Adelaide and Kangaroo Island
 

I am meeting my adult daughter after she completes work down in Antarctica in May and would like to spend the two weeks seeing a part of Australia that I have not seen. I have always wanted to go to see Alice Springs/Ayers Rock-Uluru/the outback area and also Adelaide with Kangaroo Island.
My daughter is a marine geologist and loves the outdoors so thought that Kangaroo Island would be quite interesting for her?
So my questions to my Fodors friends are:
If I am flying into Sydney,which area would you recommend going to first?
Pros and cons for both areas?
Thanks for any info and help!

I don't think it makes a huge difference in the month of May whether you visit Adelaide/KI first or Alice Springs/Uluru first. I guess I would just do whichever works out best with the flights.

I've been to Uluru/Alice Springs and Adelaide/KI twice each and I can't think of any cons for them (outside of the relatively high prices for everything at Uluru).

I would allow 6 - 7 days for your trip to Alice Springs/Kings Canyon and Uluru.
I would allow 4 - 5 days for Adelaide/KI.

Haven't been to KI, but have been to SA twice...I really like the place.

My trip reports might give you a few ideas:

http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...tone-coast.cfm

http://www.fodors.com/community/aust...-australia.cfm

This is an excellent combination, with a real contrast between KI and the red centre. I agree that it doesn't matter which order you do it, but KI is a nice spot for a few relaxing days if you want them at the beginning or end of the trip.

You could also consider the Ghan for a luxurious train trip between Adelaide and the Alice. It takes about 24 hrs but only runs twice a week.

Alice Springs is often missed by international tourists who fly straight to Uluru but it is well worth spending a few days here. The Desert Park is a great introduction to the local flora and fauna and Aboriginal culture. There are several museums in town worth a visit and Todd Mall is the best place to buy genuine Australian souvenirs. Not far out of town the MacDonnell Ranges have some wonderful gorges and scenery, including Simpson's Gap which is home to rock wallabies.

Uluru/Kata Tjuta should also not be rushed. The Uluru base walk is worth doing - it is flat and takes about 3 hours. Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) is in the same National Park and has a variety of walks. Both sites have sunset and sunrise viewing areas - the sunset at Uluru is truly spectacular with the changing colours.

Between Alice Springs and Uluru is King's Canyon, probably my favourite spot in the region. The rim circuit walk is only 6 kms but has some steep sections and rough terrain and takes 3-4 hours. Definitely worth the effort.

Aren't there some luggage weight restrictions on all flights to KI????

Thanks for the great info everyone-keep the tips coming!

The ferry to KI is an alternative to flying and much more scenic.
If either of you are interested in wine, the Fleurieu Peninsula (en route to the departure point for KI Ferry) has beautiful beaches, wineries, farmers markets and eateries +++ and is worth at least an overnight. I am a local though so a bit biased :)
KI itself probably needs no more than 3 nights IMHO.
Do you have to fly into Sydney? You will lose close to a day getting to either AS or Adelaide but if coming from US may not have a choice. Emirates, Singapore and Air New Zealand fly direct into Adelaide, may be worth looking at depending on where you are coming from.

Check out our blog for information and pictures for Adelaide area and Kangaroo Island. We were there in 2009 and loved the Island!

www.aroundtheworldin132days.blogspot.com

In the index on the right click on Feb then click on Feb 9 and read to Feb 17 for our time in the area. We really enjoyed both!