Uluru - Nganampa ngura - Our place.
Ellemay
Frequent traveller.
8 Jul 2008
based on 20 votes
Do you want info, well just print me out and enjoy Uluru.
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Kings Canyon, Yulara
- Category: Perfect weekend
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Traveler type: Culture, Sightseeing, Active/Outdoors, Never been before, Repeat visitors
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Appeals to: Business travellers , Couples/romantics, Honeymooners, Singles, Families with small children, Families with teenagers, Large groups, Seniors, Students, Budget travellers , Active/adventure, Tourists
- Seasons: Winter, Spring, Fall
- Tags:
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Uluru is stunning spectacular and imposing. It is an experience which touches the magnificence essence of the Australian outback. One must walk along the Kuniya track and visit the waterhole home of Wanampi (an ancestral water snake) and view the fabulous rock art and beauty of the magnificent landscape..
Kata Tjuta National Park is located 335 kilometers south West of Alice Springs. The National Park is a World Heritage Area approximately 1325 square km. The Amangu traditional Aboriginal owners have cared for Uluru for thousands of years. |
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2. Getting there - by Plane.
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Qantas flies direct from Sydney, Perth, Cairns and Alice Springs .
Flights from Darwin and Brisbane connect from Alice Springs through to Ayers Rock Airport.
www.qantas.com.au
From Sydney it takes 2.5hrs.
Melbourne flights connect from Sydney.
Darwin flights connect from Alice Springs
Tiger Airlines now fly direct from Melbourne and Adelaide to Alice Springs and offer excellent rates. www.tigerairlines.com.au |
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3. Getting There by Rail.
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If you want to experience the fabulous Ghan then catch a train from Sydney, Melbourne or Perth and connect with "The Ghan" from Adelaide to Alice Springs.
From Queensland, catch "The Inlander" from Townsville to Mt Isa. You will then have to bus it or fly. |
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4. Getting there - By Bus.
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Coach transfers are available and operate services between Alice Springs, Kings Canyon, and Uluru.
Contact Voyages Resort for bookings. www.voyages.com.au
or Mcafferty's Greyhound buses also do the same route. www.mccaffertys.com.au
If doing tours you may be better off obtaining a 3 days pass from AAT Kings. It will give opportunties to choose your own tours and itinerary and works out to be cheaper in the long run.
The pass gives you free entry into the National Park and you can do any of the tours listed below.
Kata Tjuta and Uluru Sunset Tour
Uluru Sunrise and Base Tour
Uluru Sunrise and Guided Cultural Base Walk
Second time viewing of Uluru Sunrise OR Uluru Sunset Tour |
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5. Getting from Alice to Uluru - by car. (stuart Hwy)
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The Stuart Highway is sealed and well sign posted. It takes approx 5 hrs drive South from Alice Springs along the Stuart and West on the Lasseter Hwy. (445kms)
The first service facilities can be found at Stuarts Well which is 91kms from Alice. After Stuarts Well , Eridunda is located at the Lasseter Hwy junction which caters for accommodation , petrol, food , takeaway or dine in plus a good camping ground.
After Eridunda approx 57kms away is Mt Ebenezer which also caters for tourists with fuel , food, bar and accommodation. The last stop before Voyages Resort is Curtain Springs where fuel and food is available.
Accommodation
Curtain Springs Station -
Eridunda Desert Oaks Resort - |
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6. Car Rentals from Alice Springs.
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Car Rental Companies to use which offer a one way service to Ayers Rock are Thrifty and Hertz . Its best to rent the car for a minuim of three days to avoid a fee with Hertz. Thrifty waive the one way free if you hire the car for 6 days. Go to the Alice Springs Tourist Visitor Information Centre to get the "Best Deal " which offer unlimited kilometre rates if you hire for three days minimum.
Other Car Rentals to use in Alice Springs - Central Car Rentals. They offer all sizes of 2 and 4WD"S - Large , Meduim and small.. All the vehicles have limited and unlimited kilometre rates available to suit your needs.
camping equipment can also be hired from them. - Swags (Aussie Bush Beds).
Sleeping Bags / Maps / Fridges / Esky (Ice Cooler). etc.etc.
www.central carrentals.com.au/ |
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7. Kings Canyon from Alice Springs to Uluru.
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There are 2 ways to get to Kings Canyon from Alice Springs.
Alice Springs to Kings Canyon - 450km - approx 4.hrs
Ayres Rock Resort to Kings Canyon - 306km - approx 3.5 hours.
1) By the Stuart Hwy, Lasseter and Luritja Road. (all sealed).
2) By the Mereenie Loop - 4WD only. Starts at the Namatjira Drive to the West MacDonnell Ranges in Alice Springs , passing through the major sights and later leads into the Mereenie loop which continues onto Kings Canyon.
You need to have a 4WD drive and a permit from the Central Land Council to drive through Aboriginal country, which is apart of the Mereenie Loop. All information can be found at the tourist information centre in Alice Springs .
PLenty of accommodation is available from campsites to luxury resorts.
www.voyages.com.au - Voyages Kings Canyon Resort.
Kings Creek Station - camping and safari cabins. www.kingscreek station.com.au
Kings Canyon Wilderness Lodge - www.aptouring.com.au |
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Cars can be hired at the airport - booking ahead is necessary. Connellan Airport is approx 6km from the Voyages Resort. Rental Car Companies - Avis, Budget, Thrifty.
Cars MUST BE BOOKED well in advance to avoid disappointment.
One day is enough to see Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (the Olgas.)
Make sure you hire a car and self drive yourself. It is incredibly easy with no hiccups.
Sunset and sunrise viewing of Uluru can be done with your hire car. Just park at the car park viewing station, it has a better position than the bus tours. In addition, you have already probably saved heaps of $$.
To move around the Voyages Resort without a car there is a free shuttle bus operates around the resort daily and departs approximately every 20 minutes.
From Connellan Airport a complimentary coach transfers guests to Ayers Rock Resort. A coach will be there for every flight arrival. |
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9. Where we stayed - Desert Gardens Hotel
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Ave price:
$343
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Our room 162 at Desert Sand was extremely basic but it did serve a purpose for seeing Uluru. The room consisted of a queen size bed, two side tables and a small working desk. Doors lead out to a courtyard, which looked over zilch it is your basic hotel room with no trimmings. For $340.00 AUD it was a complete rip-off.
The staffs are very friendly and efficient and the hotel does have a pleasant swimming pool. Sails have the superior swimming pool and the hotel is a slight upgrade to the Desert.
Best Features:: Good size swimming pool.
Look on www.wotif.com.au or www.voyages.com.au for any deals which may be happening. |
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10. Sails in the Desert Hotel Ayers Rock
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Ave price:
$418
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Sails is the next step up from Desert Sands Hotel. If you can afford it the hotel offers better facilities. The restaurants are great and caters for every ones needs.
The best thing about this hotel is the large swimming pool which to me is very important when staying in the outback.
Best Features:: Large deep swimming pool |
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This hotel comprises on only 15 luxury tents located in a private location overlooking Uluru. Visitors are not allowed into the resort. Basically, you are hidden away in the desert.
The sumptuous luxury accommodation comes with a hefty price tag of around $2000.00AUD a night.
All meals are included in the tariff. The ultimate experience is dining under the stars in the desert with only in house guests allowed.
So if you can afford this luxury then I highly recommend you spend a few days indulging yourself in this awesome landscape.
Best features:: Isolation, perfect for honeymooners. |
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Ave price:
$331
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These one and two bedroom apartments looked fabulous and are located between Sails of the Desert Hotel and the village shopping Centre. If you have a family or want a longer stay in Ayres Rock then these self contained apartments would be perfect.
However, you do need to stay longer than 3 days.
Costs around the $300.00AUD mark.
Best features: Terrific for a family or groups. |
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13. Campground and Emu Apartments.
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If you have a family or some friends you are travelling with, I highly recommend the self contained cabins in the campground. They looked fabulous and sleep up to 6 people.
However, you do need to book well ahead of time, as they are extremely popular and difficult to get a reservation. The cabins and camping ground have excellent shower and toilet facilities. There is also a swimming pool available for guests use..
Costs around $150.00AUD - cabin
Camping - Costs $30.00 AUD
TIP- Plan ahead and you can save heaps of $$$$$ and avoid the tourist trap by voyages.
Best features: self contained cabins. |
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14. National Park Information.
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National Park Fee is Adults $25.00 per person in car. You need to pay this fee to see Uluru.
Children under 16 are free
The Pass is valid for 3 days.
Opening Hours.
Summer.-December/ January/ february - 5.30am - 8.30pm
Autumn -March - 5.30am - 7.30pm
Winter. -June/ July - 6.30am - 7.30pm, August - 6am - 7.30pm
Spring.-September - 5.30am - 7.30pm, November - 5am - 8.30pm |
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15. Sunset/ Sunrise Tours.
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You can either self drive or do a sunset tour through voyages. You must however park at the parking station and stay behind the fences.
I highly recommend you self drive as you get a better view from the car park than from the bus parking stand for tours.
All tours can be organized through any of the hotels in Ayres Rock. The buses operated by AATKings are big, so if you don't like crowds then I would opt for a smaller tour company.
AAT Kings Tour - Cost $AUD 115.00
If doing tours you may be better off obtaining a 3 days pass from AAT Kings. It will give opportunties to choose your own tours and itinerary and works out to be cheaper in the long run.
The pass gives you free entry into the National Park and you can do any of the tours listed below.
Kata Tjuta and Uluru Sunset Tour
Uluru Sunrise and Base Tour
Uluru Sunrise and Guided Cultural Base Walk
Second time viewing of Uluru Sunrise OR Uluru Sunset Tour |
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16. Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
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A great way to start your journey through Kata Tjuta National Park is to vsit the Cultural Centre first and learn about Tjukurpa and the Anangu (Aboriginal people of the desert). There is a good cafe in the Cultural Centre.
The Centre is situated approx 13km into the National Park, just after you pass the entrance to the National Park.
The Cultural Centre is opened between the hours of 7am - 6pm daily.
You cannot enter into the park after 5.30pm.
Information desk opens between the times of 8am - midday and 1pm - 5pm daily. |
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If you are feeling energetic you can walk totally around Uluru. It takes approx 3-4 hours and is roughly 9km long. This is a fantastic way to experience the real essence of Uluru without upsetting the Anangu people. They would prefer you walk around the base than climb it.
The walk starts at the Cultural Centre and leads onto the Lira Track. You can also walk from the Kuniya carpark or Mala. Please take water/ sunscreen and a hat. |
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The Liru walk starts just near the Cultural Centre, this walk is certainly suited for families and any disabled people, there is wheelchair access to accommodate those in need.The walk takes in some breathtaking scenery leads to the base of Uluru.
Its approx 4km return and takes roughly 1.5hrs. |
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| This walk begins at the Kuniya car park. Its easily recognised by the shelter at the base. This is an interesting walk which leads you to the base of Uluru and also the waterhole home of "Wanampi" an ancestral water snake. There are some wonderful rock art to be sited just near the waterhole. The walk takes approx 50 minutes and is an easy walk without any difficulties. This would certainly suit the elders or any disabled people. |
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This walk starts at the bottom of the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and takes approximately two hours. Its a difficult path and not really suited for the disabled. The path is extremely rocky so make sure you have good walking shoes and take a bottle of water.
The walk meanders through the gully and taking in the views of the domes valley.
Its approx 2.6km and you need to allow two hours. |
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21. Valley of the Winds Walk.
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This walk can be very difficult at times, so make sure you have good walking shoes. The walk is approx 7.5km through Kata Tjuta and is spectacular taking in excellent views of the domes.
It takes approx three to four hours to walk. If not with a guide then make sure you take plenty of water with you and wear sunscreen and a hat.
Tours can be arranged through any of the hotels in Voyages Resort. |
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22. - Sound of Silence Dinner.
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The Sound of Silence dinner must be booked in advance. You can prebook through the Voyages webpage. www.voyages.com.au
Basically, the dinner is set outside in an isolated spot in the Desert with views of Uluru and the sunset. You have to travel by AATKing buses to the location.
The Sounds of Silence dinner includes :
Canapes ,Free Beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks .A buffet barbecue with desserts/ coffee and port
The dinner lasts approx 4 hours including your pick-up time from your designated hotel.
Tour operates daily. approximately 1 hour prior to sunset each day.
Seating arrangements are first come first served and you have to share a table with others. So if you are looking for an intimate dinner for two you may be better having dinner at Sails.
Reservations must be confirmed at least 24hours before leaving.
Entertainment is by a leading resident astronomer who speaks about the stars. |
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Kuniya Restaurant
Is located in The Sails of the Desert Hotel. If you are looking for a special or intimate dinner then this restaurant will suit.
White Gums Restaurant
The White Gum is located in the Voyages Desert Gardens Hotel, it a great place for breakfast or a casual dinner.
Pioneer BBQ and Bar
This hotel is very popular with the young and backpackers. It basically is self service BBQ style which also has live entertainment.
A fab place to meet other travellers. Open for dinner daily.
Greko Cafe
You just want to have an easy cheap relaxed meal, then you cannot go past pizza at Greko's cafe located in the Ayres Rock shopping village.
Pioneer Outback Hotel.
A fun place to meet other travellers whilst listening to some music and having a few beers.
The Tali Bar is situated in Sails of the Desert Hotel next door to Kuniya Restaurant overlooking the swimming pool.
Smart casual is required for this bar. |
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24. Shopping - Voyages Shopping Centre.
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Is located within the resort just next door to Sails. It consists of a well stocked supermarket with fresh vegetables and meat. A large news-agency is available for local newspapers and magazines. The Tourist and Information centre is also located within the shopping village.
A bank and an ATM machine is located in the centre of the village. Other shops include clothes/ gifts/ souvenirs and a hair and beauty salon. Greko cafe is also located here which serves light meals and coffee.
The Shopping center can be easily walked to from all hotels except Longitude 131. |
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25. What to bring - Climate.
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1. A good pair of walking shoes. (Shoes get wrecked by the red dirt )...so don't wear any good ones.
2. Hat. (Fly hat for summer months)
3. Sunscreen and sunglasses.
4. Shorts and t/shirt for day.
5. A light weight jacket for the evenings.
6. Smart casual for evening dinners.
7. Swimmers
8. backpack for carrying water and sunscreen etc.etc.
9. Evenings can get cool so make sure you bring something that is warm.
10. Insect repellent.
CLIMATE
Summer 21-36
Autumn 13-28
Winter 4-20
Spring 15-31
So it gets rather cool at nightime in winter and autumn. So pack that jacket ! |
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26. Facts about Uluru and the Olgas.
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Uluru is made from sedimentary rock called arkose sandstone which contains the mineral feldspar.
Olgas - is different from Uluru and is made from sedimentary rock called conglomerate which is a mixture of different rocks. (pebbles, gravel and boulders all mixed together by mud and sand).
Uluru colour - uluru is coloured red is because the iron minerals and weathered over centuries by water and oxygen.
The Olgas and Uluru go below the surface approx 6kms.
The National Park is covers 1325 square km, so its a huge park offering amazing scenery.
Uluru is a massive monolith which measures 863 m above sea level and the circumference measures around 10 km.
The Olgas highest dome measures 1066m above sea level. |
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27. Warnings and Dangers.
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Warnings/Dangers.
The most important thing one can remember before venturing out for the days activities, is to take a large bottle of water. Remember you are in the desert.
Water can be found at the base of Mala Carpark and also at the emergency radio alarm.
Its very important to bring some sunscreen as the desert sun is very hot and carries a high UV reading of (11-15).
So slap on that cream before heading out for the day. Australians have the worse percentage of skin cancer in the world.
Climbing Uluru can be dangerous regarding the difficult physically demanding walk up a steep railing to the top.
Wind, rain and extreme temperatures can made this walk dangerous. Wind speeds can reach up to 25knots on the top of Uluru.
At least 30 people have died trying to climb Uluru
Please do not give any alcohol to the Aboriginal people, the Elders do not like alcohol to be used within their communities.
TIP> buy a few bottles of wine before leaving your destination to Ayres Rock and slip it into your check-in luggage to avoid high costs through the hotels.
Please DO NOT wander off the paths or tracks. |
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All the hotels and the caravan camp belong to Voyages, which has total monopoly over Uluru. Therefore, to me, it is important NOT to be snared into a tourist trap. All accommodation within this area is expensive, so cutting costs is important.
I booked through the hotel but later noticed that www.wotif.com.au had prices for the same hotel at half the price. However, to get this price you need to wait 28 days before they release their deals before booking
The best way to save money and cut costs is to either stay at the caravan park or book Emu Apartments which one can self cater in.
The supermarket has a good variety of fresh food available and I thought it to be reasonably priced for an outback situation.
or the cafe in the village offers reasonable meals. |
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It is thought at least one million Aborigines lived in Australia and there were approximately 300 languages spoken; not to mention their many dialects. So, really Australia was already a Nation and a fully populated country when Captain Cook discovered Australia. The majority of the Aborigines lived through various parts of Australia, and their clans were important to their everyday existence, however they were not always nomadic but used their skills in hunting and studying the seasons.
The word Aboriginal is an English word the Europeans used to describe our earliest inhabitants. The Aborigines are proud people, which is shown through their flag and knowledge of their beloved country and homeland. The Aboriginal flag is red black and yellow which now hangs proudly in unison with the Australian National flag.
"Red Black and Yellow are the colours of our band
Black is for the people of this Southern Land.
Yellow is for the mighty giver in the sky
Red is our people's blood son onward we survive."
On May the 26th 1998 the Australian Government recognized and formally apologized to the Aboriginal people and a National Sorry Day was celebrated with community activities and the signing of "sorry books". A day that our indigenous people accepted and a step was made towards reconciliation and admission of responsibility from the Australian Government , whom removed over 80,000 Aboriginal children from their parents and beloved tribes.
my words :
a moment seeps into my ordinary life
which captures my whole essence.
a particular wholesome unison, scattered
unexplained.
you are truly you, my Uluru. |
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Compliment Ellemay
