Hi, I heard that the best way to explore Uluru / Ayers Rock is by car. I think that is time consuming. I just want a short tour of climbing the rock and perhaps riding the camel.
Can you share on:
1) I plan to go there by flying. Is there any taxi from airport to the hotel, apartment complex or the camp ground? How much does it cost one way? Is there any free pick-up by hotel or local tour operator?
2) Is it possible to organize your own hiking or walking on and around the rock without any tour from any travel agency? Believe that everybody has to pay a $25 entrance fee for 3-day pass minimum. How do I pay this fee? Is there any ticket booth like the one in Sydney Zoo?
3) If organizing your own hiking is not possible then what is the recommended tour/travel agency just to do the climbing? As the hotel/apartment/camp ground facility is quite far from the rock I might have to rely on the travel agency for the transportation. How much a 1-day tour or a 2-day tour cost? Can these tours pick me up from the camp ground and return me back?
4) Is Riding-a-Camel tour is recommended? It's quite expensive around $85 for 90 mins or $65 for 60 mins. Perhaps you can catch a wild camel and ride it provided if it doesn't kick people :) lol
5) Can you pay by EFT (debit/credit card) for paying the entrance fee and other expenses (hotel, restaurant, grocery, etc.)? Though I believe EFT is available at restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. Otherwise it is unsafe and unpractical to bring/pay by cash.
6) I heard people are discouraged from climbing the rock. What do you do to be allowed to climb? Just say expressly that you want to do that? When the weather is unfriendly (storm, heavy rain, scorching heat temperature, etc.) or when there is aboriginal ritual/ceremony then climbing the rock or even walking at the base is not allowed. What months do these thing happen? Want to avoid them. If climbing or walking at the base of the rock is not allowed then it is equal to closing Uluru from tourists.
7) Heard restaurant foods or even grocery are quite expensive there. Did you guys pack a lot of snacks and food to bring along? And where did you guys stay? Any experience from the camping ground? Believe it's cheaper and quite unique experience but how about safety, privacy and freezing nights?
Pls feel free to share other things.
The 'town' is owned by the one company so all of the information is on their website www.ayersrockresort.com.au, or the national park website http://www.parksaustralia.gov.au/uluru/
I'm not sure how hiring a car is 'time consuming'. It will be a similar cost to taxis or the shuttle bus with none of the waiting around for those to show up. There is no possible way to get lost. There is one road, it is wide and safe, and it has lots of signs. You are either going in the direction of the rock, or the direction of the town.
If you have a driving licence, hire a car. Lots more freedom. The 'town' is safe, they have private security guards. The food is expensive at the IGA but not too bad, like buying food at 7/11. Not worth packing food. Take your own alcohol if you want it, but be careful where you drink it. You don't sound at all prepared to camp, try the hostel if you are on a budget.