how many nights at Uluru?

I would go the 3 nights and spend a day each at the rock and the Olgas.

On the accommodation front we have previously not booked anything (because we were rained out from camping) and found great last minute deals at the Lost Camel when we arrived. Obviously risky as they could be full.

Michael A

Having done the same trip last October, I would definitely spend as much time at Uluru as possible. One day for the rock, one day for the Olgas, and many other things to do and see on other days.

Coober Pedy is interesting for a day.

Just my two bobs worth.

Cheers

Gillian
As all of the above have said, minimum 3 nights, 4 could be better.

Try to respect the local culture and not climb the Rock, visit the cultural centre first, but you just have to walk the 9-10km around the base, its amazing just how much you will see there, true some areas are closed to the general population but there is still 80% that is availabe for all to see.

While at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) a walk through the Valley of the Winds will highlight the area that I enjoyed more than Ularu, but dont get me wrong, both are fantastic. Sunset viewing of Ularu is a must as is sunrise at both sites. If funds permit a ballon flight over the Rock is good fun but very expensive.

A beer in the garden at Curtin Springs can be fun if you mix with the locals.

Enjoy it. and dont make your visit too short

A speccy region, with quality experiences despite the half million tourists a year (or it was that number when fuel prices were reasonable :-o). A day at the rock is easy to absorb - apart from the climb that you may be into, consider the 9km walk round the base too - lots of wonderful rock formations to see. The Olgas blew us away - higher than the rock and more interesting IMO - easy to spend a day out there. There is a beaut interpretive centre for tourists near the Yulara admin offices - worth seeking out IMO - its not by the central shopping complex - a 5 minute walk away. Fuel prices are up a bit of course, but foods in the only smart are reasonable - liquor prices are outrageous up there - if you like a drop, take every drop ! Re accommodation prices - not sure what you might be expecting - sit down when phoning :-o).

Like the other's have said,3 nights stay and enjoy the area,climb the rock it will be a high light of your trip.cheer's GREENDOG

>This is not a camping trip and as such I have to pre-book
>a lot of our accommodation.

Why do you have to do that?

I have travelled the world (with young children) without pre-booking, and therefore confining oneself to a constricted agenda, without issues. In the very, very worst eventuality you spend the night in the car - worse things have befallen man :)

Take a risk... live a little... you'll all come through it unscathed and the richer for it :)

Mike Harding

PS. One night CP and one night at The Rock.

when you say "one night here (or wherever)" you need to take into account when you are going to get there and what are your plans for the next day. For example, getting into Coober Pedy at midday would give you time to have a look around, do a mine tour & sunset at the Breakaways. Turn up at 4-5pm and all you're going to see is the C.P.

If you want to do the Uluru climb, go at the 1st chance you get as it might be shut the next day.

Cheers, Nige

If they still have the Starlight Tour at night with one of the rangers at the rock, that is really interesting.

Dave

Also, make sure you set aside time to visit Kings Canyon. Apart from the stunning scenery, our kids aged 11 & 10 had the best night of thier holiday at the hotel. There is entertainement in the beer garden which the kids and adults really enjoyed. I think the husband & wife entertainers go there every tourist season to play at the pub.

Sorry you can't climb to the top. It is really fascinating to spend some time up there. My mum couldn't climb when we were there so she took a flight around the rock and the Olgas and said that was well worth the money, something else for you to consider. AFAIK is is not a cultural thing not to climb. The locals are just sad to see so many people injure themselves or die trying and try to discourage it. There are several memorial plaques near the start of the climb.
Mike.

Gillian,

This isn't about Uluru really but I'd add my recommendation of including Kings Canyon into your plans.

Since we're heading off in a couple of months to the NT and even though we're camping, I was curious about Jervois since I'd never seen anywhere whether it had non camping accomm. So, I phoned them and they do. They have three atco huts with two beds in each, no bedding you have to supply that. They are $33 per hut (includes use of the shower etc) and she said that they are often booked well ahead. So, maybe you've already found that out, but just in case, hope it helps.

Viv

Gday,
By the sounds, you dont plan on doing too much walking/climbing etc....
If thats the case I reckon you will do everyting you want to in 3 days easily.

If climbing a Rock with your nose wedged up some smelly tourists clacker is your idea of fun you might enjoy the climb....otherwise take a photo.
Same as the Olgas....."Enjoy the tranquillity of Valley of the winds".....yeh right!..... 3000 loud obnoctious German-Asian- American, tourists, yelling over the top of each other and pushing there way past so they could scare the crap out of a poor Wallaby.

Last time the Mrs. and kids took some relatives down there they had some brainless ranger run through 100m of folidge causing mass destruction to tell the kids there feet were on the wrong side of the fence.

Did I mention expensive?????

But apart from that I reckon its a great place.....

A lot of people love there time down there and you might be one of them. But if time is an issue I'd spend more time at Kings Canyon and less at the rock.

Cheers
Hairy

gvn,

We took our 3 kids to Uluru (4 nights), Kings Canyon (4 nights) and Coober Pedy ( 2 nights). Uluru and the Olgas was fantastic.
My wife and 2 youngest kids climbed to chicken rock and my eldest daughter and i climbed the top and it was well worth the hike. Kings canyon was magnificent, the ridge top (rim) walk is a must as there are heaps of great walking trails thru the dry creek beds etc.

Coober Pedy, we stayed there 2 nights and a must is,if its still open is Tom's Working Mine, the kids will love it, the oasis pub which is underground as well as the church and also some houses are also open to the public. One bloke showed us thru his house and when he started it was a one bedroom joint and 10 years later it is now a 5 bedroom place. The stories are fantastic how he decided one day put on an extension and just chipped away at a wall and there was his extension.

Take your time and enjoy, there is so much to see out there.

cheers,

Lance