Hello all and thank you in advance for any help regarding the drive from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock.

I am considering the drive and realize that it says in the book that it will take about 5 hours and that it is 'un-scenic' (read: boring). Has anyone ever done this drive and is it really 5 hours? Is there anything worth detouring off the path to see? Any suggestions on how to break up the long drive at all?
We are going in March 08 and are a family of Mom, Dad, Son (15) and Daughter (16).

Also...that camel trek looks pretty cool...any comments? I might forget the drive and just do a 3 day trek as it looks pretty interesting.

And last but not least: I am STUNNED at how $$$$$ accomodations are in Ayers Rock. Is the Ayer's Rock Resort really my only option? Has anyone ever camped there...safe?

Thanks again, everyone...much appreciate any comments, suggestions, yah's or nah's.

I've done Alice-Uluru a couple of times, the first time on a coach, the second time in a rented camper van. Five hours seems about right and I suppose one could call it "un-scenic". Personnally, I enjoyed experiencing the vast nothingness of central Australia, the wide open spaces often with distant views of the MacDonnell ranges, Mt Connor, etc. We stayed in our camper at the RV park on the second trip (1999). That was both fun and safe. Our kids were 14, 11, and 9 then and they all had a blast.

By all means do not miss the Olgas on your visit to Uluru...in particular the Valley of the Winds Walk. I would suggest 3 nights in the area to give you two full days: one for Uluru, one for the Olgas (about 40 miles west).

If you rent a 4WD, you could also consider accessing Uluru via Kings Canyon (another great spot by the way) and the unsealed Meereenie Loop Rd. I've only done a small section of this road, but understand it to be more interesting than going to Uluru via the Stuart Hwy

Even if you don't take the Mereenie Loop, you can still take a side detour to visit Watarrka (Kings Canyon). This is a fine detour as long as you have the time.

Yes, all lodgings in Yulara are expensive. We camped in the campground, which is OK, and certainly safe. One little-known possibility is the cabins in the campground. You could get a cabin that will fit the 4 of you quite nicely. The other lower-cost choice is the Outback Pioneer Hotel, which is a little rustic, but clean and well-kept.

Thank you Ralph and Alf...appreciate the input. I have come to realize that the more I know, the less I know, lol.

One of the biggest regrets of my travel career is that I did not take the Mereenie Loop. Kings Canyon is excellent, but by paved road it's a huge detour and then you have to backtrack. By the Mereenie Loop, it's all part of a circular journey -- plus you get to visit the Western MacDonald range. There are loads of operators in Alice that do trips along the Loop at all levels of price and comfort.

All accomodation in Yulara (Ayers Rock) is operated by Voyages, so there's no competition. Because it's so far from anywhere, costs are high.

Campground is safe (unless the dingo gets your baby!)

someotherguy: no big deal but it's the Western MacDonnell Ranges not the "Western MacDonald Range". But who knows, the way the Golden Arches seem to pop up everywhere, someday that really could be the name....

My wife and I did the drive about two years ago. (I love to drive. It helps me get to know the place.) We rented a huge Toyota LandCruiser and I think it took a little less than five hours. Although the scenery stays pretty much the same the whole trip I was still fascinated by it all. One piece of advice: Get gas whenever you can because there aren't many gas stations along the way (in fact, there are only a few and you will be in the middle of NOWEHERE.)
ps Stop in to see Dinky. That's a great diversion. That is, if you're into piano playing dingos.

Hi Anita,
We've done the drive a couple of times and I am never disappointed.

The comments about the West MacDonnell ranges are spot on. It's a beautiful area - my husband's favourite is Ormiston Gorge. I adore Kings Canyon.The Mereenie Loop Road also leads to Palm Valley - an absolute treasure - we camped there for 2 or 3 nights and witnessed the most beautiful sunsets ever. The facilities there are basic but clean and plenty of hot water and flushing toilets (that's always a bonus in my opinion).

Once you get to Uluru you'll understand a little better perhaps, the costs involved in providing facilities absolutely in the middle of woop woop!

We've always stayed in the caravan park/camp grounds. The facilities are excellent with large amenities blocks and camp kitchens.

Now 3 days on a camel? Well, I'd prefer the 5 hour drive, which in this vast land, is definitely not considered a long drive.

Anyway, our Red Centre has an awful lot to offer and I'm sure you won't be disappointed with anything you may choose to do and see.

I should mention Anita that Palm Valley is strictly 4 wheel drive access. Certainly, not difficult but definitely 4 wheel drive.