DistancesAlice Springs - Uluru......470km |
Getting AroundThere is a limited public bus system in Alice Springs, however it is compact enough to get around on foot or bicycle. There is a free shuttle bus which runs every 15 minutes from 7.30 am and 12.30 at night except Wednesday and Saturday nights when it runs until 2am and runs to all points of accommodation.Otherwise, if you want to go further afield, take a tour or rent a car.Alice Springs airport is 14 kilometres south of the town itself. It costs approximately AUD20.00 by taxi. There is an airport shuttle service which will take you to all city accommodation from all flights.Transport around Ayers Rock is easiest by rental car or the many guided tours. Important Things To Think About When Travelling In The Northern Territory:When walking in the Northern Territory visitors should always: 1) Carry plenty of water. 2) Pay attention to signs at all times. 3) Take notice of tour guides and rangers. 4) Carry sun protection-hat, sun lotion, blockout cream, insect repellent and sunglasses. 5) Carry a map of the area.If you are planning to self drive in the Northern Territory visitors should always: 1) Carry the basic equipment such as spare tyres, jack, fan belt, radiator hoses and a tow rope. 2) Plan ahead for the next fuel stop in case you need to buy extra fuel. 3) Take a map of the area, especially if you are planning to go off the main roads. 4) Always carry plenty of water, a minimum of twenty litres.The dangers of driving in the Northern Territory are:1) When driving long distances it can cause fatigue which can cause serious accidents. It is recommended that you stop and rest every two hours. Dangers on the road include kangaroos, cattle and road trains. If you see a road train when driving leave it plenty of room and if you are planning overtaking allow at least 1 kilometre of clear road ahead. 2) If there are floods do not attempt to cross flooded bridges unless the driver is sure of the depth of the flood. Flash floods usually drop after 24 hours. 3) Dust in the Northern Territory can cause an obstruction to your driving vision. Do not attempt to drive through the dust, wait until it settles as it can cause severe road accidents. 4) If you are lost or have broken down do not leave your vehicle under any circumstances as a vehicle is easier to locate than lost people.When travelling throughout the Northern Territory always take good care of your body as the climate can be very harsh and take a serious affect on your health. Water is the most effective way of hydrating your body. It is important to drink at least 8 glasses of water each day as to avoid dehydration. However if you are walking or climbing you will need to drink extra water at regular intervals. |
How To Get ThereAlice Springs has a modern airport linked to a variety of Australian destinations. You can fly to Alice Springs or Ayers Rock with either Ansett or Qantas. Light aircraft will take you virtually anywhere you want to go in the Northern Territory and long distance coaches link Darwin, Alice Springs and Ayers Rock. The Ghan connects Adelaide and Alice Springs and is the only railway within the Northern Territory, alternatively bus and air connections run to Mount Isa in Queensland where the Inlander train travels to Townsville. Sealed roads, such as the Stuart Highway from Darwin, reach south to Alice Springs then on through to Port Augusta and Adelaide. At Three Ways the Barkley Highway leaves the Stuart and goes to Mount Isa and on to Townsville and the Victoria Highway branches off towards Perth from Katherine. Sealed roads reach Ayers Rock and all weather roads will take you to most major tourist destinations. |