Ayers Rock or Alice Springs? Cheap flights? Where to Stay?
Apr 24th, 2010, 08:21 PM
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Ayers Rock or Alice Springs? Cheap flights? Where to Stay?
Lots of questions, I know.
We (Wife, daughter and myself) are in our early stages of planning so bear with me.
We plan to visit the region in mid June but we are struggling to find flights at decent prices. Other than Qantas and Tiger, is there any other airline serving Uluru/Alice Springs?
As far as lodging, we still have not decided in which place we would like to stay. What are the pros/cons? Our plan is to spend just a couple of days.
All advices/comments are appreciated!
Regards,
Roberto
We (Wife, daughter and myself) are in our early stages of planning so bear with me.
We plan to visit the region in mid June but we are struggling to find flights at decent prices. Other than Qantas and Tiger, is there any other airline serving Uluru/Alice Springs?
As far as lodging, we still have not decided in which place we would like to stay. What are the pros/cons? Our plan is to spend just a couple of days.
All advices/comments are appreciated!
Regards,
Roberto
Apr 26th, 2010, 04:45 AM
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Really, no answers???
Well, I've done more research since I posted these questions, and because we have such a limited amount of time, flying straight to Ayers Rock/Uluru will be the way to go.
Responding to my own question: It seems that Qantas and Tiger (other than potential charter flights) are the only commercial airlines that serve the region. In the June, when we plan to go, Tiger only flies via Melbourne on Tu, Th and Sa which limits a lot the itineraries but they are supposed to be cheaper.
A new set of questions:
-Other than AAT Kings, who seems to be the big Kahuna in terms of tour packages in Australia, what other options would you recommend? We tend to prefer smaller groups with more flexibility and individual attention. Would like to pack sunrise at Uluru (climbing to the top) and Kata Tjuta in the afternoon. I know it is a lot of walking in a single day but we have no alternative.
-It seems that the only lodging alternatives in Uluru are the ones in the resort, is that correct? And the most affordable (other than the campground) is the Outback Pioneer hotel. Not exactly a budget hotel but I guess they charge for the exclusivity in the area.
Thanks!
Well, I've done more research since I posted these questions, and because we have such a limited amount of time, flying straight to Ayers Rock/Uluru will be the way to go.
Responding to my own question: It seems that Qantas and Tiger (other than potential charter flights) are the only commercial airlines that serve the region. In the June, when we plan to go, Tiger only flies via Melbourne on Tu, Th and Sa which limits a lot the itineraries but they are supposed to be cheaper.
A new set of questions:
-Other than AAT Kings, who seems to be the big Kahuna in terms of tour packages in Australia, what other options would you recommend? We tend to prefer smaller groups with more flexibility and individual attention. Would like to pack sunrise at Uluru (climbing to the top) and Kata Tjuta in the afternoon. I know it is a lot of walking in a single day but we have no alternative.
-It seems that the only lodging alternatives in Uluru are the ones in the resort, is that correct? And the most affordable (other than the campground) is the Outback Pioneer hotel. Not exactly a budget hotel but I guess they charge for the exclusivity in the area.
Thanks!
Apr 26th, 2010, 04:55 AM
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"Would like to pack sunrise at Uluru (climbing to the top)"
Sorry I can't answer your questions, but please be aware that the local Aboriginal people ask that you do NOT climb on Uluru (the rock's preferred name). It's considered disrespectful and insensitive to ignore their wishes in this matter.
Sorry I can't answer your questions, but please be aware that the local Aboriginal people ask that you do NOT climb on Uluru (the rock's preferred name). It's considered disrespectful and insensitive to ignore their wishes in this matter.
Apr 26th, 2010, 05:58 PM
#5
Alice Springs & Uluru don't often have the super-competitive airfares & accommodation offerings of the city & coastal areas, satrijoe.
The domestic carriers are Qantas, Virgin Blue and Qantas' subsidiary, Jetstar, which competes in the lower cost market. Tiger Air is a fairly recent entrant in the bargain-basement market and has a justifiably poor reputation for cancellations/delays & inflexibility that one would expect from a carrier offering $28 fares for 500+ mile flights.
Jetstar is also notoriously inflexible on check-in times, but does not appear to have quite the same poor reputation as Tiger Air.
Virgin Blue basically flies East Coast routes, and a few regional centres, including Uluru ( but not Alice Springs).
www.virginblue.com.au They have some specials from time to time and a daily "happy hour" (noon-1pm AEST)
Qantas flies into both Alice Springs & Uluru.
At Uluru, there is an excellent Cultural & Information Centre, and you can arrange a tour with an Aboriginal guide (pre-book). In your shoes, I'd do that rather than taking one of those giant AAT coach tours. http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/...ion/index.html
Apart from the fact that climbing Uluru is contrary to the Aboriginal owners' wishes, the climb is often closed (too hot/cold/wet/windy) for all or part of the day, so you may not have been able to fit it in your schedule anyway. I found walking around the base of the rock (about 10kms) as dawn breaks to be an awe inspiring experience.
The Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta is a great experience too - quite different and many find it more picturesque.
June will be cold in the Red Centre at night & mornings, and very often there is a wind around Uluru & Kata Tjuta at those times, so do make sure you take a jacket. And more water than you think you will need. Also a hat, sunscreen and some insect repellent (anything with Deet in it - I use Bushmens or Rid Tropical strength). Probably won't be any flies in June, but better to have it than wish you did.
There are quite a few recent posts about Uluru & Alice Springs - do a search in the box at the top of the page.
Unfortunately, the accommodation options are rather limited, but I think there are a couple of mid-range motels & self catered apartments that may be better value than the resorts.
The domestic carriers are Qantas, Virgin Blue and Qantas' subsidiary, Jetstar, which competes in the lower cost market. Tiger Air is a fairly recent entrant in the bargain-basement market and has a justifiably poor reputation for cancellations/delays & inflexibility that one would expect from a carrier offering $28 fares for 500+ mile flights.
Jetstar is also notoriously inflexible on check-in times, but does not appear to have quite the same poor reputation as Tiger Air.
Virgin Blue basically flies East Coast routes, and a few regional centres, including Uluru ( but not Alice Springs).
www.virginblue.com.au They have some specials from time to time and a daily "happy hour" (noon-1pm AEST)
Qantas flies into both Alice Springs & Uluru.
At Uluru, there is an excellent Cultural & Information Centre, and you can arrange a tour with an Aboriginal guide (pre-book). In your shoes, I'd do that rather than taking one of those giant AAT coach tours. http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/...ion/index.html
Apart from the fact that climbing Uluru is contrary to the Aboriginal owners' wishes, the climb is often closed (too hot/cold/wet/windy) for all or part of the day, so you may not have been able to fit it in your schedule anyway. I found walking around the base of the rock (about 10kms) as dawn breaks to be an awe inspiring experience.
The Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta is a great experience too - quite different and many find it more picturesque.
June will be cold in the Red Centre at night & mornings, and very often there is a wind around Uluru & Kata Tjuta at those times, so do make sure you take a jacket. And more water than you think you will need. Also a hat, sunscreen and some insect repellent (anything with Deet in it - I use Bushmens or Rid Tropical strength). Probably won't be any flies in June, but better to have it than wish you did.
There are quite a few recent posts about Uluru & Alice Springs - do a search in the box at the top of the page.
Unfortunately, the accommodation options are rather limited, but I think there are a couple of mid-range motels & self catered apartments that may be better value than the resorts.
Apr 28th, 2010, 06:05 PM
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Hire a car at Yulara and do your own thing, rather than doing tours. It's easy to find your way around, you can join in ranger guided walks and get all the information you need from the visitors' centre. It will also be considerably cheaper.
I would also recommend the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta - I think it took us about two hours.
I would also recommend the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta - I think it took us about two hours.
Apr 29th, 2010, 08:24 AM
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I've been to Uluru twice and toured it both ways-once with AAT and once on our own. I would definitely recommend that you rent a car and do it on your own. The AAT tours were expensive and too restrictive on times for us. (For example, we would have enjoyed more hiking time at Kata Tjuta than AAT gave us.) Be sure to book your rental car in advance of your visit--you can't just walk up to the counter and expect to get a car.
We have stayed in two different properties at Uluru. On our first visit, we stayed in a family room at Outback Pioneer that had a queen bed and a set of bunk beds for the kids. The bathroom was not ensuite, but that was OK for us. The room was not fancy, but it was clean, comfortable and warm. (We were there in July and it gets darn cold at night.)
On our second visit, we stayed at the Emu Walk Apartments as my MIL was with us, making a group of 5. It was more expensive than Outback Pioneer, but it did have an ensuite bathroom and a full kitchen so that we could do some cooking, thus cutting down on food costs somewhat.
There are free daily ranger guides that go around part of Uluru. You can also walk entirely around Uluru as well (9km). There is a sunset viewing area you can drive to. There are well-marked hikes at Kata Tjuta. We did the Valley of the Winds walk too and it was good.
It may cost an arm to visit Uluru/Kata Tjuta, but it doesn't have to cost and arm AND a leg.
We have stayed in two different properties at Uluru. On our first visit, we stayed in a family room at Outback Pioneer that had a queen bed and a set of bunk beds for the kids. The bathroom was not ensuite, but that was OK for us. The room was not fancy, but it was clean, comfortable and warm. (We were there in July and it gets darn cold at night.)
On our second visit, we stayed at the Emu Walk Apartments as my MIL was with us, making a group of 5. It was more expensive than Outback Pioneer, but it did have an ensuite bathroom and a full kitchen so that we could do some cooking, thus cutting down on food costs somewhat.
There are free daily ranger guides that go around part of Uluru. You can also walk entirely around Uluru as well (9km). There is a sunset viewing area you can drive to. There are well-marked hikes at Kata Tjuta. We did the Valley of the Winds walk too and it was good.
It may cost an arm to visit Uluru/Kata Tjuta, but it doesn't have to cost and arm AND a leg.
Apr 30th, 2010, 04:15 AM
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Bokhara2/marg/longhorn55,
thank you all for the tips and comments!
We are definitely not much fans of this non-flexible tours but were kind of worried about not being able to find ourselves around. If you say the walks and trails are well marked, we are probably going to go for it on our own.
We prefer the ensuite bathroom and hopefully they will be available at the Outback Pioneer (we are just a party of 3). Or, if someone can point me to those mid-range motels and tell us if they are OK (clean and warm), we will look into those.
The trip is starting to shape up nicely. Working on the Visas now!
thank you all for the tips and comments!
We are definitely not much fans of this non-flexible tours but were kind of worried about not being able to find ourselves around. If you say the walks and trails are well marked, we are probably going to go for it on our own.
We prefer the ensuite bathroom and hopefully they will be available at the Outback Pioneer (we are just a party of 3). Or, if someone can point me to those mid-range motels and tell us if they are OK (clean and warm), we will look into those.
The trip is starting to shape up nicely. Working on the Visas now!
May 2nd, 2010, 06:15 AM
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I agree with all suggestions made by Bokhara, and also recommend Virgin Blue. They will be cheaper than Qantas, but either way, you may be able to get a discounted flight connected to your international flight, so check. Avoid Tiger.
You can get a pretty good look at Uluru and the Olgas on Google Earth, but I couldn't figure out how to post the link here.
I climbed the rock and regretted every step as I am NOT a mountain goat. It gets more difficult at the top and on the top. And I came down by sliding on my butt and was terrified, but then I'm not a hiker or climber. I was there in August and it was freezing in the morning, so yes, it will be chilly mornings and evenings in June. Days will be warm.
The walk around the rock is really wonderful in the very early morning. You can easily do the walk around the rock and then go on to the Olgas (Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta), which is also quite challenging, but not at all like climbing the rock.
Yes to renting a car. If you look at the Google Earth view, you'll see how easy it is to get around out there.
I don't think anything there will be budget as it is expensive to get everything out there. But you will really enjoy it!
You can get a pretty good look at Uluru and the Olgas on Google Earth, but I couldn't figure out how to post the link here.
I climbed the rock and regretted every step as I am NOT a mountain goat. It gets more difficult at the top and on the top. And I came down by sliding on my butt and was terrified, but then I'm not a hiker or climber. I was there in August and it was freezing in the morning, so yes, it will be chilly mornings and evenings in June. Days will be warm.
The walk around the rock is really wonderful in the very early morning. You can easily do the walk around the rock and then go on to the Olgas (Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta), which is also quite challenging, but not at all like climbing the rock.
Yes to renting a car. If you look at the Google Earth view, you'll see how easy it is to get around out there.
I don't think anything there will be budget as it is expensive to get everything out there. But you will really enjoy it!
May 2nd, 2010, 11:52 PM
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I think the campground at Yulara has cabins - could be a bit cheaper. They don't have a website but the tourist information centre may be able to give you more information. Personally I think anything around Uluru is expensive but if you want to see that part of Australia, then there isn't much choice.
The roads and walks are well marked but if you are worried, leave details of your plans at your accommodation just in case you wander off the beaten track. Plus there are always lots of other people doing the walks.
The roads and walks are well marked but if you are worried, leave details of your plans at your accommodation just in case you wander off the beaten track. Plus there are always lots of other people doing the walks.
May 3rd, 2010, 04:03 AM
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Thanks for the replies.
So, at least this part of the trip is starting to shape up nicely.
Our research indicated that only Qantas had direct flights to Uluru/Ayers Rock airport. Because of our limited time, that was the way to go. Tiger Airways has flights to Alice Springs only so in the end it was not a viable alternative. That and the bad rep they got amongst travelers kind of eliminated them.
For non-residents of Australia/New Zealand, Virgin Blue offers the airpass with tickets ranging from $79-$139 (I believe). Need to buy at least 3 tickets per passenger. We are strongly consider that option for our next stop (Cairns).
Going back to Uluru, we decided to stay @ the Pioneer Outback. As everybody says, expensive for what it offers but apparently there aren't many options, so go with the flow.
We are looking into rental cars and definitely will not climb Uluru, mainly in respect to the natives but also because we are not good climbers either.
So, we arrive at 2:40PM in Ayers Rock. After we check-in and leave our luggage at the hotel, what do you recommend we do, considering we will have a full day of walking/sightseeing the next day?
Thanks!
So, at least this part of the trip is starting to shape up nicely.
Our research indicated that only Qantas had direct flights to Uluru/Ayers Rock airport. Because of our limited time, that was the way to go. Tiger Airways has flights to Alice Springs only so in the end it was not a viable alternative. That and the bad rep they got amongst travelers kind of eliminated them.
For non-residents of Australia/New Zealand, Virgin Blue offers the airpass with tickets ranging from $79-$139 (I believe). Need to buy at least 3 tickets per passenger. We are strongly consider that option for our next stop (Cairns).
Going back to Uluru, we decided to stay @ the Pioneer Outback. As everybody says, expensive for what it offers but apparently there aren't many options, so go with the flow.
We are looking into rental cars and definitely will not climb Uluru, mainly in respect to the natives but also because we are not good climbers either.
So, we arrive at 2:40PM in Ayers Rock. After we check-in and leave our luggage at the hotel, what do you recommend we do, considering we will have a full day of walking/sightseeing the next day?
Thanks!
May 3rd, 2010, 10:30 AM
#12
Go to the Cultural Centre http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/...al-centre.html
It's a treasure trove of information, interestingly set out with interactive exhibitions and artefacts. A visit here before seeing Uluru or Kata Tjuta will add depth & breadth to your experience.
After the Cultural Centre (allow at least an hour), I'd head across to Uluru to see it at sunset.
It's a treasure trove of information, interestingly set out with interactive exhibitions and artefacts. A visit here before seeing Uluru or Kata Tjuta will add depth & breadth to your experience.
After the Cultural Centre (allow at least an hour), I'd head across to Uluru to see it at sunset.
May 3rd, 2010, 04:50 PM
#14
It was, satrijoe! I was taking a friend to the airport & thought I'd just have a look what you internationals were up to while he was in the shower.
About the Cultural Centre: I didn't have the chance to visit it untiil we'd finished walking around Uluru and doing the Valley of the Winds walk, and really wished I had. My niece & I were on a small-group tour from Alice Springs, so were dancing to others' drumbeat a little. It would have just added that extra dimension to have had the info before we visited these iconic places.
Next time - I'll do what I've recommended to you & spend a couple of hours there first.
About the Cultural Centre: I didn't have the chance to visit it untiil we'd finished walking around Uluru and doing the Valley of the Winds walk, and really wished I had. My niece & I were on a small-group tour from Alice Springs, so were dancing to others' drumbeat a little. It would have just added that extra dimension to have had the info before we visited these iconic places.
Next time - I'll do what I've recommended to you & spend a couple of hours there first.
May 4th, 2010, 11:48 PM
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I second the Ourtback Pioneer, driving yourself, and visiting the Cultural Centre.
We did the Sounds of Silence dinner the first night we were there (aunt's 80th birthday). It's pretty spectacular, but expensive, and the food is not brilliant. The aunt still raves about it, though.
We did the Sounds of Silence dinner the first night we were there (aunt's 80th birthday). It's pretty spectacular, but expensive, and the food is not brilliant. The aunt still raves about it, though.
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