Travellers to Australia should definitely include Uluru in their itinerary. A magnificent natural wonder with so many different moods depending on the time of day. We used Sunlover Holidays and they have a good range of options to choose from, or you can be more adventurous and tailor-make your own trip.

We spent a few days in Alice Springs staying at Lasseters Hotel.  The hotel is located just outside town, is well appointed and the food is very good. The best shopping is found at the Todd Mall offering a number of wonderful art galleries and craft shops which are well worth visiting.

It is easier and quicker to fly into Uluru from Alice Springs. We think the best accommodation is Sails in the Desert which is well placed in the centre of town. It has well appointed clean rooms, and a lovely pool to enjoy after a long day of sightseeing. The food on offer is of a good standard and plenty of choice is available. Tour companies will include all of the most popular events in your package, but the hotel offers additional tours if required.

Travel Tips

  • Take plenty of insect lotion and suntan cream.
  • A hat with netting is a must, as the insect population is alive and well.
  • The nights can get chilly, even when the days are hot, so pack a jacket just in case.

Travel Alerts

  • On some tours there are local women selling their artworks. However, you cannot take photos of these women or their artworks, unless you buy something from them. A little disappointing to think this is how it works, but nevertheless we respected this rule.
  • Ayres Rock is now closed to climbers, so if this was on your wish list, sadly it will not be possible. However, the experience of walking around it will not disappoint.

Travel Adventures in Alice

  • Pyndan Camel Tracks – loads of fun and a well organised attraction. We did the sunset tour and thoroughly enjoyed it. The camels are well looked after, you get a decent amount of time on the ride, and there is some beautiful countryside to be seen.  Well worth it!
  • School of the Air – for the many children who live on outback properties, the School of the Air provides them with their distance education. It was such an interesting tour and there is an opportunity for visitors to purchase books which are donated to the children. The school provides many children with great opportunities that they might otherwise miss out on.
  • Telegraph Station – established in 1875 it is the birthplace of the Alice Springs township. A great historical attraction that you can wander around at your own pace, or take a guided tour. The Trail Station Cafe is a good spot to grab a coffee and buy some souvenirs.
  • Royal Flying Doctor Service – the museum is worth a look as it provides lots of information about this important service to Australian outback communities.
  • Reptile Centre – although it is an important educational facility, we were a little concerned by the crocodile kept in a small pool. However, we do see the value of educating people about how to care for and preserve wildlife and all in all the animals looked well cared for.

Travel Adventures at Uluru

  • Sunrise and Sunset Tour with Voyages – experience the many moods of the rock during sunrise and sunset.
  • Professional Helicopter Services – take a helicopter flight over Lake Amadeus, Ayres Rock and Kata Tjuta. This is a real treat if you don’t mind the price, but there are more affordable options available.
  • Sounds of Silence Dinner – imagine sitting under the stars, eating dinner and sipping champagne. A once in a lifetime opportunity.
  • Field of Light – as darkness falls the field of light comes alive. Take your time to enjoy this attraction, but book early because it sells out quickly.

Other Adventures

  • Hot Air Balloon – there are a number of options so best to do your research as to what suits your needs.
  • Alice Springs Desert Park – a once-in-a-lifetime experience watching the desert come to life. You will enjoy every aspect of this tour and learn so much about the Aussie desert.
  • Simpsons Gap – only 17kms from Alice Springs this stunning part of the landscape will deliver some amazing opportunities for keen photographers. Pristine areas like this should be appreciated for their natural beauty.
  • Ellery Creek Big Hole – this beautiful gorge is popular for swimming, hiking and camping. There is nothing quite like the natural beauty of the Australian outback.