Family of five off to Alice Springs and Uluru from Sydney

by Prinny

We (2a & 3k) plan to go from Sydney to Uluru in 2010 for three weeks. Unfortunately we are limited to school holidays so would you suggest April or July? Also is it feasible in our own 2WD? Could anyone suggest an itinery? Is 5-7 days to get to Alice Springs/Uluru from Sydney sufficient? Allowing us at least a week in Alice Springs, and then 5-7 days for the journey back? We would like to do some camping as well as stay in affordable accommodation.

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Kings Canyon to Alice via Mereenie Loop

by Neil
(Victoria)

Hello, just thought I'd share our trip report on the Mereenie Loop Road from Kings Canyon to Alice Springs for other travellers.

Firstly there are conflicting reports on whether you need a permit or not... We opted to buy a permit ($5.50) from Kings Canyon Resort Caltex Station.

The road itself, don't be fooled. It is harsh, very rough and corrugated. A reasonable level of driver skill is required. 4x4 experience would be very helpful. The road surface shifts from hard rocky surface to smooth sand, then corrugated sand or rocks. Some areas of bulldust.

My advise, keep a reasonable speed, not too slow, not too fast. Tyre pressure down to 26-28 psi (very important to avoid punctures) as it assists traction and makes the ride a little better. For all of you that attempt it in a hire vehicle. Check the spare tyre is ok. Otherwise, enjoy the spectacular scenery. It is some of the most diverse in the world.

My tip... don't stay at the Glen Helen resort... far from a resort. The toilets were dirty, no paper, staff not so friendly. Drive a few more km's down the road and stay at Ormiston Gorge or even better Ellery Creek Big Hole camp grounds. Much cheaper (natioanl park fees) and a better natural view with basic but adequate facilities.

Enjoy the NT!!

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On the way to Alice Springs...

by Nancy
(California )

My mother and I took a bus tour through Australia's Outback in 1980 to experience the various places, see Ayers Rock and the Olgas. There were hardly any people there at the time.

We were given a tour around the base and it was explained to us how important Ayers Rock was and we should treat the area with respect. Which we did. No one ever mentioned climbing Ayers would be disrespectful.

I ventured as far as "Chicken Rock", the first out-cropping before the chain started. As we walked around the base the ranger told us about certain areas that were considered religiously important to the Aborigine.

One thing I remember was that there was a house built near the base, but it seemed everyone lived outside. The ranger explained that the while the house had been for the Aborigines who lived near there, a dog had died in the house and now they couldn't live in it.

At the time there was an airplane that offered a short tour of Ayers and the Olgas. We took advantage of that and the fly-over beauty is one I'll always remember.

Actually I found the Olgas to be much more interesting and even pretty with the vegetation growing around the crevices.

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