Page 18 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Australia

16  INTRODUCING A USTR ALIA

5 Days in the Day 3: Uluru (Ayers Rock)
Red Centre Make your way to Uluru (p292)
and consider following one of
• Airports Alice Springs the walking trails, such as the
Airport is 15 km (9 miles) out Base Walk (about 3 to 4 hours).
of town. The Alice Wanderer For a quicker lap around it, hire
Airport Transfers Shuttle a bicycle. Don’t forget to visit
meets flights, or you can the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural
take a taxi to your hotel. Centre (p293) while you’re here
• Transport A car is essential to learn more about the park
for this trip. It can be picked and the area’s history.
up and dropped off in
Alice Springs. Day 4: Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Consider visiting Uluru again,
• Booking ahead When
visiting Uluru, be sure to then travel on to Kata Tjuta
book your accommodation (pp292–3), formerly known as
at Yulara well in advance. The Olgas. There are a couple
of walking trails here, the shorter
Walpa Gorge Walk and the alpa Gorge Walk and the alpa Gorge Walk
W W Valley Entrance to Alice Springs Desert Park,
of the Winds Walk, which takes in the Northern Territory
Day 1: Alice Springs about 3 hours. If you can, stay
This circular tour begins and to see the sunset.
ends in Alice Springs (pp286–7). 10 Days on the
There are several art galleries Day 5: Alice Springs West Coast –
to visit here, as well as a number This is another long day of Perth to Exmouth
of sights to suit most interests. driving, so stop at one of the
Those keen to find out more roadhouses along the way, then • Airports Arrive and depart
about the local fauna should relax and wash the red dust off from Perth Airport.
head to the Alice Springs you in Alice Springs (see Day 1). • Transport A one-way
Desert Park; history buffs can hire car is essential for
pay a visit to the Telegraph To extend your trip… this trip, and a domestic
Station Historical Reserve and Drive to Kings Canyon flight required from
the Royal Flying Doctor Service (p289) and embark on the Exmouth to Perth
Visitor Centre (pm only Sun). 6-km (4-mile) Rim Walk. The • Booking ahead If you
scenery is breathtaking, but want to stay at Monkey Mia,
Day 2: Uluru-Kata Tjuta be sure to walk early in the book your accommodation
National Park morning or in the afternoon
The drive from Alice Springs to rather than in the heat of well in advance.
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park the day. It is also possible
(pp290–93) is a long one. Most to arrange a one-way car
people take the Stuart and rental from Alice Springs, Days 1 and 2: Perth
Lassiter highways, but there are and drive either south, See the city itinerary on p13.
also some 4WD routes. En route, towards Adelaide (pp348–
don’t confuse Mount Conner for 53), or north, to Darwin To extend your trip…
your first glance of Uluru. Check (pp274–7) and Kakadu Head south for a few days to
into your accommodation, then National Park (pp280–81). visit the wineries in Margaret
drive out to see Uluru at sunset. River (pp318–19), climb the
Gloucester Tree (p319) and
explore the Timber Towns,
such as Pemberton (p319)
and Manjimup (p319).

Day 3: Nambung
National Park
The Pinnacles, a landscape of
limestone columns that formed
underground and were revealed
by the winds, is the main
attraction in Nambung National
Park (p328). Drive along the
3-km (2-mile) Pinnacles Drive,
taking the time to get out of
The distinctive shape of Uluru (Ayers Rock), in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park your car and wander around.
For practical information on travelling around Australia see pp556–63