DesF replied:

Hi. GTee, Have been going to Alice for 20 odd years and usually stay at the Stuart C/Van Pk ,on Larapinta Drive, it is only 2 Ks from the town centre. When we used to go on trail bikes we always had a cabin & since in then in the van and tent. Have always found the price reasonable & showers etc clean. It is away from the "river tenants" as well.
Yulara is a rip-off but there isn't any where else to go. Hope you have a top trip. Des.

Clarry replied:

We just stayed at the MacDonnel Ranges CP (big show it is - just on the outskirts of the Alice, on the Adelaide road). Beautiful and clean - a real showcase for parks - not a weed, plenty of room, high standard of build and perfectly clean in all respects. VKS737 HF Network members get 10% off - other member set ups may get similar.
The Wintersun on the Darwin road is ok, but only $2 a night cheaper and nowhere near the same standard.
Re Yulara, possibly the best priced thing in town is the Caravan Park - there's only one, but it is not a rip-off and the standard is quite good. The only supermarket has a good range of wares and the prices are reasonable - if you like a drink TAKE EVERY DROP WITH YOU - drinks are a rip off up there ! Two years back, you could not buy a slab anywhere, and 6 packs were about double city prices. At the (only) pub, you have to experience the "happy hour" to believe it - how anybody could be expected to be happy with those prices beats me."This is a situation, up with which, we should no longer put ! (W. Churchill, on plans to reduce 4WD access in some parks).

Matt M replied:

Gtee, I will second that response about the Mcdonnel Ranges CP, it is truly awesome. As said far enough out of Alice to be quiet and away from any undesirables, but just a five minute trip into everything. The wallabies come down from the ranges each afternoon beside the pool for feeding for a bit of entertainment. The park is huge, shady and grassed! Loved my time there.

Again as Stated Yulara is the only place to stay, but it was very accomodating to say the least, even in the Xmas holidays! Loved that pool!!!! The pub is the best place to meet, with combined outdoor dining to mix it up and some great entertainment too! Enjoy the stay!

Matt.

Chris (W.A.) replied:

GTee,

No inkling about your question, but would like to let you know my appreciation that you referred to Ayres Rock as Ayres Rock - not some Uluru sh*t.

Regards,Nice southerly coastal fishing trip someday.
Chris

GTee replied:

Thanks DesF, Clarry and Matt M for your feedback. Will let you know how we went.
Cheers.

duncs replied:

GTee,

We stayed at Mac RAnges in Alice. Very nice plenty on offer clean and tidy.

At Ayres Rock stayed at the Ayres Rock Resort campground and was less than impressed.

It was school hols and the place was packed. The mens amenities were barely sufficient and the ladies apparently not sufficient and at times dirty. The pool was small and crowded in October. Maybe in July it won't be too bad. There is really not much in the way of options though. If you do stay there don't let them stick you opposite the coach campgrounds. We had plenty of noise and no response from security. Eventually called the cops and they arrived at about 12:30am

When I complained to management I got the impression that the coaches were worth more moneey to them so theydidn't care.

I would seriously consider staying at Curtain Springs. It's a bit of a drive but lots cheaper and quiet.

Have a great trip
Duncs.

Mike replied:

Must agree with the Macdonnell Ranges CP, (Big 4 park). The facilities were first class, amenities clean and good entertainment most nights. Don't miss the free pancake breakfast on Sunday mornings. Also very convenient to town and secure.

As for Ayers Rock, We had a camper, so we were put out by the back fence. Quite a nice site, not far from an average to good amenities block, but, you would think with all the millions of acres they have empty out there, they could put the power plant a bit further away, or over a sand hill. It sounded like we were camped alongside Sydney international Airport all night. So much for the beauty of a quiet night in the outback. But no option, if you want to stay there. I preferred it back in 72, when you could camp by the Rock.

Happy trails, Mike,