We're going to Australa for about 14 days and want to see the highlights. How important is Ayers rock? Should we bag it and spend more time in the cities and the Great Barrier Reef?
Thanks,
M

Speaking with all the authority of an Australian who has yet to get to the Red Centre himself I'd say that the timing of your visit would be a major factor, as few would recommend going there in high summer. When are you coming? To get a feel for whether it's your thing you could check a few trip reports, using the 'search' facility on this forum. In fact there's been one, from KE1TH, in the last few days. If you search, though, use the rock's correct name, Uluru, as well as the older 'Ayers Rock'.

Time of year is significant for any trip to Australia, given the wide range of climates across the country.

This is a very subjective issue. I personally think that a visit to Uluru/Kata Tjuta is an essential part of a trip to Australia. Others will tell you that it is not worth the time and expense just to see a big rock. It really depends on what you like to do on your vacation. If you enjoy outdoor activities and natural scenery, then you should go. If you enjoy urban activities and cities more, then it might not be worth it.

I think Uluru is roughly equivalent in importance to the Grand Canyon in the United States. If time (and temperatures) permit, it is very worthwhile seeing.

My wife and I almost DIDN'T go see it last year because of time issues (we,too, only had 14 days). But at the last minute we decided to go and are we SO glad we did. To me, seeing Uluru made the trip. We loved everything we saw in Australia, but I will always remember Uluru.