As we are very new to caravanning and planning our first big trip up north, I would like some advice on how long we should stay and where at Uluru and Alice Springs. We have no time barriers. Also could you give me some advice on what to buy so that I can keep my Weaco 50 litre fridge going on battery power. Many Thanks howpar
macka17 said
11:00 AM Apr 25, 2017
Haven't been through there for around 12\14yrs.
But West Mcdonnell ranges is a must.
Others will give more modern info.
Waeco.
My original 50ltr. I had 3 x 85w and 1 x 50w panels on van with 2 x NZ70Z wet cell battery's to run van.
also a 12v outlet plug in side of van,
where table sat. to plug in fridge if using outside.
Usually though.
The Waeco sat in back of Patrol where seat behind driver was removed.
second battery under bonnet..
With an 80w panel, mobile.
Moving regularly.
that was self sufficient,
But the 12v outlet from van came in handy on inclement days.
ALONG WITH the GENNY I always carry.
Air cond. tools etc.
If no air cond, a 1kva will cover you.
Just have a 25\45a Mains 4 way charger
for bulk charging.
Genny 12v outlets leave a LOT to be desired.
No matter how much solar you carry.
No SUN. NO power. simple.
have backup. a little $350 Chinese genny will cover most.
And have fun. Not all days are bad.
when first starting out. double check EVERYTHING before moving.
I've been vanning for over 50 yrs. Still make mistakes.
Specially when on first coupla days of fresh trip.
Go round and check everything b4 starting engine. and have missus go round rig too.
In OPPOSITE direction.
Women normally have sharper eyes than men
(from finding things to nag about chuckle)
She'll often see things you forgot.
Usually I do outside of van.
On arrival and dep.
Madam sorts inside. stop and start and during too.
Less any heavy lifting she needs.
That goes for at home too.
Enjoy.
It's a great life. and gets better as you go along.
As long as you can free yourself of the housebound fetters.
JOFFG said
07:31 PM Apr 25, 2017
We were there end of July last year. We stayed at the caravan park at Yulara and had a great time. At that time if you stayed 3 nights you got the 4th free, don't know if this still applies, if it does take the extra night. It was a handy spot to be at Uluru for sunrise and sunset and also Kata Tjuta for sunset. Did a sunset camel ride which was fantastic. It really is a magical place and I look forward to going back there. Hope you enjoy your trip
cheers
Joff
JeffRae said
07:47 PM Apr 25, 2017
September 2016 we stayed at Heritage Caravan Park in Alice Springs, reasonably priced and amenities were OK. It's well worth staying in the caravan park at Yulara, not cheap, but everything is there
howpar said
07:56 PM Apr 25, 2017
Thank you all for your info I have taken it on board and hope to see you on the road in the future
Regards
Alex (howpar)
wendyv said
08:38 PM Apr 25, 2017
The only place you can stay reasonably close to Uluru is the caravan park/resort at Yulara. There are cheaper places like out at Curtin Springs Roadhouse, but what you save you would use up in travel cost and time going back and forth!
How long depends on what you like doing. We have had more than one visit there, just because we like it. But we like walking, so have done the walk right round Uluru - that occupied a goodly part of a day. Another day we walked it again - the other way - because it looks different that way! Is also a long walk at the Olgas - the Valley of the Winds walk.
Definitely 3 or 4 nights there.
Have you thought about going up to Kings Canyon? You would need to backtrack somewhat to stay on sealed roads, but if you like walking is well worth the effort to get there.
Alice Springs has quite a bit to do around the town - to do with history, culture, environment. Do not miss the Desert Park. You will need to decide if you are going to use Alice as a base and do day trips out into the Western and Eastern Macs, or if you are going to also take your van out to somewhere like Glen Helen.
Can easily occupy a week there.
We most like the MacDonnell Ranges Big 4 Tourist Park - south of the Gap, quieter, secure.
Another interesting place to go see in those parts is Gemtree - about 120kms to north, on Plenty Highway. Different. Can try zircon fossicking with them. Very scenic area.
Pamela G said
08:34 AM Apr 28, 2017
currently staying at the gap hotel park in alice springs. not flash but if you are self contained you don't need their amenities. $11 a night for non powered $22 with power 2 swiming pools. Police guard at the bottle shop stops locals buying for the dry communities but also stops any other problems, so quite safe to use as a base for day travel. 7 day limit for staying keeps long termers out.
Hi All
As we are very new to caravanning and planning our first big trip up north, I would like some advice on how long we should stay and where at Uluru and Alice Springs. We have no time barriers. Also could you give me some advice on what to buy so that I can keep my Weaco 50 litre fridge going on battery power. Many Thanks howpar
But West Mcdonnell ranges is a must.
Others will give more modern info.
Waeco.
My original 50ltr. I had 3 x 85w and 1 x 50w panels on van with 2 x NZ70Z wet cell battery's to run van.
also a 12v outlet plug in side of van,
where table sat. to plug in fridge if using outside.
Usually though.
The Waeco sat in back of Patrol where seat behind driver was removed.
second battery under bonnet..
With an 80w panel, mobile.
Moving regularly.
that was self sufficient,
But the 12v outlet from van came in handy on inclement days.
ALONG WITH the GENNY I always carry.
Air cond. tools etc.
If no air cond, a 1kva will cover you.
Just have a 25\45a Mains 4 way charger
for bulk charging.
Genny 12v outlets leave a LOT to be desired.
No matter how much solar you carry.
No SUN. NO power. simple.
have backup. a little $350 Chinese genny will cover most.
And have fun. Not all days are bad.
when first starting out. double check EVERYTHING before moving.
I've been vanning for over 50 yrs. Still make mistakes.
Specially when on first coupla days of fresh trip.
Go round and check everything b4 starting engine. and have missus go round rig too.
In OPPOSITE direction.
Women normally have sharper eyes than men
(from finding things to nag about chuckle)
She'll often see things you forgot.
Usually I do outside of van.
On arrival and dep.
Madam sorts inside. stop and start and during too.
Less any heavy lifting she needs.
That goes for at home too.
Enjoy.
It's a great life. and gets better as you go along.
As long as you can free yourself of the housebound fetters.
We were there end of July last year. We stayed at the caravan park at Yulara and had a great time. At that time if you stayed 3 nights you got the 4th free, don't know if this still applies, if it does take the extra night. It was a handy spot to be at Uluru for sunrise and sunset and also Kata Tjuta for sunset. Did a sunset camel ride which was fantastic. It really is a magical place and I look forward to going back there. Hope you enjoy your trip
cheers
Joff
September 2016 we stayed at Heritage Caravan Park in Alice Springs, reasonably priced and amenities were OK.
It's well worth staying in the caravan park at Yulara, not cheap, but everything is there
Regards
Alex (howpar)
How long depends on what you like doing. We have had more than one visit there, just because we like it. But we like walking, so have done the walk right round Uluru - that occupied a goodly part of a day. Another day we walked it again - the other way - because it looks different that way! Is also a long walk at the Olgas - the Valley of the Winds walk.
Definitely 3 or 4 nights there.
Have you thought about going up to Kings Canyon? You would need to backtrack somewhat to stay on sealed roads, but if you like walking is well worth the effort to get there.
Alice Springs has quite a bit to do around the town - to do with history, culture, environment. Do not miss the Desert Park. You will need to decide if you are going to use Alice as a base and do day trips out into the Western and Eastern Macs, or if you are going to also take your van out to somewhere like Glen Helen.
Can easily occupy a week there.
We most like the MacDonnell Ranges Big 4 Tourist Park - south of the Gap, quieter, secure.
Another interesting place to go see in those parts is Gemtree - about 120kms to north, on Plenty Highway. Different. Can try zircon fossicking with them. Very scenic area.