Is Ayers rock, in Australia worth seeing? Are there better things to see in the outback?

Question

Don't know if we want to spend all that money to fly to Alice Springs if the rock is really just a tourist trap.

Answer 1

....... it's like going to China ..... and not seeing The Great Wall ----- by the way , in 1993, a dual naming policy was adopted that allowed official names that consist of both the traditional Aboriginal name and the English name. On 15 December 1993, it was renamed “Ayers Rock/Uluru” and became the first officially dual named feature in the Northern Territory. The order of the dual names was officially reversed to “Uluru/Ayers Rock” on 6 November 2002 following a request from the Regional Tourism Association in Alice Springs.

Answer 2

Yes, definitely go, although it is a long way from anywhere. You can fly direct to Yulara, the local town, direct from most capitals. Don't go via Alice unless you particularly want to see that town - it's another 450 km or so to Uluru (Ayers Rock).

The accommodation at the rock is quite limited: book before you go, but there are plenty of options from five star to camping.

It is very very popular, but the National Parks Service do a great job of making sure it's not a tacky experience.

Don't climb the rock. It's disrespectful to the traditional owners, and you are missing the whole point of visiting if you don't care about their culture.

If you do a camping road trip from Alice, the landscape is spectacular. Don't forget to see Kata Tjuka as well.

Answer 3

Well its like this if you go u can say youve seen the Rock, but trust me thats all it is, miles out of Alice Springs, red dust everwhere, flies and yep, there she is one mutha of a rock. Great if you like huge rocks, the climb almost kills ya, its a long way up and the local aboriginies would prefer it if people dont climb it, its sacred to them, Yes its a tourist trap but what isn;t? and I will have to agree with you its a lot of money to fly to Alice then drive 4 1/2 hours to see the "Rock" get covered in flies and think gee now I gotta drive back ..lol. Up to you, Ive been there, and have a T shirt to prove it,lol woo hoo!!

Answer 4

I'd definately recommend going to Uluru. It is worth all the touristy crp.
Saying that though, I actually preferred seeing Kings Canyon. It's much less touristy and if you're into a little bit of hiking, the trip to the top is worth it - especially if you want to see the little swimming hole inside, just beautiful.
Just a note though, the 'Outback' could be anywhere. If you're aiming to stay around Alice then that's cool but you could head north (a fair number of hours) and visit places like Katherine and see Katherine Gorge (go after the wet season (Mar/Apr is best) that's pretty cool too.

Answer 5

There is probably nothing better to see in the "real" outback. The place is amazing. In my opinion though Kata Tjuta (Mt. Olga) nearby is more interesting but less spectacular.

Answer 6

It is not a tourist trap and is absolutely amazing to see and to climb, but then again there is not too much else around. I am glad I went to see and climb it.

Answer 7

go go go