Uluru

[EXKAY120]

Hi guys,
Can anyone tell me the best way (other than flying) from Melbourne up to Ayres rock,or Alice springs ? is there a greyhound bus that goes up there ?
We want to go for Christmas but did'nt really want to drive up there so was looking at the alternatives.
Thanks in advance guys.

[madazrx7]

Only came here to remind you that it is actually called Ayre's Rock, but I see you knew that already

[EXKAY120]

Thanks, but its actually called Uluru, well thats the correct name for it, the aboriginis call it that anyway....i think it was named Ayres rock by the settlers allthough you might tell me more :-)

The local Pitjantjatjara people call the landmark Uluṟu (Aboriginal pronunciation: [uluɻu]). This word is a proper noun, with no further particular meaning in the Pitjantjatjara language, although it is used as a local family name by the senior Traditional Owners of Uluru.[2]

On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse sighted the landmark and named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers.[3] Since then, both names have been used.

[ginbreakfast]

Middle of summer? Uluru? On anything other than a plane? Crazy.

31 hours on a bus? No ta.

http://www.rome2rio.com/s/Melbourne/Alice-Springs

When I went in 2011 from Melbourne there were no direct flights to Uluru, so had to go via Sydney. I'm not sure if that's changed.

Definitely worth doing the 'Sounds of Silence' dinner - it was exceptional.

[jagsy]

Drive the Ocean Road from Melbourne to Adelaide

Catch The Ghan train to Alice

Take a coach tour to Uluru

[Jader1973]

Direct flights are hard to find.

My parents went a couple of weeks ago - flew to Alice (a dump) and then bus to Ayer's Rock - 8 hours or something crazy but did include stops along the way.

I agree about Sounds of Silence - it was great.

[EXKAY120]

Really appreciate all your help guys, did'nt realise it was as long as 31 hours on the bus !
Maybe check the plane out, as for the sounds of silence, that sounds good so will do that whatever.
Thanks once again.

[madazrx7]

As with everything here, it's a ridiculously long way to go to see something (in this case worth seeing but often you drive for hours to look at something worth a 10 minute visit.
Most Aussies have never been anywhere else to realise how bad it is.

[madazrx7]

EXKAY120 said:

Thanks, but its actually called Uluru, well thats the correct name for it, the aboriginis call it that anyway....i think it was named Ayres rock by the settlers allthough you might tell me more :-)

The local Pitjantjatjara people call the landmark Ulu?u (Aboriginal pronunciation: [ulu?u]). This word is a proper noun, with no further particular meaning in the Pitjantjatjara language, although it is used as a local family name by the senior Traditional Owners of Uluru.[2]

On 19 July 1873, the surveyor William Gosse sighted the landmark and named it Ayers Rock in honour of the then Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers.[3] Since then, both names have been used.

The term "traditional owners" has only recently been invented when someone realised there would be money in it. AFAIK the Australian Aborigine never had any concept of or word for ownership.

[custardtart]

Just dont get the train - one of the most awful experiences of my life! Imagine a long haul flight that lasts 3 day but with the only movie being Kangaroo Jack playing on loop on a 18" CRT TV at one end of the carriage. And you still have a 5 hour drive at the end.

[ginbreakfast]

Jader1973 said:

Direct flights are hard to find.

My parents went a couple of weeks ago - flew to Alice (a dump) and then bus to Ayer's Rock - 8 hours or something crazy but did include stops along the way.

I agree about Sounds of Silence - it was great.

Not that hard - webjet.com.au

1 direct flight a day - jetstar. 438 dollarydoos return per person to AQY from MEL next week. It'll be more expensive over Christmas though.

Then only a 15 minute transfer to the only hotel complex nearby.

There really isn't much doing out there, so I wouldn't recommend staying for more than a few days...Other than Uluru there is Kings Canyon and the Olgas to see and that's about it. I'm glad I went, it is a pretty cool sight especially at sunrise and set.

I haven't been to Alice but everyone I know who has been commented on it's lack of charm.

Wifey and I tend to go overseas these days, you get a lot more bag for your buck, especially over Christmas.