I'm going to be in Alice Springs for five nights and wanted to take a three or so day tour of the outback (ayer rock, etc). I'm looking for recommendations for tours, tour companies, or tour alternatives. <BR>Thank you.

I would rent a car and do it myself. In 3 days you can do a nice job of touring Uluru and Kata Tjuta. The roads are well-paved, and there are many available maps and guidebooks. Here's a website: <BR>http://www.walkabout.com.au/fairfax/...luru.shtml#top

hi mike, <BR>i did a 3 day tour of ayers rock and kings canyon with sahara outback. had a great time. make sure you ask if the a/c works in the van! but more importantly, if you are flying into the area, consider flying directly into ayers rock and picking up the tour from there. it's a long 6 hour bus ride from alice springs and all the tours end there anyway. there's no point having to sit thru that commute twice. <BR>the base walk around uluru was amazing and kings canyon was beautiful. have a great time.

Mike, <BR>I did a 2 night, 3 day camping trip from Alice to Ayers Rock, the Olgas and Kings Canyon. It was wonderful, though freezing at night (June). I booked the trip a couple of days ahead while I was in Alice Springs, sorry can't remember the name of the company but you could contact the Alice Springs or NT tourist office or book once you arrive. <BR>I also did a couple of bus day trips to Glen Helen Gorge, the eastern and western McDonnell ranges, Ormiston Gorge, etc and booked the trips a day or two ahead. Sorry I can't be of more help. <BR>Kay

Hi Mike - <BR> <BR>Here's another vote for the Sahara Outback tour. I did the 3 day one a couple of years ago, and have no complaints. Our guide (Steve)was fantastic. Beautiful scenery you will never forget, but flies flies flies...

Mike, <BR>We have taken two wonderful outback tours with www.goana.com.au. These are flying tours with each couple having their own 172. Actually we have been twice and are scheduled for another this August! Very well planned.