Ayers Rock / Uluru - not open for Aussies??

[medhead]

One way camper van rentals? Might be a cheaper option. Drive the road again. There are plenty to move vehicles back to places like Darwin.

 

[Steelo]

Yep I truly hope as per harvyk, that you can still do that. Might even decide on the day NOT to climb. I just want the freedom to do that.

It aggrieves me that something is popular as a tourist destination for foreign tourists, and because of that it is priced out of reach of most Australians. For the same cash cost flying ex-BNE, I can either go to Alice Springs in economy, or to NZ in business on a majestic Emirates A380! And in NZ I can get twice the accomodation for half the cost.

Sorry, I realize I am still whinging

spare re a thought for Australian tourism operators, especially those in remote locations: massive penalty rates; difficult in recruiting and maintaining staff; ridiculous unfair dismissal laws; and obscene compliance costs with a myriad of government departments. There are a number of similarly isolated attractions across the world, all requiring a higher than normal investment. Uluru can be better value if you plan outside the peak seasons. And well worth the visit.

There are a number of reasons why the traditional owners do not want you climbing the rock - one of them is the significant stress that results from the accidents and deaths that occur in a place considered sacred.

 

[RB]

Well we visited in 2012 as part of a bus trip from Adelaide to Darwin-not the type of trip we normally do but we had a great time. We stayed at the camp ground along with many other people. Ayers Rock Campground, camping style accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort - Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park

I posted a trip report here http://www.australianfrequentflyer....000km-outback-43628.html?highlight=ayers+rock

It is easy to get included in a Sounds of Silence, we were hooked up with other groups. I am not sure there was much spiritual about it-well organised, an ordinary astronomy talk by a New Zealander, great food & plenty of booze with a bus ride each way

We saw heaps of people doing 2/3 day trips organised from various NT spots

 

[Aussie_flyer]

You really need to factor in how REMOTE this part of the world is, high costs are to be expected in my opinion.

You can always pitch a tent if you want, that is not too expensive. I did it myself once. Quite enjoyable, made my own BBQ, there is a supermarket to buy meat (yes it's expensive but it is probably flown in at high cost). As for climbing the rock , as steelo says, when you go there and listen to the local people explain why they don't want you to do it, you will probably find you don't want to! There is horrible human stains on the side of this amazing natural beauty all because people want to climb it. THe walk AROUND it is just as spectacular I think.

 

[Spongbob]

I understand the price issue, and by Australian standards Uluru is expensive. I went there a few years ago and it cost $550 for a motel-type room that would cost $$150 in Melbourne. But, it is well worth it! Just think of it as New York, London or Paris for a better price comparison. In 6 months time you will not recall the costs, but you will recall the views and experience.

 

[russ]

I've stayed at Uluru, El Questro, Faraway Bay, Haggerstone Island, Lizard Island, Sweers Island and even Wrotham Park Lodge before they closed and can tell you that Uluru is cheap!

 

[Hvr]

And why the assumption that only Australians are affected by the prices?

 

[Pushka]

And why the assumption that only Australians are affected by the prices?

I think maybe there's a thought that Aussies might pay less as its in Australia.

 

[Geoffm]

We did this earlier this year, was the highlight of our trip, nothing better then watching the amazing sunset followed by sitting on chairs on the red sand.

Try looking out for offers on sites like webjet, eg. spend 300 get 50 off.etc. I spent 2 nights here and 1 night at Desert Gardens was $300 so got it for $250, as well as using my 'flybuys' points to part pay for the booking.

We did this last year- whilst the scenes and atmosphere was amazing - it would have to be the worst Australian game food I have ever had to the point it was inedible - might have been the chefs off night. Overall the experience out there is one everyone should do - but our whole visit was let down by the actual meal at the sounds of silence. Quickly forgotten next morning with helicopter flight - which I would say is another essential.

 

[Steelo]

We did this last year- whilst the scenes and atmosphere was amazing - it would have to be the worst Australian game food I have ever had to the point it was inedible - might have been the chefs off night. Overall the experience out there is one everyone should do - but our whole visit was let down by the actual meal at the sounds of silence. Quickly forgotten next morning with helicopter flight - which I would say is another essential.

Would agree with this. It's a pity, as Australian game food is not difficult to do well. But the problem is that the prime cuts of kangaroo and emu must be served rare or medium rare - and I think the operators instead respond to the aversion some pax have to their meat served in this fashion - the result is dried tough meat with little to recommend it.

 

[Pushka]

I don't even remember the meal but then food I couldn't really be bothered with. But the stars on a warm summers night on sand with family did the trick for me.

 

[VPS]

I'm off to Alice and Uluru in May and read the reviews on TA about Sounds of Silence and almost convinced myself not to bother but as I've said earlier - trust AFF more than TA - anyone else got any comments on whether it's worth it or not - did think about just driving out to the bush with a picnic and a bottle of wine and watching the sunset

 

[Pushka]

...,did think about just driving out to the bush with a picnic and a bottle of wine and watching the sunset

I'm sure that would work too. Not sure about getting food supplies. You might have to BYO.

 

[Hvr]

<snip> - did think about just driving out to the bush with a picnic and a bottle of wine and watching the sunset

It's been a few years since I went to Uluru but they had separate car parks for coaches and cars with slightly different views. I think the best spots are reserved for these special tours and interlopers are not welcome and removed quick smart.

 

[serfty]

Flyertalk - OZ Fest had a "Do" there last year (as well as Alice Springs). Certainly expensive, I got a two bedroom apartment on an Accor sale (booked Feb, Stayed May)- Three stayed for $80 each.

Oz Fest #11. "The Red Centre" Australia. Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25, 2014

Some Uluro and Surrounds photos and link posted from here:

Oz Fest #11. ... post $#642

Storytime at Uluru:

View attachment 28449

 

[Aussie_flyer]

I'm sure that would work too. Not sure about getting food supplies. You might have to BYO.

Theres a supermarket

 

[Meggsy]

As a regular visitor to Yulara for work it is not quite as bad as many trip advisor reports make it out to be. Accommodation is expensive but can be booked at cheaper rates some times. There are many options to suit all budgets from camp grounds, cabins to self contained apartments and hotels. There is a pub, bottle shop, well stocked supermarket, roadhouse, cafe, noodle house, pizza takeaway and a couple of nice higher quality restaurants. Last week I ate in the most expensive restaurant with a colleague and the total cost was $130 for the 2 of us which was 1 entree, 2 mains and four beers. I would struggle to spend $300 on a meal for two without some serious drink included. Personally I think sounds of silence is over rated and many people do their own version in the public car park every night. On a clear sunset/evening the mound in the centre of the resort ring road is a wonderful vantage spot to watch the rock change colour. The Uluru climb is only closed due to heat and strong wind for safety reasons as are the valley of the winds at Kata Tjuta. As many have said the base walk is a wonderful experience in itself. I also highly recommend the helicopter tour of both locations. All up, considering its remoteness, it can be done without needing a second mortgage.

 

[jsoprano]

Hey juddles, I was in the same boat until late last year. We had Uluru on top of our bucket list for 5 years now, but never got to do it due to the horrendous cost. I then jumped on an off-season offer on relative short notice: $99 flights with JQ (from MEL or SYD), and $169/night at Desert Gardens Hotel (which is the 4-star Novotel-equivalent, cost normally $280). Booked 4 weeks out and went in early December for 2 nights. So there are some good deals to be had at times.

It was very hot (40C+ every day) and thunderstorms and rain in the arvo, but it was still well worth it and great to see the Rock during and after rain as well as in sunshine. And seeing the desert bloom was very surprising to. Only big disappointment was our Sound of Silence Dinner was cancelled due to the thunderstorms and heavy rain, so we have to go again at some point.

The supermarket (IGA) is small but well stocked, in case you want to go BYO. Breakfast at the hotel was overpriced ($37 full breakfast), so went to the cafe which was nothing special but cheap. Dinner we had at the one restaurant at town square, quite basic but between $15 and $25 for a pizza wasn't too bad. Word of warning: there's only one bottleshop in the whole of Yulara, in the Outback Pioneer Hotel (it's basically their bar): $32 for a 6-pack of standard beer (Hahn IIRC), $39 for Corona :shock: ... we brought a bottle of Moet in our hand luggage from Melbourne.

Another data point on fuel: Unleaded 91 was $2.07 when we were there (it was $1.35 in Melbourne at the time).

Regarding the climb: as others have mentioned, it closes due to various conditions: forecast or actual temperature 35C+, rain, wind, etc. I wouldn't have done it anyway (and once you stand at the bottom of it you realise how steep it actually is!), and we did the base walk around the Rock. Takes approx. 2.5 to 3.5 hours, and is great to see it from different angles and in different light. Would definitely recommend it.

Regardless of the above, it is still well worth it and I would definitely do it again.

 

[Denali]

Yes to the helicopter tour. I booked it for my husbands birthday and as it was approx. 10am flight, we had the helicopter to ourselves.

We went in June, freezing at night and I suggest you buy the headband light things for if you are going to stay out late at night - you don't realise how dark night is until you get away from the city.

What was also funny was dawn was a mad house with tour buses but before it was true daylight, they were all gone so you basically had the viewing platforms to yourself.

 

[opusman]

I don't even remember the meal but then food I couldn't really be bothered with. But the stars on a warm summers night on sand with family did the trick for me.

You're lucky, when I did it it was f'n freezing at night!