In my humble opinion, the Australian Outback is one of the coolest places on earth. Yes it is a significant extra cost to include a trip inland to Alice Springs and just like you I was wondering if I should pay for the flights or just stick to the coast. Someone recommended it to me and I'll pass the favour along, if you are going to OZ you MUST go to the Outback. Words can't describe it.
There are tons of tours that leave out of Alice Springs. The cheaper ones, like I did, involve sleeping under the stars in swags (outback waterproof sleeping bags) and no showers for the duration of the trip. The more expensive ones will get you a tent in a campsite with showers or if you really want to splurge I'm sure you could stay at the swanky resort near Ayers Rock.
It's a long way from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock (Ulura), 400 km each way, so don't fool yourself into doing it as a day trip. It won't do it justice and you'll miss out on the equally amazing sights, The Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and Kings Canyon. It's just a rock, what the big deal you ask?
About 500 Million years ago (1/8th back to the beginning of the earth) the earth heaved up a giant slab of rock. It rotated this 5 km rock 90 degrees. Think about that kind of power for a moment. Only 500 m of rock is sticking out of the ground, a further 5 km of rock is buried under the red sand. Just amazing.
Go see it. You won't regret it.
Rosey Hudson
Marketing Coordinator, STA Travel Canada
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