Advantages: Mystical, amazing, heart of Australia
Disadvantages: Can be a bit 'touristy', miles away from anywhere

...Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is located 465km Southwest of Alice Springs (about 4.5hr drive) along the Stuart Highway and Lasseter Highway. Because of the popularity of this area in the last 50 yeas or so, it has become a lot more limited to what you can actually do there. You used to be able to drive up and just camp next to Ayers Rock but nowadays visitors stay in Yularu or Ayers Rock resort which is about 14km away from Ayers Rock. There is also an entrance to the park which means nobody can stay within the park itself overnight. The opening hours of the park change but take into account the times of sunrise and sunset so you can always watch them in the park. A pass into the park costs just under $30 (12 pounds) for 3 days but this is the minimum you can pay for (i.e. if you only want to go for one day you still get this 3 day... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Great songs, great playing
Disadvantages: vocals an acquired taste

...Kevin Ayers has always had a reputation as being one of the great under-achievers of British Rock music. In many ways this is true because although Ayers had the looks, the talent, the rich baritone voice, the laconic charm and the charisma to be a star (Bryan Ferry would have given his right arm to be as naturally stylish as Kev), he never could quite get himself together enough to make the step up from cult figure status. Thing is, Kev didn't seem to care too much anyway. As long as he could afford to indulge his passion for fine wines and soak up the sun in the Med then he was perfectly content. All of this made for a body of work that varies wildly in style and consistency, but when he was on form Ayers could seduce your ears like few other singer-songwriters. "Whatevershebringswesing" was his third album since departing... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Magical, once ina life time experience, must see!
Disadvantages: Heat

...Ayers Rock is roughly in the centre of Australia, having visited it in 2001, it is a once in a life time experience. We actually went to Australia for three weeks, we stayed with family for a week and a half and then travelled the rest. I would say if your going that far you have to at least see some of the amazing sights!! Though when we told our nieghbour where we were going and that we were visiting Ayers Rock their response was ''A bloody long way to go see a rock!!' Which I guess many people might agree with but maybe I can change your minds! *Getting there* Ayers Rock is literally in the middle of know where. The easiest way to get there is (This is how we got there!) by plane. The nearest airport is Alice Springs and the trip lasts about 50minutes. If your not a keen flyer then brace yourselves as the actual airport... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Stunning scenery
Disadvantages: Expensive, lots of flies

...Ayers Rock is situatated in the Northern Terrirtories State of Australia. It's also one of Australia's most important World Heritage locations. It is owned by the Aboriginial people, (have lived in this region for 30,000 years) who live off site from the resort in a small town nearer Ayers Rock or the local name Uluru. The Olgas also nearby, a group of 36 large domes, locally named Kata-Tjuta, which means 'Many Heads' If you want to visit up close, Ayers Rock and the Olgas, you have to pay a small Reserve Entry Fee, which is a 3 day pass. Temperatures Day Summer 36 - 48 C Winter 15 - 30 C Temperatures Night Summer 18 - 25 C Winter 0 - 8 C Rainfall Mostly through January and February Distances from cities (by air) Sydney - 1326 miles Melbourne - 1211 miles Perth - 1038 miles Alice Springs - 211 miles The resort... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Has to be seen. It's like a big red lump of magic.
Disadvantages: Well, it's a long way. Wherever you're coming from...

...First things first, I have to show off and say the photo you can see is mine! (It's the back of Ayers Rock, the less well known side). I thought it was unfair that such a cool place didn't have a proper photo, and thanks Ciao team for sorting it out. We spent seven months in Australia, which obviously isn't going to fit in one op, so I thought I'd start at the very pinnacle of our Oz experience. Although it isn’t the easiest place to get to,