Oodnadatta Track

Thanks Anne-Marie, we are going to the camel cup in Alice on the 10th and then going home via Ayres Rock we have a total of 8 days to get home. Any idaes about climbing the rock? Have heard that if you get there early (before they close it due to high wind) is the best way to go. Do you have any ideas?

Already have the book and maps you mention.
Cheers
Harry

Hi Harry,

I'm afraid I am the wrong person to ask about climbing Uluru! Apart from not being good with heights, I choose to respect the wishes of the traditional owners of this magnificent monolith NOT to climb Uluru (particularly women) and view it from afar in all its glory, from all sides or walk/drive around it. Personally, I fail to see the point of climbing up this sacred Aboriginal place - all you see from the top is beautiful but flat landscape.

Each his to his own, but that's my personal opinion, not to climb the rock. When Annie and I were there, we sat and watched the sunset set over the rock - amazing colours!

Cheers and have a safe trip,
Anne-Marie

Gaday Harry. 4 days will give you a great taste of what the track has to offer including the history of the Gahn, thermal ponds, outback pubs & of course Lake Eyre. Westprint maps have a great guide which covers it all including the facilities & options for camping.
As for climbing Eyres Rock, you are correct that often it's best to get up early before the wind close's it.
Anne once you've got to the summit you'll know what the point of climbing it is :-) As for the top of the rock being sacred well that appears to be a new idea someone come up with in the past few years as the traditional owners of old had no issue at all with climbing it, in fact they couldn't understand why anyone would want to go up as there was no water, food or shelter on top making it pointless to them. While the climb is open & the owners are taking your money, clearly they are happy enough with you doing it.
Have fun,
Cheers Craig...................

Craig, I don't believe the traditional owners get very much, it ANY, of the money generated from tourists who visit Uluru... but the tour operators do.

You will find interesting information on this Government site - http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/visitor-activities/do-not-climb.html

When I was there last June, there was one idiot who choose to go against National park rules and the wishes of the traditional owners - he climbed Uluru very late and was still there at sunset, flashing his camera back at all of us watching the sunset. It's this kind of irresponsible behaviour that results in other people risking their lives, should they have to go out there and rescue him or retrieve his body!!

The woman next to us in the car-park told us it was possibly someone camped next to them in the caravan park who had been bragging to them earlier in the day that he was going to climb up there late and stay after dark! IDIOT!

OK... enough said!! ;o)

Cheers,
Anne-Marie

Will be reading your Blog. Have a good time and enjoy.
Harry

Thanks Wayne, will fkeep a lookuot for the bridge.
Harry

G'Day,

Just a note...... If the Bridge you are mentioning its the one you have pictured it's actually just south of Oodnadatta. Called "Algebuckina Bridge"
Might help you find this great camp spot.......
PMK

oops!!!! you are correct South of Oodnadatta. Did not write the name as without a map I had no hope of spelling it correctly LOL and spell check was no help at all.

Great Pics anyway............. I am heading up that way again in July your pics have me hanging to get going..... Can't wait!
PMK

Good day PMK. We will be doing the ODT from 12 july till the 17July. Be great to catchup! Never been there before sooooo looking forward to it. 20 days till we leave for the NT.
Cheers
Harry

G'Day Harry, Wouldn't mind catching up with fellow travellers, but I won't be leaving Melb until the 17th so will miss you.
Have a great trip anyway...... There's some great land & History out there.

Copy this into your browser & have a look for some extra info on the trip:
http://www.southaustralia.com/TheLivingOodnadattaTrack.aspx
There is commentry on the features of the Oodnadatta Track

PMK

Thanks Jan Z. Hope we have enough time. My wife has Coward springs high on her list. The painted desert seems a worth while diversion as is the bridge just south of Oodnadatta. So much to do so little time.
Cheers
Harry