uluru and surrounds

HI I'm an Aussie who has never been to NT and have 2 French friends visiting next year for a month. One of the places they are keen to visit is Uluru, but I understand there is but one place to stay immediately proximate and it isn't all that cheap. Guess we'll be looking for something in the flashpacker range - 2 separate rooms. Thinking of taking the Ghan from Adelaide to Alice (is this worth it or are we better off flying?), then heading out from there. Maybe hiring a car or 4wd. Are there any nifty places to stay nearish to Uluru without being Yulara? And while we are in that area what else should we do/see? we are in our 40's and I can't wait to explore the outback with frenchies.

Also - I am guessing February isn't the best time of year to go as far as Darwin. Am I right?
Thanks in advance

You could possibly stay at Curtin Springs its about 30mins from the rock and olgas. ITs pretty basic accommodation there but the family that own it make it a very comfortable stay.
Yulara itself to stay in is very expensive including the camping ground and food etc is super expensive so take as much as possible from Alice. Don't know anyting about the ghan but you would definitely see a lot of country side between here and the rock. ABout 30kms out of town there is rainbow valley - definitely a worthwhile stop on the way to the rock. In a 4wd you can go from the rock to the canyon and back into town via the merinee loop plus the different gorges etc on the way back into town...

The Ghan is between $995 (Gold Class, w/sleeper), $685 (Red Class, w/sleeper) or $335 (Red Class, no sleeper) and I think those prices are one-way, but the web site isn't really clear on that. If it is one-way, it's cheaper and faster to fly I'd say.

February is definitely not a great time to be in Darwin if you want dry weather, there's pro's and con's for visiting the far north during this time. It can be very hot, humid, generally very wet, even a cyclone or two - but very green (aside from brown in the dry) and full of wildlife. Some areas of the wet lands can be closed due to flooding, but generally this is pretty rare these days as roads are much more improved than they use to be. If it's been a heavy wet season (Feb. is towards the end) then 4WD access to falls like Twin Falls and Jim Jim will probably be closed.

Cheers

Visited Darwin last January, and while it was hot and humid, it was a nice feature to see so much green and a very small number of tourists around. Most places in Kakadu we were the only people around when walking. Apparantly is is far different in peak season.

I would visit in Feb.

I would highly recommend that you pop into a travel agent and pick up a copy of AAT Kings or APT, if you are looking for comfortable coach, and hotel/motel accommodation style trip. They offer great overnight or 2 night trips in Ayers rock, along with trips from Darwin that offer 2nights out to Kakadu.

I would also recommend unless you really want to experience the train in particular, perhaps flying between Ayers Rock and Darwin if you are short on time.

If you are looking for a camping/adventure for ayers rock there are alot of great companies that provide camping around the rock. For Darwin, there is alot to see. Kakadu national park, Litchfield, and Katherine gorge. Depending on how long you have, and how much you wish to do...if you have the time, I would recommend at least 2 nights in Kakadu, then continue on to Katherine Gorge, and return to Darwin via Litchfield national park. Yes, it is the wet season, so be prepared if it rains non stop. But in the wet you can see the awesome thunder storms that Darwin is famous for.

Curtin Springs is a lot further than 30min from the rock! It's about 30min from Yulara to the rock, and about an hour from Curtin Springs to Yulara. There is reasonably priced accommodation at Yulara. Do you really need 2 rooms? You can get a 4-bed room (2 sets of bunks) at Outback Pioneer for a bit over $100. That was a few years ago, so prices are probably up, but that was the rack rate so you might be able to get a deal with a better price. Emu Walk is another "budget" option, though I'm not sure how much they are. the website should list all the options.

If price is a factor, the Ghan is expensive. Only take it if you want the train ride experience. If you just want to go from Adelaide to Alice you are much better off flying.

In the area, also visit Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and of course Alice Springs and surrounds. The West and East MacDonnell ranges, Hermannsberg, Glen Helen, etc. You can take tours of these areas, but if you have your own vehicle it is nicer to see it on your own. With 4wd you could take the Mereenie Loop (check road access and car hire conditions first). If you take the Mereenie Loop, Glen Helen is a nice place to stop for the night.

Keep in mind that it will be very hot in the Red Centre in Feb - 40+ temps, plus it will be humid and possibly wet. If you can handle the summer there, Darwin probably won't be so bad.

The Top End is worth visiting in Feb, though a lot of Kakadu will be closed. A number of operators offer wet season tours however, and it's worthwhile seeing Kakadu in all its glory, with everything growing.