Climbing Ayers Rock

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There is a morning and evening viewing site for the rock. Both are good, but the evening one is nice to set up and take in some drinks and nibbles. If you have a platform on your wagon, all the better.
Also there is a magiv viewing spot out towards the Olgas, where you can view both the sun-up over Uluru and on the Olgas. Leave early for this one, and this time of year, take a thermos and beanie and gloves.
Gerry

Hi Mark

You will find that there is only 1 camp ground at the Yulara Village. It is quite large with a number of small walks that take you to some of the larger dunes that give good views of Ayers Rock.

We have been crazy enough to climb it 5 times and every time we climb it we tell ourselves that will be the last time....well if the locals have their way that will not be very long. The hardest part is to the end of the chain area. The quickest that we have done this section is 20 minutes, and the slowest time of 40 minutes, trying to coax our 3 young boys up the Rock.

Once past the top of the chain, just follow the white dotted line up hill and down dale all the way to the cairn. Do not wear a hat, as it is usually windy up there and we have seen people loose their hats very easy. One thing that you must carry is a few litres of water, as you will not take long to consume it on the walk.

It does not matter how many times that you visit the Rock, you are always blown away be the sheer size of the Rock. There are also a number of good walks to do while there. As for the best time, any time proving that it is not closed for reasons such as, too hot, too windy or too wet.

When we did the climbs, it was pre digital camera, but here are a couple on images to get you in the mood.

Have a great trip and be prepared to lots the Rock blow you away for the very first time that you set eyes on this most special place.


Cheers


Stephen

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hi

the climb is only open at the discretion of the national parks staff, dependent on wind, weather and cultural events that may be taking place.
I didnt climb it but i reckon mid arvo would be the best time to do it as the sun is shining directly on the climbing area.
not sure about how long the climb is but it looks steep and difficult.

the campground at yulara is your only option for camping , perfect for camper trailers, there is a free camp just outside yulara townshp, over the dunes from a rest area (its in the camps australia wide book), other than that, curtain springs is fine and free but is quite the distance from the rock but still and easy day trip.

Sunrise and sunset - im guessing the best time for that is when the sun comes up and goes down...........there are designated viewing areas to park and watch both events.

Enjoy

Do they charge youto go into the park to see the rock still if so how much

Prices of some things are a bit excesive, a particular souvenir I was interested in was $46.00 at the shop at Ayres Rock, exactly the same souvenir in Alice Springs was $12.00.

I now refer to the place as Rip-Off-Rock.

Nuff said.

Scrubby.

Hi Marksom

Children under 16 are exempt from the $25 per person three day park pass.

As said, the only choice is camping at Yulara, or travel some distance which is not really cost effective, nor easy for sunrise and sunset viewing. We viewed these from the lookouts within the camp ground.

We choose not to do the climb when we got there having an open mind prior to that but took the walk right around as well as driving the circuit (much further out than most of the walk trail). Sunset and sunrise viewing areas are well signed at the rock.
Reasons for not climbing Uluru

Our Blog:Three Great Central Australian Rocks

The Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuta is a good one.

Enjoy the trip

Motherhen

Regarding climbing the rock, done that a few years ago when I was a lot fitter ;-)
Anyway, if you have trouble getting to the start of the chain walking upright (not crawling) then it may be better to give the idea a miss.
If you suffer from vertigo - ditto.

How long does it take, well, how fit are you? I would allow at least 1/2 hour up to the end of the chain, gives you a few moments to have a breather. To the top its a *long* way further and quite steep with no chicken chain to hang on to.

So you need good footwear, something that has soles that grip well on smooth rock - especially important on the way back down.
BTW, the rock is much smoother near the chain, polished from thousands of shoes. If you are sure footed , as I was back then ;-), then walking up 2-3m to the side of the chain felt a lot securer under feet.

We spent a long time on top and walked almost to the end of the rock, wished we had taken more water and a snack with us, keep that in mind. Don't forget a spare battery for your digital camera, its a bit inconvenient to go and fetch one once you are up there :-)

MarkSom

Gotta get there first thing in the morning, before Sunrise if possible.
Do your thing with video as the sun comes up, it's spectacular, then get around to the the gate, because if they open the gate for climbing, it is usually just after sunrise, if it is calm.

Cheers
Bucky

Wind and heat are the two things National Parks are most concerned about in regards to safety.
Arrive early for the best chance to avoid both.
It's a great climb and one not to be missed.
MM

Uluru
Won't get into the climb or not climb debate, there are at least half a dozen lengthy posts on this over the past 3 years. The ABC were filming a story on it when we were last there 3 years ago.
IF you do climb it.....
It is lucky to be open for climbing 30% of the time, due to safety precautions, so don't set your heart on climbing it, you may be disappointed. Plan your 2-3 days there to be flexible so you can grab the opportunity to climb when offered. It may open opened/ closed numerous times in a day.
What to wear, old runners or walking boots are fine. Just not thongs or leather soles.
My exceptionally fit 11 year old got quite frightened due to the height around the chain area, he froze for a while, where as other two teenagers were fine. So consider your kids. I have seen kids as young as 5-7 up there no problems though.
Make sure you all go to the toilet BEFORE you climb, not at the top. The human waste initially pools in rock pools and it stinks before getting washed off the rock only to foul the water holes at the base.
Yep some water in a backpack is a great idea, along with the cameras etc...

DO take a free (?) guided walk around part of the base with a National Parks ranger/ guide. Find out when the sessions are, and the "interpretive centre" is good.
DO take very warm clothing for the dawn photo shoot, it can be below zero at 630AM, and from Ballina I don't think you'd know what below 20 is?
The full 7km Valley of the Winds tour at The Olgas is magnificent.
Yulura is very expensive, know that before you go and you won't be disappointed. The IGA however was was good value.
If you enjoy a wine or beer at dinner, buy it before you get there. No matter how expensive it looks on the way, that's nothing compared to Yulara.

You will have a great time.

I was there the other day for about the hundredth time. The base walk is now closed.

I've only ever visited as a tourist and it still awes me every time I see it. For me it really is the heart of the continent I love.

Been up many times although not for a few years. Most irresponsible time was around midnight one night. Awesome. Got to the top and it started to rain heavily. Lucky to get down uninjured.

I used to really love just sitting on the log amongst the trees on the north side. Not any more.

So I've climbed it and walked around it. I guess I'll just have to tell my grand children what it was like.

Bob

the best time to climb it is when you see it is open
as said it gets closed alot so if its open dont wait till the "right" time as you may miss out

I got there and it was closed so walked around the base and when I got back to the start it was open so despite it being late in the day I went up