When we were driving out to it from Ayers Rock Campground we could see it for at least 20 minutes, getting larger every minute. When we got closer it looked like ants climbing over it, of course they were people.

We are all discouraged from climbing as it is very important to aboriginal culture, but it is also a very big tourist attraction for Australia with an growing number of aussie and international tourists visiting every year. If Ayers Rock was to be closed to climbing not as many people would visit it therefore less income for the area.

Many choose not climb for many reasons also the local authorities do stop people from climbing when the wind is strong and makes the climb dangerous. Even if you can’t or choose not to climb it is an amazing experience to see it and walk around it. If you take a guided tour and you will get a better understanding of Uluru Ayers Rock – Uluru and appreciate the whole experience it even more.

The climb takes about 1 ½ hours and 1 hour to climb down, the climb has three parts, climbing up the chain, then following a dotted line (like in the middle of a road) then we on top and had to go up and down over the hills that the weather has created to get to the centre. What was at the top was the most amazing view that included the Olgas in the distance. Walking around the base which it about 8km, takes about 2 hours.

What is your Uluru Ayers Rock Climbing experience – climbed – not climbed – walked around – admired – everything?

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Driving north up the Stuart Highway from Port Augusta the first town we stayed at was Coober Pedy. Which is a ‘must see’ town for being so unique and for its beautiful opals that are sold all over the world.

http://www.travel-australia-planning-guide.com/adventure-family-holiday.html

To change route drag the lines – kilometres  and time taken will be immediately changed so you can find the best route to suit you.

Please ignore time taken as it is very misleading and not at all realistic on most trips except for very short trips. Please refer to Your Guide To Travelling Australia Ebook for suggestions of travelling times.

Driving Around Australia – Visiting Main Cities

Perth WA to Adelaide SA to Melbourne VIC to  Sydney NSW

Alice Springs NT to Sydney NSW

Darwin NT to Broome WA to Perth WA

Devonport, Launceston, Hobart, return to Devonport TAS

Darwin NT to Cairns QLD

Canberra ACT to Brisbane QLD

Melbourne VIC to Canberra ACT

Adelaide SA to Melbourne VIC

Melbourne YIC to Sydney NSW

Brisbane QLD to Sydney NSW

Darwin NT To Brisbane QLD

Port Augusta SA to Darwin NT (including Uluru)

Torquay VIC to Portsea VIC

Great Ocean Road VIC

Port Augusta SA to Warnambool VIC

Eucla WA  to Port Augusta SA

Alice Springs is surrounded by the MacDonnell Ranges, this photo shows us driving between the MacDonnell Ranges at the entrance to Alice Springs. There is plenty to do and discover like the aboriginal art, culture and history, Alice Springs Desert Park, Flying Doctors, School of The Air. Alice Springs is famous for the boat race on the Todd River and the annual Camel races.

Uluru – Ayers Rock and the Olgas are spectacular, driving towards Uluru is absolutely just mesmerising, the view from the top is incredible and so is the walk around the base.

The Olgas are quite different as it is a cluster of domes that you can walk amongst.

Kings Canyon is a massive chasm that is in Watarrka National Park. You can walk around the top edge and also through the valley that has permanent waterholes and lush vegetation. This very spectacular 270 metre deep chasm is worth visiting.

Palm Valley is in Finke Gorge National Park and accessible from the Mereenie Loop (4WD vehicles only) and about 2 hours drive from Alice Springs. This photo was take 5 minutes walk from the campground, you need to drive to the valley and then you can have a beautiful walk for several hours exploring Palm Valley.

Ormiston Gorge is about 135 kilometres west of Alice Springs on the Larapinta trail. Another spectacular place to visit, this photos shows where you walk in and then you can walk around the corner, sit on the rocks and be amazed.

Chambers Pillar is about 160 kilometres south of Alice Springs, this photo was taken from the campground, a very unusual sight. The pillar is about 50 metres high and originally was surrounded by soft stone which has been washed away over hundereds of years.

Everywhere in the Red Centre is spectacular with so much to see, you could easily spend a couple of months touring the Outback in Northern Territory.