Getting Around Ayers Rock / Uluru

Ayers Rock itself, due to its relative isolation from civilisation in general, can be somewhat of a chore to navigate by yourself if you come unprepared. While there are several accommodation facilities located within a relatively short distance by road, you are basically presented with one of three main choices, each with their own pros and cons: join a guided tour, hire a car, or ride a motorbike.

Guided Tours around Ayers Rock

While they can be more expensive than the other options, tours around Ayers Rock and its surrounds provide the most comprehensive, safe and efficient option. Most of the tourism operators in the area have been running for dozens of years, and have the art of covering all the most popular spots down to a "T". Tours also give you the benefit of informative and entertaining commentary which can save you a ton of reading and let you sit back, relax, and look wherever your eyes may wander.

The guides typically have a huge level of knowledge about not only Uluru itself, but also the Kata Tjuta region and the local Aboriginal culture. Multiple tour options with varying schedules are available to choose from; some depart from sunrise for the early riser, while others leave later in the day - be sure to check whether they include a National Park entry ticket before booking as these are essential to access Kata Tjuta's inner workings. The price of entry to the national park is typically around $25.00, although this may vary, and it is usually valid for 3 days so be sure to hang onto the ticket to allow for re-entry.

Car Rental

Many others may prefer to rent their own car and attempt to forge their own way around the region, as it adds an additional layer of freedom to the experience and allows you to travel at your own pace and prioritise various locations as you see fit. Packages are available from Thrifty in Alice Springs that come with "Unlimited Kilometres", which can come in very hand considering the vast size of the Aussie outback and the distance from one major landmark to the next. You will be required to fill out and sign a lot of paperwork when you receive your rental agreement, so be prepared. Your choice of car type can play a factor, although the gravel roads leading to the main tourist hot spots are relatively well-maintained, making a 4WD vehicle not entirely necessary. Once at Ayer's Rock proper, if you need to refuel you will be able to visit the petrol station at the Ayers Rock Resort; above all, when travelling in remote regions such as this, be sure to keep an eye on your gas tank as running out of petrol on a deserted road can lead to endless headaches! Overall, be sure to factor in the costs of rental, petrol and your own personal navigation skills (or lack thereof!) when choosing to rent a car.

Motorbike

Lastly, many people have suggested that those looking for a less conventional way of travelling around should strap on their helmet and ride a motorbike! The views that biking around the region can grant are breathtaking, with the 360 degree vision at all times granting a series of unique viewpoints that may be unobtainable with other forms of transportation. The cool breeze experienced when motorbiking can also help to alleviate the high temperatures that the heat of the desert can generate. Obviously this may not be for everyone, and families would be a likely exclusion, but adventurous individuals and couples may choose to motorbike it - you can hire a motorcycle such as a Harley Davidson, when you arrive, and there is a motorcycle rental company based at Ayers Rock Resort.

Whatever your choice of transportation, a trip to Ayers Rock / Uluru will no doubt be an experience that will leave an imprint on your mind for years to come!