Rolling to the Rock: Day 6

Is Ayers Rock Campground Australia’s most popular caravan park?

??It’s certainly one of the busiest and biggest, set on a sprawling site that’s part of the Yulara mini-township and Voyages Resort complex that services many of the half a million tourists that flock to the Rock each year.

But despite its size and constant stream of arriving and departing travellers during the peak June-October period, the Campground is a relaxing retreat, surrounded by rolling red dunes, spinifex and other Outback vegetation.

After a couple of days here, our 2500km ‘dash’ to the Rock was but a distant memory…

Despite offering 418 sites -- 198 powered, 220 unpowered – plus 14 cabins, it’s still a good idea to book ahead, although a few temporary spots are provided for ‘late’ visitors.

Our powered site, along the fence at the back away from noisy school and coach groups, is big enough to fit two caravans, allowing us to spread out without intruding on the neighbours.

The surface is firm, red dirt, although some powered sites have concrete slabs, and tents can be pitched on lush grass in the unpowered section.?

There are plenty of ablution blocks, although we’ve found it’s best to get in early (or late) of an evening before the school camp kids take over the showers…

The Campground is a good place to do the washing, with a huge laundry housing seven washing machines and eight dryers. Fast wi-fi internet is also available (we paid $20 for three days), and the pool is open even in winter for those game enough to take a dip.

Also, if you couldn’t be bothered driving 20 minutes to the ‘official’ Uluru sunset viewing area, a short stroll up the Naninga Lookout near reception delivers a clear but distant view of Uluru and the Olgas. There’s even a telescope that takes $2 coins.

While most campers will spend their days out at the big rocks and walks, there’s plenty to do in ‘town’ if you just want to kick back after a long drive.

On Day 5, we enjoyed some of the many free daily activities, including boomerang throwing and didgeridoo playing. We also stocked up at the reasonably priced IGA supermarket, and can recommend the Kulata Academy Café (one of countless cafes and restaurants around the resort) for a decent coffee.

Unfortunately, as we discovered due to a sick child, the medical clinic isn’t open on week-ends. There's no pharmacy either, so unless it’s some aspirin or basic first aid stuff, best to stock up on prescriptions before you arrive.

The friendly Campground Reception staff will also empty your wallet given half a chance, with various upmarket activities available from helicopter flights to a camel ride and five-star dinner ($295 per adult).

Of course, this level of Outback convenience doesn’t come cheap, although the cost of our super-sized powered site came in at a reasonable $174 thanks to a pay three nights/get four deal.

If you’re on a tight budget, Curtin Springs is another 80km away and offers free unpowered sites.  But if you plan on staying three to four days and make multiple trips into the national park, as we've done, the conveniently located Ayers Rock Campground is worth it.

MORE:
>> Rolling to the Rock: Intro
>> Rolling to the Rock: Day 3
>> Rolling to the Rock: Day 4