Australian Outback --- Alice Springs Questions?

Question

I'm heading to Australia in a couple of weeks, first Sydney, than Melbourne and than I'm heading up to Alice Springs. So this is a 2 part question. Should I take a train or plane to Alice Springs? What's the scenery like by train? Intersting? Or worth saving the time and flying in?

When I arrive I plan on doing some hiking in the area, seeing Uluru, Kata Tjuta, the Macs and surroundings. Is it better to take a tour (I'll probably be alone) or renting a 4x4 and just heading in with a camp.

Thanks in advance for all answers.

Awesome answer tentofield. Thank you!

Thanks everyone. I truly appreciate the response, and am tailoring my trip based on the suggestions I've received here.

I truly thank you all. I appreciate it. Especially the words of wisdom. I'll certainly be taking a tour with well equipped guides that I feel comfortable with. Thanks!

Answer 1

My suggestion's somehow different: Because you think about renting a 4x4 money seems not to be a big matter to you. But instead of going by yourself and if you have enough time I'd recommend taking a guided Outback-Tour from Adelaide to Alice. These tours are passing interesting places like the Flinders Range and Rainbow Valley, some might also include Uluru / Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon on their way to Alice (or the opposite direction). You'll find plenty of information about such tours in every hostel.

To me it's woth spending the time travelling over land instead of taking a plane. I didn't get bored looking at the Outback scenery which is always changing - and I enjoyed seeing the wildlife (e.g. kangas, wild camels, and emus). Some people may find it boring, but some enjoy it.

Between Melbourne and Adelaide don't miss the Great Ocean Road and the Grampians National Park. I went there on my own but I'm sure there are tours offered from Melbourne.

In most National Parks there are tracks. If you don't leave the paths, hiking is not so dangerous in regards of getting lost - but always take sufficient water with you. Okay, there might be snakes, but usually they feel the vibration of your footsteps and try to get away. Anyway: it's safer not to go alone! And if you don't have much 4x4- AND Outback-experience don't even think about renting such a car for going on remote roads just by yourself. And if you do anyway tell somebody about your route.

Answer 2

The train is worthwhile and an enjoyable experience as long as you have a sleeper. Don't even think about it without one. It will take something over two days from Melbourne but you can see Adelaide on the way. Take a good book or two with you, there is an awful lot of desert out there. The Melbourne to Adelaide section is overnight but the trip through the Adelaide Hills in the morning is worth it. You don't get to see much else. If you have the time and the money, take the train but it is cheaper and quicker to fly.

Unless you have some experience in the Australian bush and the sort of temperatures you can expect, don't go exploring or hiking by yourself. Even experienced bushwalkers get into trouble occasionally. There are tours to suit all tastes in Alice Springs. Check a few websites out ahead of time to see what is on offer. If you are by yourself, find the right tour for you and take it.

Answer 3

Hi the Ghan from Adelaide to Alice Springs is very expensiveBut very worthwhile the scenery is wonderful and very different. Im not sure if it is running at the moment as I know they have had a few hiccups so just check that it is. Uluru and Kata Tjuta are a must see they are absolutely spectacular. Once you get to Yulara resort where you will stay if you decide to stay overnight when seeing Uluru/Kata Tjuta there are many tourists around so you will meet people. Yulara resort has heaps of accomodation ranging from the Camp Ground to 5 star accomodation. It will be starting to get into peak tourist season so conatct voyages ahead.

Answer 4

As a past tour guide in central australia I can certainly concur with a lot f advice given here. I agree the train trip is great as long as you have a sleeper. WOuld not take a 4WD unless you are very experienced, a lot of people think 4wd means go anywhere. THis is not case not to mention it is very long the distances from Alice Springs etc. The Western Macdonnelss are great,but also try to fit in Gosses Bluff, Kings Canyon and Uluru/Katatjuta. Any other specific questions feel free to contact me.

Answer 5

Most of good advice are already given so I am not going to add anything here - more so as I do not have much knowledge about travelling out to the centre of the continent.

My only advice is to reiterate what others have said about travelling alone. DON'T! DO NOT underestimate how vast this country is and how dangerous it can be - and I don't mean the wild animals. Even if you have experience hiking and travelling alone in your country - remember that this is AUSTRALIA! Many foreign tourists think they know better and got themselves into a lot of trouble. The temperature is extreme day and night and the terrain will eat you up if you go wandering alone unprepared. Make sure you tell someone - a ranger is a good idea - where you are going.

We are all telling you this because we WANT you to come and enjoy this great southern land and go home to tell other about your amazing experience instead of having to endure spending nights in the desert waiting to be rescued.

Answer 6

I would take a train you would get to see the landscape more and relax at the same time, take photos of the great outback. I wouldnt travel alone - maybe you could take a tour with others and feel more safer and make friends on the way. And please dont hike alone either, some people have gone missing up there in the NT. sorry, dont want to put you off, just dont travel alone ok. And you will enjoy what the Australian outback has to offer. Oh and go and meet the Aboriginals the traditional owners of the land.

Answer 7

A German couple got their four wheel drive sand bogged in a not-so-remote area a few years ago. The woman insisted on walking away to find help. The man insisted on staying with the vehicle. She was dead within 16 hours, he was found a few days later in good condition. She only got about ten miles (16km). The rescue party let half the air out of the four wheel drive's tyres and just drove it out of the bog.

Some tour companies run drive-yourself four-wheel drive adventure tours. These have several 4wd vehicles led by an experienced crew. So if you get into trouble you have plenty of assistance on hand.