Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Travel Forum

OK. I bagged the idea of a camping tour and reserved a room at the AR Resort. Yikes! Sticker shock, but it's done. Now I plan to rent a car and do my own driving.

Our travel agent was not in favor of this and gave me a lot of vague cautions about restrictions and not driving at night. Has anyone driven for themselves that can tell me how it worked out? Not 4WD, just a regular on-road vehicle. What are so walks and free (or cheap) tours we can do?

I am looking to spend Wed afternoon, all day Thu, and Fri morning (Dec 19-21) around Uluru and the Olgas. Pretty sure I DON'T want to do the whole base walk, but definitely some parts of it. Can one drive all the way around the Rock?

Thanks.

Just dont drive at dusk or dawn as that is when the kangaroos come out to feed. They dont think twice about jumping over or in front of your car which can cause alot of damage to your vehicle. VT Member 1+1 will be able to tell you more, So I suggest you contact him.

Yes. a sealed road runs right around the rock in relatively close proximity. The entrance fee to the national park containing uluru and the kata Tjuta(olgas)is $25 per person and is good for 3 days. Apart from the front carpark where people climb from there is a car park more towards the rear (past the cultural/ visitors centre direction) where you can park and start a walk around the rock from also. Some of the more interesting things to see at the base of the rock are in this rear area and if you only plan to do sections this area is recommended. Cooler in this location in the afternoon also. It will be exceptionally hot in December so take care.It is difficult for a visitor to appreciate how hot it can get in the sun. Carrying water even on short walks and drinking before feeling thirsty is an essential. The times I have visited have been in "Winter" months and it has been very hot then. Absolutely no reason not to hire a car as driving easy if you are limiting yourself to the area you mention. The 37 klm road from uluru to Kata Tjuta is an excellent bitumen road also. Good walks at Kata Tjuta.
Best wishes for a great visit.

Your travel agent really needs too get a handle on this area.
It is sooooo easy to drive,( no 4x4 needed) really, only one road to the Rock and one to the Olgas, all sign posted, and all save as houses as we say!
It;s a National Park area, and this is open from Sunrise to Sunset. You will buy a three day pass on the 1st day, you can only buy a three day pass at a time.With this you can go in and out all day for 3 days.

The rock is about 15/20 minutes from the village where you stay.
You can't miss the way, just follow all the other cars/buses going out there in the dark:)( Sunrise this is!)
You can drive around the rock.sealed road all the way....
I highly recommend the free guided walk that is done each day, this is at the base of the rock where they climb it...I think it's 10am daily, if my memory is correct.This is a fantastic free walk...about 2 hours.
You can do the walk around the rock by yourself, just don't go climbing it etc as you go around:) Take good amount of water and wear hat and sunscreen.Also buy a can of Bushmans repellent for the flys and bities:)I haven't ever been bitten there though. Flys are rather annoying, you can buy a green net thingy to put on your hat, this is a good idea, or you will be doing the great Aussie salute otherwise...hand waving across your face continually...lol
This takes about/with stops etc, 4 hours plus.
The Olgas are about 30 minutes drive from the Rock, here there are two walks...both can be done without a guide. Maps etc can be obtained at the tourist info in the village.( Maybe google National Parks, Uluru for more info)

Another thing to stop at is the Culture centre...bloody great!!! This has a cafe etc...you can have a cuppa and sandwich:)
Also there is a shop there with nicnacs.

I also highly recommend the Sound of Silence Dinner, a great thing to do one night..book at your accommodation.Worth the money.

ALso the accommodation named The Sails is worth going and having a look at, well the accommodation isn't but the entrance where they have Art Work etc is.

When you stay at the resort you are allowed to use all other facilities, so you can go for a swim at Sails:)

The village is small, there are a couple of restaurants and supermarket etc.And an icecream shop:)

I have been there 3 times ( self driven) and I LOVE it, I am so glad that you are staying that amount of time as you will get a feel for the Rock and it's area.

I work at the airport in Cairns and we have a number of flights to the Rock, the above is exactly what I tell people every day...I have also found that their tourist info people back home need a lesson!:)

Cheers
Anne

Driving to and around Uluru and to the Olga's is not a problem at all. All sealed roads almost without other traffic. You can not drive at night as the park is closed after sunset.
There si no need to use a 4WD, just a regular car is OK.

Looking to your time schedule I would recommend:
- Wednesday: walks somewhere at the base of Uluru,; you could start at a parking place nearby the 'Mutitjulu Walk'; watch the sunset of one of the platforms
Thursday: walk around the Olga's and visit the Cultural Centre
Friday: watch the sunrise from one of the platforms

happy travels
Jaap

I have been to Ayers Rock a couple of times. Always rented a normal car - not 4WD - at the airport to drive to and from the resort, the Rock and the Olgas. All the roads are surfaced and in excellent condition.

What a wealth of information! This has been my first try of VT and I am sold. You guys have been an immense help. We have our plans set and NO anxiety ... unless, of course, this has been an elaborate rouse ...

Oh, bother ...

(Thank you all!)

;-)

The information centre at Ayers Rock explains that there are 27 species of snake in the area: 23 are venomous.