is indeed a very good forum for exchange. We too, plan to go to Australia and Ayers Rock is in the agenda for Christmas day. What is the best way to get to Ayers Rock from Cairns - direct flight or fly to Alice springs and take the bus/train. Can we cover anything else along the way from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock .?
For the walk around Ayers rock during sunrise - is this something we do on our own or with tour company? Sorry for the many questions.

Hi Sai,

Yes direct flight to Ayres Rock from Cairns is the best route. There is no train from Alice Springs to Ayres Rock.

You could fly into Alice and take a bus down to the rock but there is not much to see on the trip and quite frankly if it were me I would stick with the direct flight.

It will be extremely hot at the rock at Christmas time so come prepared for the heat. Also expect the climb to be closed on most days at this time of year due to the extreme temps.

You could take a tour over to Kings Canyon from Ayres Rock and also to the Olgas, which is another rock formation about 28 km's west of Ayres Rock. Kings Canyon is an overnight stay which can be done by staying at the Kings Canyon Resort.

You can take guided walks around the base of Ayres Rock or you can do your own thing it is up to you, make the decision when you get there. You may find that some tours are not available at that time of year due to it being the off season for tourism in central Australia. But I am sure there will be enough tours running to keep you busy.

Cheers

Paul_S

Thanks Paul

We will still be jet lagged from the flight from San francisco - so we will try to beat the heat by doing things early in the day.

Sai

Finally the time has come to go to Australia. Working on last minute stuff.

I tried to plan some tours at Ulluru area but found that Anangu Tours are closed on Sunday - Christmas day.

Our plan ( wife and two kids) is to do the Dot Painting workshop and go to either the Kuniya Sunset tour or the Olgas late in the evening and then do the Ulluru Sunrise tour with AAT Kings or some other operator(need recommendations)

Or should we rent a car and do the whole thing ourselves. I understand it is going to be hot and we are staying only 1 night ( arriving Dec. 24th at Noon and leaving Dec. 25th at 3p.m)

Thanks

Sai

Do think about this: Ayers Rock and surrounds will be like Death Valley in Summer but with one million flies to drive you insane. If I won a trip there for Christmas I would not go at that time of year.

Hi Sai. We went to the Rock and King's Canyon in the month of May. It was a perfect time to go. Blue skies, temps around mid 20's C. December temps will be around 40's C. If you must go then Sails in the Desert Hotel is a good choice. We disliked the Kings Canyon Resort, overpriced and an amateur attempt at hospitality. $AUD240 for a room with no view except of an anthill.

Please be aware that Christmas Day is a day to relax and be with family and I'd be very surprised if many tourist type activities are operating. Even early in the day, temps will be around 30 C.