Ayers Rock, Australia

Ayers Rock/Uluru (3 days, 2 nights – Nov 15-17)

I was really looking forward to going out to the Australian Outback to see the desert landscape, to see Uluru and The Olgas, and most of all, to see the Aborigines people. During our planning phase for the trip, I had heard a mixed response from friends and Australian residents on whether or not to make the four hour flight from Cairns to see this part of Australia.

The Outback is very unique in its natural beauty and history. There is no other place in the world like these giant rocks and the Aborigines dream time stories used to describe the creation of these geological wonders is very interesting.. However, the opportunity to see and interact with the Aborigine is very limited to none. The Aborigines do not want to be “on display” to the Australians and tourists. Given then history of these unique peoples, I can understand the desire to be left alone. If you are interested in seeing the beautiful landscapes and enjoy the dessert, a trip to the Outback is worth the effort and costs. We’d recommend spending at least 2 days, but no more than 3 days in this region.

Remember that you will be in an arid, dry climate which means DRINK A LOT OF WATER to keep hydrated. Temperatures get up to 100 degrees F by 10:00am. Also, wear shorts, a t-shirt, a hat and bring sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF rating. No kidding.

Where to Stay
The costs to get out to the Outback and stay for a few days are quite high. Voyages Hotels and Resorts is the sole resort company that runs the Ayers Rock Resort hotel and restaurant system here so there is no competition for tourist dollars. The only variation in accommodation appears to be in price. The quality in accommodation seemed to be mediocre in all areas so it makes little sense to book the most expensive room given how little time one will actually spend in the room. We stayed at The Lost Camel Hotel which was the second to the least expensive resort and the cost per night came in at roughly $450AU. The rooms are basic and clean. The hotel does have a pool which comes in handy during the heat of the day.

What to Do
Most activities are best done working through a tour company. Tours can be booked ahead of time or at the resort, but we recommend booking at least a month in advance to ensure getting booked in the desired tour. Be careful to not book a large group tour, such as the tours offered on the Voyages website. Nothing is worse than being part of a 50+ person tour and you get nothing out of the experience. We booked online through Discovery Ecotours which offers smaller group tours of no more than 10 people. The tour guides were fantastic and were very knowledgeable about the geology and Aboriginal culture and dream stories. Sweet. We booked the following through Discovery….

Kata Tjuta and Dunes tour in the afternoon once we arrived
Uluru Walk tour in the early morning the following day
The Sounds Of Silence Dinner in the evening after the Uluru Walk

We highly recommend booking all three tours. The Sounds Of Silence Dinner is by far the most popular attraction in the resort. Voyages is the only tour operator that runs the experience and reservations book up fast. Book the dinner at least a few months in advance and any remaining tours on Discover Ecotours a month in advance.

I was not impressed with the tourist shops in the area. These shops sold the typical junk and souvenirs made in China. A few shops carried Aboriginal art work made by the native people…sold at prices well above $100AU for small art pieces. The sad part is that most of the proceeds from the art most likely go to the resort and not the artists.

Tip: Be sure to keep your eye out for people you want to share a table with at the Sounds Of Silence Dinner. There are not seating assignments at the dinner so make the effort to meet a few other people to share a table with…or risk sitting next to Mr and Mrs Castanza (Seinfeld anyone?)!!!

Where to Eat
You’re trapped at the Voyages Hotels and Resorts so selection is limited. All the restaurants are very expensive and most seem to be buffet style. Barf. However, there is a hidden gems in…

Gecko’s Café: A small, a la carte restaurant near the small shopping center/market next to The Lost Camel Hotel. They serve basic Italian food and sandwiches for less than $20AU a person. The service sucks there, but hey, it’s cheaper!!

Pioneer BBQ & Bar: This place is a lot of fun with a pizza/sandwiches/hamburger order window or a “buy and BBQ your own meat” BBQ grill. The picnic table seating is arranged under tents. We went there with another couple we met on the Uluru tour and had a great time.

There is a tiny supermarket near The Lost Camel Hotel. Go there to buy bottled water and snacks. It’s far cheaper than buying these items from the hotel.