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ULURU (AYERS ROCK) - STAY FOR LESS "A$"

ULURU (Ayers Rock) (NT) is a 3.6km long, 348 mtr. high & 9.4km round “Monolith” (single stone) & is included in the Uluru – Kata Tjuta (many heads) National Park. The area has been a sacred site of the Ananga (An ung oo) Aborigines for thousands of years; the landscape features are said to have been made by their ancestors. In 1985 the freehold was returned to the Anangu tribe & then leased back to Parks Australia for 99years on payment of annual rent & 25% of entry fees. The “Rock” is truly unique & such familiar an image World wide, in reality it’s covered with iron oxide sand, its awesome red colours caused because it is “rusting”. It’s another Australia “Icon” sight & to visit it you have to stay at the purpose built Ayers Rock Resort at Yulara (weeping) Village, 20km from the actual Park. Opened in 1984 it has first class accommodation for all budgets but you will need to book ahead, it has all mod/cons. with good food outlets & support services

ACCOMMODATION

NO 1 – OUTBACK PIONEER LODGE YHA at Ayers Rock Resort (some 20km. from Uluru) tele (08) 8957 7888, Email. reservations@voyages.com.au - $29 pn in 20 bed lodge dorm (2 bunk cubicles) & shower/wc block Sep s/c kitchen unit with o/s tables & chairs. Large open air sitting/entertainment area with bar & bbq (kangaroo & crocodile available to cremate!) This is the liveliest place on the Resort & with free evening entertainment & great for socialising.

Reserve – Ayers Rock Resort Campground (adjacent to YHA) charges $25 pn for 2 but you’ll need a tent & good sleeping bag (it gets very cold at night) but to stay over at this mega place is a MUST

FOOD – for s/c needs is available from the AR Supermarket, in the central shopping complex, which has a good product range & fruit & veg & is not expensive as the main travel guides lead you to believe. The hostel also has a good menu & a special diy. bbq choice so all your catering needs are well covered.

TRAVELLING AROUND – Resort is well organised with the free “Blue Bus” service circumnavigating the site every 10 mins from 1000 till 1800 hrs (hop on/off). To get to & from Uluru Park itself, however, is another matter? The cheapest is Uluru Express with a basic fixed return to /from the Culture Centre $35, Sunrise $40, Sunset $35 & Olgas $50, or a 3day pass for $130. The tours are restrictive because you cannot wander off from the group. GB’s solution was to visit the campsite, next to the hostel, make friends with a car group & offer a $ contribution to join them on their visit to the park – it was my best day in Oz & the good company a bonus – see my stars below, thanks you guys!

“FREE” SIGHTS TO SEE

1. Yulara Resort – Walk around specially designed low, earth toned, buildings & red sand dunes
2. “ Visitors Centre – Absorbing visual displays on geology & useful maps & guides
3. “ Imalung Lookout – Centre of complex with best uninterrupted view of Uluru at all times
4. Uluru Cultural Centre – Aboriginal art & the history & management of the Park also souvenirs
5. “ Base Walk – Best way to experience Rock, up close & personal, takes about 4 ½ hours
6. “ Sacred Sites – Rock has fascinating sculptures etched into the face caused by weathering
7. “ Sunrise – Early risers can view this event daily but it is a cold & instant experience 5/10
8. “ Sunset – Viewed from special locations it’s THE MAIN EVENT to remember always
9. Olgas Walpa Gorge – Short, silent, spectacular walk over rock base into this haunting gorge
10. “ Valley of Winds – Longer, exposed more energetic 7km circular walk “slip, slap, slop”

CHARGES INTO NATIONAL PARK

1. Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park – A 3-day Permit charge costing $16.25, which you pay at the Park entrance, is in addition to your tour charge. On the next two following days you present your permit to the gate attendant (with your name printed) to get the nod to pass through again. GB was challenged on the second occasion as I was on a bus, not in a car as on the first visit, but my explanation was accepted. I had also thought of this loophole, to buy a pass (cheap) from a person at the hostel who was only visiting the area for one day.

* Paul, Sander, Teruyuki, Seung – Ju & Mitsubisi - Iowa USA Student Group - Chris