reach the ruins of the first homestead. A hole in the sand hills and a pile of sandstone chimney blocks are all that remain, in what seems like the loneliest place in the world. With the imposing Mount Conner changing color in the background and a rusty windmill churning quietly, we toast the sunset with complimentary champagne and wonder how lonely yet splendid, it would have been to live in such a place.

Then, in the gathering night, we drive to Curtin Springs, where in the kitchen built from parts of the old homestead, we enjoy a three-course dinner prepared by the station cook, before returning to Ayers Rock Resort.

Please Note: There are 24 and 48 hour Tour Passes available including other small group tours in the Ayers Rock, Kata Tjuta and Mount Conner region. These passes offer flexibility and great value.

This unique small group tour operator is a member of Eco Tourism Australia and provides expert guided tours In Ayers Rock - a company delivering a quality product focusing on the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Winner of the 2006 Australian Tourism Award Heritage and Cultural Tourism.