Kings Canyon Resort. We arrived at the building designated reception. Drove to our rooms… we’re directed to take a torch when we walked across to the fuel station/shop, which was next to the bar/dining, 15 minutes walk away. In case of scorpions and snakes, they said. Avoid the snakes. In particular, the Inland Taipan aka ‘Fear snake’ as there’s no known antidote for its venom. Diner is at 7pm. Casual as that. BTW if you wanna do the rim walk tomorrow, we leave at 5am. Now I had intended to do that but another 5am wake up was not happening.

Showered and betorched, we headed over for … Emu burger and whatever dessert came out of the freezer because this is the outback, and supply is an irregular thing. Turned out to be cheesecake, which was good as we’re the burgers. We were having an after dinner drink when shrieking alerted us to people standing on chairs across the room. SNAKE! Calmly evicted by staff as coffee was served. Never did find out what kind of snake but it was a rainbow something or other I think. Generally I don’t mind snakes. Enough excitement for one long day and torch on head off to bed. The coach was parked directly outside our unit… the engine did not stir me as they left at 5 for the walk.

Around 9.45,after a leisurely breakfast we met back at the bus for a short drive to the base of the canyon and the less strenuous wander down the base track. The gates to the rim walk had closed due to the temperature, now at 39°C. It’s not even 10 am. I looked at the “steps” to the top and thanked the sleep gods for not letting me wake up in time.

There was an option to take the afternoon off, swim in the resort pool, have a beer… or take a helicopter ride over the top. I’d missed the walk so… helo it is then!

Now, I’ve never been in a helicopter before, not even as a patient! (UK reference as most ordinary people will only get a ‘copter ride en route to hospital in an air ambulance). As we set off to the helipad, we hear there’s a bush fire heading towards the resort as a result of the previous evening’s thunder storms, and we may need to evacuate… but not to worry. Let’s go on a joy ride. Our pilot was an ambitious young woman with one eye on the fire and rescue service so naturally the opportunity to photograph a bush fire and file a report meant our flights were slightly delayed. I was seated in the front next to her and off we went. I would have preferred her not to continue taking photos with her phone whilst flying a zero winged aircraft which requires, I noticed, both hands and both feet to remain stable. Let me tell you the views were worth every penny.

Back to earth and another quick shower and change (still 40 degrees) off to the evening meal which was allegedly a buffalo curry, suffice to say we were offered a free drink as compensation. Still a wide selection of random frozen puddings and this time without added snake. We drifted off to bed enjoying the sunset as we walked back. Long day and another early start tomorrow as we headed for Yalara, a purpose built resort serving the Uluru/Kata Tjuta park.