After the lush green calm of the Daintree, landing in the outback feels like stepping into another dimension. The stillness is deeper. The land is vast and red and raw. And right there, with unobstructed views of Uluru, is Longitude 131°—a luxury lodge that somehow manages to feel both grounding and elevated at the same time.

This was my 10th visit to a Luxury Lodge of Australia, and Longitude 131° genuinely stands apart. It’s the kind of place that connects you to the landscape in a way few others can—through story, experience, and that all-important feeling of space.

I stayed in one of the Luxury Tents, and while the name might sound rustic, the reality is anything but. Each tented suite is beautifully styled and positioned for uninterrupted views of Uluru right from your bed. Every balcony features a large daybed that can be transformed into a swag for stargazing by your private fire pit—an incredible way to experience the outback night sky.

Each suite is themed around early Australian explorers, with thoughtful design touches and a real sense of place. And if you’re travelling with a group or family, the Dune Pavilion is the ultimate base—two bedrooms, space for up to five guests, a private plunge pool, and elevated views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Like at Silky Oaks, there’s that same sense of effortless luxury—nothing forced, nothing over the top, just beautifully curated comfort in a remarkable setting.