No we did not climb... but enjoyed our time at Ayers Rock just the same. This place is spiritual and moving. We stayed in Alice Springs, rented a car, and drove into the park. Several hours of Australian desert/wildlife was the scenery which builds you for the grand event of the rock. The fees are well worth it and the cultural center provides much information about the natives. We were so sad to leave but forever changed by the experience. Take a fly net and lots of water.

We went to Uluru after a 4 day stay in Alice Springs ( Vojages Resort - nice, clean and definitely less expensive than any other accommodation in Uluru). We took an independent coach transfer ( AAT Kings) to reach Yulara. Unless you intend to rent a car, that it’s a good chance to view the majestic of the desert landscape.
Once in Yulara, we didn’t expect anything special from our hotel ( The Lost Camel) because you can’t ask for a 4 stars place in the middle of the Red Centre desert can you? So we were quite surprised to see that the hotel offered a nice pool and that the resort featured bars, restaurants, a supermarket, souvenirs shops and a post office as well.
The people at The Lost Camel reception desk were always helpful and we would not complain if the all thing wouldn’t seem too pretentious. In the desert you expect ..the desert; if they want to sell you hotels, pools, restaurants, art galleries.. well… they must at least do their best to clean the place. We do complain about the decor of the place which needs to be renewed. To be honest the whole place needs freshening up. The sofas in the reception were worn and the rooms were very dated. Our room was dirty; ants in the toilet and dead cockroaches on the carpet. As we spent almost all of our short stay on trips to Uluru and the surroundings, it wasn't a real problem but for the prices they charge at Yulara resort we would have hoped for a better standard.
We would have hoped for a place as genuine as Alice Springs, not for a tourist trap. Last but not least, the insects. They were every where all size and shapes. Even in the supermarket. We spent more than half an hour trying to seal our room’s door in an attempt to leave the cockroaches out of it. That is ok for a campground; a nightmare if they want to sell you a “stylish boutique hotel” …
By the way… the beauty of the place is out of question; we’ll go back one day and do the Kings Canyon but we would suggest visitors to stay in Alice Springs or at the Curtin Springs station or in Erlunda, “only” 250 km away.
At the least, you’ll get what you pay for.
We would recommend the Uluru Express: they are not a tour company; they’re more like a shuttle service between the Resort and the Uluru and Kata Tjiuta National Park. Fantastic if you want to be independent. Drivers were nice, helpful and friendly. Couldn’t ask for more.

We travelled to Uluru in the second week of November 08. We flew into Alice Springs and decided to hire a car from there. I would definately recommend that you hire your own car to travel to Uluru as it really adds to the experience. Id would advise that you definately hire your car in advance though as we didnt do that and all the rental companies were totally sold out. We literally got the last car they had.
Another piece of advice I would offer is not to travel at night. We found it hard enough dodging the animals roaming the side of the roads in day but at night it was a complete nightmare!! Plus signposts are few and far between and driving the same long deserted road for hours and hours, with no idea how long it will be to your destination, is not a nice way to spend an evening!
We were supposed to stay at a hostel type place at the resort but were told upon arrival that due to faulty air con we would be upgraded to the Desert Sands across the road. Happy days!
We were up early and drove to Uluru. It was every bit as wonderful as we imagined. The sheer size of the rock just takes your breath away. Up close it looks completely different from a distance.
We didnt climb it but we did begin the walk around it. However ten minutes in the 46degree heat was more than enough and we were soon back in the car and drove around instead with air con on full blast!
We also went to Kata tjuta which was around an hour away and every bit as impressive. We didnt do any of the walks because we just couldnt take the heat-in Ireland 25 degrees is a heatwave!
We ate mainly in and around the hotel we were staying in-the breakfast muffins were to die for! We also ate in the Gecko Cafe which was nice but we found the brownie disappointing.
I would recommend you buy water from the supermarket at the resort as buying it in the hotel is much more expensive.
We returned later in the evening for the "sunset". This was by far the highlight of our trip to Uluru. The changing of the colours on the rock was a sight that will definately stay with us for a long time.
The only thing we found we really had to complian about was the insects. They were every where all size times and shapes. If you are a slightly squeamish girl like me this leads to many a restless night! The flies in and around the Rock itself are a nightmare and I would definately advise you to invest in a flynet.

We stayed at the Ayes Rock campsite in the resort just before Xmas 08. We stayed in one of the air conditioned cabins. It was small but suited us. There were 3 adults and I don't think there was space for anymore. It had a little dining table, kitchenette and 2 bedrooms and was clean. The toilet/shower facilities were clean and lots of showers to use.
There is a nice outdoor pool and internet access.
The Ayres Rock Resort is lovely with places to eat,bank,supermarket and a tourist office. It is only a 10min walk from the campsite or these is a shuttle service avaliable.
Uluru is not far. We hired a car to get there as it was far cheaper than catching the bus. It is stunning to see and the base walk is a must. We flew over it in a helicopter too which I woulh highly recommend.