Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Travel Forum

Hi, my husband and I arrive in Alice Springs by The Ghan on 8 May and are staying 3 nts at Sails in the Desert. Out problem seems to be how to get from Alice to the resort the same day. We checked Greyhound buses and they only depart Alice early morning (once a day). The Ghan arrives Alice 11.55am. and we are very surprised to find seemingly no connecting transport out to the resort to coincide with train's arrival. We will hire a car for the 3 days at the resort as we are flying out of Ayers Rock airport to Sydney. So, can anyone advise what options there are. Thanks for any help.

I would recommend that you hire your car from Alice and then drop off at Uluru.You can do this.
This way you can leave Alice and drive to Uluru. It's about a 475K drive, about 5 plus hours. You can drive what they call the loop, this is sealed road for a lot of the way, some unsealed. It's a great drive, great scenery.This road is fine to drive on in a normal car, you don't need a 4x4 unless it has been raining, then I suggest to stick to the highway.
OR you can stay on the sealed road, which is the Sturt Highway,then turn off to Uluru.
It's a great drive. Not a hard drive at all.
The hire company will be able to give you maps and other info.
Have a great time in this wonderful part of Australia.
The Sails is great accommodation.
I would also recommend that you do the Sound Of Silence dinner while there.
A great night out under the stars....
Cheers
Anne

I suppose 'anne12' does mean teh "Mereenie Loop".
We did this trip last January in a 4WD; don't know if it necessary but especially on the (bad) gravel roads it was quite comfortable.
These gravel roads are alomost 200 kilometers long !!
I wouldn't recommend to do it on one day. Otherwise you just have to drive and to drive and ....
In my opinion you may better take the Stuart and Lasseter Hwy. From Alice till Uluru will be 440 km's.
Happy travels
Jaap

Yep, I meant that loop, couldn't think of the name:)
After some thought I also would take the highway. Especially as you will be just getting off a train and driving.
That day will be a long one for you, but it will be worth it once you arrive at Uluru, sit and have dinner and a few nice Aussie wines:)

Hi,

I did the same drive a couple of years ago - it was simply great!
Sails in the desert is a fine place to stay at; the proposed "Sounds of Silence Dinner" is an evening, I will certainly never forget in my life, so try to book it early , as it is sometimes fully booked due to the very limited number of people, they take !
Good Luck & greetings!

WStat

Thanks so much for all your information. We are now looking to hire the car in Alice and keep the same car for our 3 days at the resort. Apparently by doing this, you do not have to pay the one-way hire charge of $100+ so all our needs are met. Really looking forward to this trip for our wedding anniversary and will definitely book the Sound of Silence dinner. Thanks all.

Have a wonderful time at Uluru.:)

Thanks Anne. I did just post the question one time; I have had this happen before. Just an update - we are distressed to find the Sounds of Silence dinner fully booked for the 2 nights we optioned. We are now trying to see if its available on our first night (after the long drive) but I suspect we will arrive too late for pickup. If they can take us that day, we plan to fly Qantas from Alice to Ayers Rock airport, then hire the car for 3 days. We're waiting for the email and hoping for the best!! Obviously anyone interested in this Dinner should book WELL ahead! Cheers again.

Great:)
I hope it all works out for you so you can get to the dinner!