Uluru/Ayers Rock

We decided to spend 6 nights at the Ayers Rock Resort campground as they have a ‘stay 3 pay for 2’ offer in May.  This really is a resort, with luxury to budget accommodation choices, a town square with an IGA supermarket, tourism centre, car hire, cafes, a hairdresser and more.

There have been a lot of changes since we were here in 2008.  One of the most noticeable is the number of indigenous workers around the resort.   A National Indigenous Training Academy is now based here where students are trained in the hospitality industry and all graduates have guaranteed employment at the end.  They aim to have a 50% indigenous workforce by 2018.

Pets are not allowed to be driven through Uluru National Park and the Resort no longer has a dog minding service.  There are three car rental companies at the resort so we decided to rent a car and take turns going to the Rock.  A three day pass costs $25 per adult and the entrance is a 10 minute drive from the resort.

 

The Uluru Climb

Climbing Uluru is a controversial activity.  There are signs everywhere asking visitors to respect the cultural sensitivity of the site but at the same time, there is a designated climb with a handrail.  The climb itself is physically demanding and takes about an hour.  Thirty six people have died attempting it, mostly from heart attacks.  There are memorial plaques to five of the climbers who lost their lives.  Jonathan, who has spent his life being irresponsible, decided it was something he had to cross off his bucket list.

“Apologies to the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people, but mountains must be scaled to truly appreciate their majesty.” Jonathan Bradshaw May 2017.

Uluru Base Walk

The Base Walk is 10km along a flat sandy track.  I cycled the track easily on the folding travel bicycle we had brought with us.   This is a top tip as it was a really enjoyable experience and most of the people walking looked as though they regretted it.  You can hire bikes from the cultural centre.  You can also take a guided tour round the base on a Segway.

 

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