Will be visiting Perth in September. How difficlut will it be to get to Ayers Rock or Broome from Perth. Will airfare be very expensive or do any of the internal airline passes (i.e. Boomerang) cover these locations. Thanks.

Ask Qantas as they are the airline who has the passes. We don't get them so wouldn't know.

Why not go overland and see the real WA. There are lots of Tour companies operating out of Perth offering 4wd camping trips to luxury coach tours.

OH BOY!!!!! I am a full blown Aussie and love the outback but I would NEVER suggest anyone from o/s go overland in Australia, especially from Perth which is about as far from anything as you can get. <BR>I would strongly recommend against going overland as Australia is not the USA with interesting towns in the outback. It is miles and miles and miles and miles and miles and miles of boring, boring, boring NOTHING!!!!! Especially in the west. I know 'cause I have done it.<BR>Fly you will be much better off. Then when you get to where you are going take a tour of the interesting bits.

Definitely fly, I agree with Libby, there is miles of nothing out there. OK if you have months but not if you are just on a short holiday. Note there is an airport at Alice Springs (about 500km north of Ayers Rock), also an airport at Ayers Rock.<BR>Check out prices on www.qantas.com.au or www.virginblue.com.au<BR>Since Ansett went belly up we are a bit short on domestic airlines. Usually an internal air pass works out cheaper, but again, check with Qantas.<BR>Kay

Hi, I agree with Kay.<BR>Fly from Perth to Ayers Rock.... do not drive there.<BR>The choice between Broome & the rock are chalk & cheese.<BR><BR>Go to the rock stay a couple of days & do all the tours out of there. Fly down to Kings Cannon , take a ride to the olga's. Enjoy. You will see the heart of Australia (the real outback.)<BR><BR>If you decide on Broome. Stay at Cable Beach, don't be tempted by cheaper accom.<BR>Good luck

G'day YankeeBoy, <BR>I'm with Shirley on this. <BR>Sure it's a long way to travel but especially the Gibson Desert is a real experience. <BR>If you have the time then there are a few options for you: <BR>1) Join an outback tour from Perth to Ayers Rock or Alice Springs. <BR>2) Hire a 4WD and drive yourself, but if you have never done anything like it before try to travel together with at least one other vehicle, preferably driven by someone who has experience in that type of country and ensure that the vehicle is suitably prepared. <BR>3) Join a Tag Along Tour and trvel in a convoy with a number of other 4WD vehicles. <BR><BR>You'll get to see the country like most Australians never do! <BR>And, isn't it the experiences you don't get at home for which you are coming to OZ? <BR>If travelling along the Gunbarrel Hwy. there is a 90% chance for you to see wild Camels, Dingos, the beautiful Sturt Desert Pea, many different lizards and birds and of course plenty of kangaroos. <BR><BR>Last August I took a group of people ( 10 vehicles ) from the East Coast across to the West Coast, including 3 deserts and many commented that the Gibson Desert was one of the highlights for them on that trip. <BR><BR>Cities, sealed roads and airports you get plenty at home, why come all that way to see more of the same? <BR><BR>Go for it! <BR>You may email me if you need some help with your planning. <BR><BR>Enjoy, <BR>Mike