The Red Centre - Australia 2004 - page 387

boundary, it is the only place to stay. It is an impressive, contemporary complex,
built to a high standard, very efficiently run, and attractive—all things you can
end up paying an arm and a leg for. Because everyone either is a tourist or lives
and works here, it has a village atmosphere—with a supermarket; a bank; a post
office; a news agency; babysitting services; a medical center; a beauty salon; sev-
eral gift, clothing, and souvenir shops; a place to buy beer; and a gas station.
You have a choice of seven places to stay within the complex, from hotel
rooms and apartments to luxury and basic campsites. In keeping with this vil-
lage feel, no matter where you stay, even in the campground, you are free to use
all the pools, restaurants, and other facilities of every hostelry, except the rather
glamorous Sails in the Desert pool, which is reserved for Sails guests.
Ayers Rock Resort, Alice Springs Resort, and Kings Canyon Resort are man-
aged by Voyages Hotels & Resorts. You can book accommodations for all three
properties through the central reservations office in Sydney ( & 1300/139 889
in Australia, or 02/9339 1040; fax [phone]; www.voyages.com.au). Ask
about packages for stays at one, two, or all three resorts. Warning: Shop around
for prices on the Internet and with travel agencies. My experience is that people
staying here have paid a whole range of prices.
High season is from July 1 to November 30. Book well ahead.
A tour desk, same-day dry-cleaning and laundry service, and babysitting are
all available at each hostelry and campground.
As well as the dining options below, the resort's small shopping center has the
pleasant Gecko's Café, which offers wood-fired pizzas, pastas and sandwiches; a
bakery; an ice-creamery; and takeout. Sails in the Desert, Desert Gardens, and
the Outback Pioneer Hotel & Lodge can provide picnic hampers and breakfast
backpacks. Kids under 15 dine free at any of the hotels' buffets in the company
of an adult. It's a good idea to bring some wine with you because the place has
really got things sewn up, including prices.
VERY EXPENSIVE
Longitude 131 You can find this African-style luxury safari camp, with
perfect views of Uluru, in the sand dunes a mile or two from the main complex.
The camp, which was finished in June 2002, offers 15 top-class air-conditioned
tents, each with a private bathroom and a balcony overlooking the rock. The
resort is promoting them as “six star.” (How long until we have a seven star, and
an eight star rather than the usual five?) Whatever, A$9 million (US$5.85 mil-
lion) on 15 tents makes them pretty expensive. A central facility, Dune House,
houses a restaurant, bar, library, and shop.
Yulara Dr., Yulara, NT 0872. & 08/8957 7888. Fax [phone] units. A$1,495 (US$941) per night,
minimum 2-night stay. Tours, meals, and selected drinks included. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities : Restaurant; bar;
unheated outdoor pool. In room: No phone.
Sails in the Desert This top-of-the-range hotel choice offers expensive,
contemporary-style rooms, many overlooking the pool and some with Jacuzzis
(though watch your head on the glass doors leading onto the private balcony if you
have one—I had a bruise for days). You can't see the Rock from your room, but
most guests are too busy sipping cocktails by the pool to care. The pool area is
shaded by white “sails” and surrounded by sun lounges. The lobby art gallery has
artists-in-residence. The Kuniya restaurant serves elegant a la carte fine-dining fare
with bush tucker ingredients; Winkiku is a smart a la carte and buffet venue;
and the lively Rockpool (open seasonally) serves alfresco Thai fare poolside.