Hello,<BR><BR>I am planning my trip to Uluru and Kings canyon. <BR><BR>I am planning to arrive at Ayers rock's airport in the afternoon. Then, we will drive to Kings Canyon and sleep there (any ideas for accomadation less than $250 - could be everything if clean - cabin, tent, room). We will spend one full day in Kings Canyon. <BR><BR>Then, we will drive to Uluru and sleep there (any ideas for accomadation less than $250 -could be everything if clean). The last day, we will visit the rock but don't climb it... Then, we will fly from Ayers to Darwin or Cairns.<BR><BR>Suggestions would be appreciated.<BR>Thanks,<BR>Olivier

Good luck finding any cheap places to sleep in Ayers Rock or Kings Canyon. That Resort group has a monopoly over that area. You might be able to find a campground though. That will probably be the cheapest you find.

Ayers Rock Resort (the only place to stay around Uluru, so don't look any further) has accommodation at varying rates. The Outback Pioneer has budget motel accommodation with four bunks in a room (v. clean, air cond, all you really need) for around 120US/night. Go to www.voyages.com.au for info.

Thanks for your prompt answers,<BR><BR>I have already checked the Ayers Rock's website. It's not cheap at all. Services sound poor.<BR><BR>Regarding the campground, is it possible to rent a tent for two or do we have to bring our ?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Olivier

Hi, Olivier!<BR>If you have to hire a vehicle anyway, why not investigate the possibility of hiring something you can sleep in? Maybe a camping van with frig and stove as well as beds... then you wouldn't have to worry about the cold nights in the centre of Australia (and apparently these feel even colder because they are such a contrast to the hot days) and you will save money at two exceedingly expensive destinations.

Hello !!!<BR><BR>It sounds to be a great idea. Do you have the name of companies which rent camping van ? I've heard about Britz and Thrifty. Are there something else ?<BR><BR>Thanks,<BR>Olivier

We rented a very cozy and economical campervan from NQ Australia (http://www.campervansaust.com.au/). We shopped around quite a bit and found them to be the most reasonable for a good vehicle. Britz and Maui are bigger companies, but we liked NQ. They have an office in Alice Springs, but I don't know about Uluru. I too would recommend this as a great way to go, particularly in the outrageously expensive places like Uluru. The campground there is quite nice, with easy walking to great views of the Rock. Watarrka (Kings Canyon) also has a pleasant campground.

On the same subject! We are undecided about Uluru on this trip to Oz. Thought we might look for a last minute (ie cheaper) package while we are in Melbourne or Sydney as our itinerary is quite loose this trip. My understanding is that a few days is adequate for this trip. What are the chances of finding a deal from a local TA? Any suggestions?

Re accommodation at Kings Canyon - apart from the hotel rooms at the resort, there are budget rooms in the campground. They looked reasonable from the outside - I think they share a kitchen and toilet facilities.

just got back from OZ. youre right about uluru it is run as a monopoly but you can get the cheaper accom at the outback ioneer hotel, the other one the emu walk apt are under renovation. the tents are basically permanently erected by the touring companies. they do have the dorm type accomodation. the resort area is clean. its the only place in town. As for renting campers you have to rent them for 5 days minimum.