Uluru National Park (Ayers Rock) Travel Forum

as some of you know I'm leaving to Oz tomorrow. YAYAYAYAYYY :)

My first days will be from Alice Springs to Uluru. I just checked a couple of weather forecast sites and..... I see rain!! WHAT? I'm going to the desert and it will be raining??

At least I hope these are short showers, not raining all day. Anyone here has local info? What I should expect?

Thanks!

Hi All,

I am planning a trip to Australia in November with leg out to Ayers Rock. I arrive on the first day around noon, have a full second day, and leave mid morning on the third. Is it too much to try to cram in Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and Kings Canyon in that period of time?

Since I am travelling solo, I was thinking joining the various day tours would be the best options, but my research has been a challenge as they are quite confusing and some start and end at various locations. Perhaps a rental car would suit my schedule better? I'm from the States, so driving on the left kinda freaks me out, lol...

Any experiences or tips to share would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Joe

Hi everyone,

I am planning a trip to Ayers Rock and Alice Springs from end of August and would love to get your advice as to how I should plan this trip. I planned to drive there on a one way rental from Sydney in a small car (4wd is harder to rent), which allows me to explore the outback towns and scenery, before flying back on conclusion of the trip.

So, my very rough plan so far are below, with questions needing advice. Hope you guys can give me some helpful tips:


Sat: Start of the crazy drive early, overnight stay at Nyngan or Cobar, or even Broken hill.
- Is there anything worth to stop and see between dubbo and broken hill?

Sun: Drive and stop at Broken Hill for mine tour, then check out the town before drive onto Port Augusta for overnight stay.
- Which mine is open on sundays and worth the visit?
- Anything else of interest in Broken Hill besides the mine?
- Anything to do in Port Augusta during the day?

Mon: Drive to Woomera and perhaps Roxby Downs for the BHP mine tour, then drive onto Coober Pedy for overnight stay.
- I am not entirely sure of the mine tour and what to do in this town, please advise.

Tues: Go for an opal mine tour, then check out their underground houses (do they open to the public?), before heading to Ayers Rock.
- Is there any petrol station in between Coober Pedy and Ayers Rock?
- Is there any stops recommended between Coober Pedy and Ayers Rock to see?
- Is there any cheaper motel style accommodation slightly further from their main hotel hub in Ayers Rock?

Wed: Entire day in Ayers Rock/Kata Tjuta to climb, walk around and watch sunset.
- Any other activities worth recommending?
- Is there anything similar to "Sound of Silence" dinner in terms of experience without the steep price tag?
- Is sunrise worth to see in Ayers Rock?
- Is there any threat of wild animals on the roads to drive at night in this dessert area? If not, considering to stay overnight at Kings Canyon driving after sunset.

Thurs: Entire day at Kings Canyon
- Is sunset worth to stay for? If not, depart for Alice Springs for overnight stay
- Is there any cheaper motel style accommodation slightly further from their main hotel hub in Kings Canyon?

Fri: Entire day at Alice Springs

Sat: Might consider joining a tour to Palm Valley/West Macdonnell Ranges OR West Macdonnell Ranges/Simpson Gap/Standley Chasm/Glen Helen
- Which tour is better? Is it easy to find if I don't join tour?

Sun: Morning at Alice, Afternoon flying home.


Also:
- I know there are national park fees for Ayers Rock. Is there another fee to Kings Canyon too?
- Is it worth to see the meteorite crater? If so, which tour company has tours for it?
- Any other areas worth visiting that I left out?
- Any other ideas how to keep cost down.


Thanks so much in advance!
P.S. Please email me to register your interest if you would like to join us.

We're spending 3 weeks of feb next year in Australia touring round and while we thought this was a long time we have quickly come to realise how vast a country it is.
We've put together most of our schedule now but are debating whether to do Uluru or Melbourne. We don't really like any of the available accomodation at Uluru (other than the extortionate Longitude 131) and the only other city we're doing is, obviously, Sydney.
Anyone's input would be appreciate - basically, is it worth the time out getting there?

I'm arriving in Sydney around 6am from London. Then I can fly to Uluru or to Alice Springs (I plan to stay a few days in the area). The first day I will probably just be able to wander around until is a decent time for going to bed... where will be better?

I thought it would be nice to see the sunset at Uluru but I read the hotels are actually far away from the rock. Is there actually some views, o something (relaxed) to do?

maybe stying in AS would be better for me?

I may be driving or taking a tour on the next day to explore the area for 3-4 days (asked in a different post)

Thanks!

Hi!

I'll plant to visit the Uluru area at the beginning of September, and I can only allot 3-4 days.

I'm not really a tour person, and I usually like driving... but I'm not sure I'm keen on driving there as I'm traveling alone. I'm not worried about the roads, I'm worried about and driving in the 'wrong' side of the road and with jetlag (I'll fly there directly after my flight from Europe)

I started thinking a tour may be better for me at this point of the trip... any thoughts?

TIA

My husband and I will spend two nights in Uluru in October 2009. I need a mid-range hotel and recommendation for transportation to and from Alice Springs. We are both 60, a fairly fit 60.

My wife and I and our 16 yr old son will be spending two nights at Ayres Rock in July. All of the tours are rather expensive. We got the cheapest accomadation (bunk beds at the pioneer) but I wonder if the tours are worth it or should I rent a car? We don't plan on climbing the rock but want to see the caves and paintings. It also sounds worthwhile to visit Kata Tjuta.

Any thoughts?

Mike in Alaska

Hi, we are a Young couple from the eastern suburbs of sydney wanting to drive to Uluru and back!!! (around the end of June). We recently purchased a holden jackaroo and we are ready to go, we heard it can be dangerous driving alone so we are looking for a convoy to join, or someone else who is heading that way at around the same time. is anyone interested?? if there is any valuable travel info anyone would like to share with us, (like alternative routes to take, to cut time and basic necessities) that would be greatly appreciated too!.

CHEERS!!

We are bringing a family of 5 (kids 9,11,13) to ayers rock Jan 2 from perth - Jan 5 to the east coast. We will be tenting at the campsite - does anyone have advise on either the camping conditions and/or the best things to do?

Staying in Sydney, we have four days in which to see Alice Springs/Uluru. So far, thinking of
day 1 fly into Alice. Stay overnight
day 2 hire car and drive to Uluru
day 3 Uluru
day 4 return to Sydney

Is it better to do a one way hire and fly out of Uluru or drive back to Alice?

We are going to be in Australia for 2 weeks in July. We will have to spend one week in Sydney, but were planning to travel to some other locations during the 2nd week and were thinking of Alice Springs as one of the places. Is it unreasonable to visit Ayers Rock with a child who has a has a physical disability and is mentally challenged? She is able to walk, but not very well. She can walk slowly on flat ground. I read that there is a short, easy one mile walk, but don't know if that is really worth the trip. Any input would be appreciated.
Thank you,
Susan

Hi, I have just purchased a 4wd, (Jackaroo 1999), and will be travelling from the Central Coast, (Nrth of Sydney), directly to alice springs, (with loads of gear as I will be moving!! I'm not sure about the best route. Can I take short cuts on the dirt, or do you recommend I travel on the main roads. The Aust. travel map recommends i go to broken hill, port austusta, coober pedy, etc. Is this the best route or should I travel to Charlaville and across that way? Any ideas welcome. Cheers, Wendy

Hello,
I'm a guy from Denmark, or actually born i Australia, who wants to visit Uluru. I've been looking at different weather sites and it seems to me that the temperature is at its max in December. But it's also one of the months where it rains the most. I don't want to go to Uluru and then experience wet weather when I come there. I want to experience a real sunset and sunrise at the rock. Anyone in here who can tell me how big the chances for rain normally is in the end of December at this point? Anyway if I wont go there in December, it will most likely be at the start of August. Can anyone in here tell me how it is to visit Uluru in August. I'm thinking of the temperature, how many hours the sun is out at this time of the year and if it's dry.. I don't mind the high temperatures in December month, I just don't want to go down and visit Uluru and then the chance that it will rain is quite big. I prefer have a better chance of dry weather, even though it's a little colder, but still I have a better chance to experience an Uluru Sunset and Sunrise when it's dry. Looing forward to read your replies.

Thanks

Roger Kristensen

Hi,
I wish to fly into Uluru (Ayers Rock) later this month (Dec), then hire a car upon arrival. I then wish to drive to Alice Springs then on to Darwin. I cannot find a car hire company that offers unlimited klms. Can anybody help?

Hi. My hubby and I (early 30s)have this following itenary

22nd Dec - make our way to Uluru for 2 nights
24th Dec - Kings's Canyon
25 - 27/28th Dec -travel from Kings' Canyon - Katherine (flexible stops)
28/29th - 1st Jan - Kakadu National Park
1st - 3rd Jan - Darwin

We've hired a Nissan X Trail for this part of our journey
The cost per couple will be $1300 (per pax $650) which icludes the following - 1. car rental, 2.Petrol, 3. hubby driving the whole journey.

If these dates fall into your plans and budget, pls do email me at yrparanjothy@hotmail.com
We are easy going, love nature, and very flexible. We plan to camp at safe camping grounds. And sorry but you have to be a non smoker.

Debating between driving from Alice Springs to Uluru or flying. Will be overnighting at a Voyages resort for 2 nights at Uluru area. Have plans to drive, and understand it's about a 5 hour drive there, and of course, a 5 hour drive back to Alice Springs for the continuation of our trip. Started wondering about the possibility of flying vs. driving. I have some frequent flyer miles, so the cost of flying would be minimal. But, if I fly, then I miss out on the scenery on the way from Alice Springs to Uluru. Looking for advice and recommendations of flying vs. driving. If I drive, I am sure the scenery is spectacular on the 5 mile journey to Uluru, but is it worth 5 hours of driving, or should I fly if given the opportunity? Thank you, I look forward to your replies.

Come November 18, I arrive Alice Springs Airport around 10:20 am. I was thinking maybe I'd head to Alice Springs first for lunch, before driving on to Uluru. Therefore it might be around 12:30 pm before we start making our drive to Uluru. I am expecting the drive to be about 5 hours, which would should put is in the Voyages resort area around 5:30 pm. I'll be spending two nights, and then continuing on in the late morning, around 10 am, of November 20 to head back to Alice Springs.

During my stay, upon my arrival around 5:30 pm, will it be too late to do anything? Any suggestions on what I might be able to accomplish, if anything that afternoon/evening?

Next day I thought maybe getting up early for sunrise at The Oglas, take an hour walk, then try to be at Uluru to take the 9:30 am Aboriginal Mala walk. Maybe after the tour, take in the Uluru visitor center, and maybe find some lunch. In the evening, I have reservations for dinner with Sounds of Silence. What can I do between the Aboriginal Mala Walk and dinner? I figure it's going to be hot, so my options may be limited.

Next day, I thought I'd do the Ranger guided walk at 8 am, then after the walk, start heading for Alice Springs for an afternoon flight.

Other than what I've considered, are there better options or suggestions for how to spend my time there. Basically, I'll be in the Uluru/Voyages area around 5:30 pm on a Tuesday, and departing around 10 am on the Thursday. During this time, what would you suggest I do, or spend my time? Are there tours I should definately take, or not take? What are the must do activities and sights I should see, and when? Given the time I have, I am simply looking for the best way to effectivey spend my time. Thank you.

Hi! My husband and I (in our early 30s)will be driving from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock Resort on the 22nd of Dec. We're renting a Toyota Yaris (airconditioned.) Would anyone like to share the cost with us? It's a small car so the behind seats can only take 2 medium sized people with medium backpacks. Only married couples please 30years above. The 1 way cost that you should be looking at is AUD 60 for the both of you inclusive of petrol and my hubby driving :). We are returning back to Alice Springs from King's Canyon on the 24th or 25th. If the dates coincide with you, then that segment also AUD60. The in-between in Ayers Rock / King's Canyon we can work out vis email. If you are interested, you can email me at yrparanjothy@hotmail.com
Also, maybe we could first meet each other in Alice Springs on the 21st so that both sides feel comfortable with each other.

Hi, we are planning a trip to Uluru and Alice springs next year from perth, camping with 2 small children. We are a bit unsure which time of year best to go. we have to stick to WA school holiday times so either April, end june/early july or end Sept/ early October.

Which would be the best time to travel, i dont want to go when its too hot, too many flies as we will be living and eating outside or too wet as our camper is a tent style.

Any info would be very appreciated

Also do people there really wear those fly net things for your head..my hubby reckons im having a laugh if i suggest wearing one :)
Cheers

4 of us will be flying into Ayers Rock in early August for 3 days. First day we arrive mid-day, then full day there, then we fly out mid-day. We want to rent a car to save money on the park shuttles but we are trying to figure out if we should just rent a car for the 1 full day and explore the park on that day or if we should rent the car for the whole 3 days. I'm not sure what other use we would have for the car other than visiting the park. We can use the free shuttle to get to/from the airport and around the resort. Any ideas/opinions/etc.

What is the actual drive time between Uluru and Alice Springs driving on the paved roads. Some information I read states 4 hours, some 5 hours. How long does it really take to drive? Thank you.

I will have only 3 nights to visit the Uluru/Kings Canyon area near the end of November. I arrive at 10 am at the Alice Springs airport and tought I'd drive to Kings Canyon, get there by 3 pm, and exlore the area that afternoon. Next morning, I thought I'd do the walk in/around Kings Canyon, then when finished, drive to Uluru. Figure I'd arrive Uluru area around 3 pm, and explore Uluru in afternoon, and next day visit Uluru area again, and around 1 pm, head back to Alice Springs. So, that's one night in Kings Canyon, one night at Uluru, and one night in Alice Springs, and obviously, a lot of driving in between. Or, should I delete the visit to Kings Canyon and spend two nights at Uluru area? Thanks, I appreciate your help.

Hi,

I'll be travelling in mid November and will only have 3 days and 2 nights in the area. I have 2 questions...

1)I've seen tour options that have sunset tours at either Uluru or Katjatjuta. Is one recommended over the other?

2)Is it crazy to think about camping in mid November (18th/19th)?

Thanks!
Michelle

Hi!
We'll be in Uluru area from May 22nd afternoon till 23th afternoon.
We're very excited!
And we would love to meet locals or travellers there!

How about eating dinner together on May 22nd?

Hope to see you soon :-)

Ayurin

Hi!

I would like to know you opinion about this pack:

Great Ocean Road & Grampians - 3 days
Barossa Valley - 1 day
2 day Kangaroo Island trip
Desert Patrol - Adelaide to Alice Springs: Enjoy a 7 day tour through the heart of Australia. See the wonders of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.
for $1425/ person.

I would like to do this at the beginning of August. Do you think the weather will be too unpleasant to profit?

Do you think it is more interesting to go to Kakadu and Uluru?

The company is Groovy Grape, do you think it is a good one? Which companies do the Australian chose to travel in their country?

Thank you very much!

I need help planning an itinerary for visiting the Alice Springs-Uluru area. I am planning a holiday to Australia and have on hold flight reservations that take me into Alice Springs arriving at 10:05 am on a Tuesday, and departing three nights later from Alice Springs at 8:35 am on a Friday.

My primary interest is to visit Uluru, Kings Canyon, and the Oglas, and whatever there is to see and do in Alice Springs. Given my time there, what do you recommend in terms of an itinerary on how I can accomplish seeing these sights during my short stay. I think I wish to rent a car at Alice Springs and drive myself to these destinations, but other than that, I am not familiar with where to go, stay, and options of what to do. I guess I am looking for the logistics on how to make it work.

Without knowing much about the area, I assume that upon arrival Tuesday at 10:05 am, it might be best I make my way to Uluru, or Kings Canyon because upon my return, I have to depart at 8:35 am Friday from Alice Springs. Therefore it will probably be best that I overnight in Alice Springs on Thursday, the night before. I guess I wish I could fly into Alice Springs, and out of Ayers Rock airport to save me from having to drive all the way back to Alice Springs, but flight times departing Ayers Rock airport are not convenient.

I look forward to your advice and recommendations, thank you.

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.

Hi all,
Three of us are flying into Ayers Rock Airport Dec 19 and flying out on the 21st (Wed-Fri). I am looking for a 2-night camping tour that will take us to Ayers Rock and the Olgas, then return us to the airport.

Is there such a service? It should include AR sunrise and sunset, base walk (partial is OK) at AR, cultural center, and Olgas walk.

Or is it better to stay at the Lost Camel and hire a car and do the touring on your own?

Thanks for any help and info.

Can you confirm that there is or has been fish on Ayers Rock deposited through rainfall?