Why have visitor numbers to Uluru been plunging?

JayDee · Guru

Why have visitor numbers to Uluru been plunging?

Mike196 · Senior Member

G'day John,

We're looking at going in there in mid August, would you care to expand on your statement of the "red tape and charges"?? We were pretty sure there would be charges, but it would be good toget an idea B4 going.

Regards,

Mike.

Bruce and Bev · Guru

The NT Govt has said that visitor numbers to the Park have dropped by 40% in the last 4 years. They have finally admitted that it is due to the price gouging and bad food and accommodation.

There was a Sunday night doco about a year ago about it and they interviewed some overseas tourists (they sounded reasonable people). They booked a hotel. On their arrival the bed had been made but the linen had obviously not been changed as it was soiled, the soaps etc hadn't been changed and nor had the towels. The mini bar wasn't full and the shower wet with hair in it left by the previous occupant. They ate at an expensive restaurant nearby, got served limp salad and hot meat served warm and the wrong wine. The wine came open to their table and when they pointed out it was not what they ordered, the Manager was called and he told them they would be charged for this wine anyway.

These tourists went to great pains to say they had travelled Aust and loved the service and quality of our hospitality industry elsewhere.

The TV doco also interviewed other tourists in the Park and they complained of being "ripped off".

Hylda&Jon · Guru

JayDee wrote:
Simple says I:-
(Please refer to the front page of this web site)
It is because of all the red tape and the charges we have to follow and jump through just to see one of Mother's Natures wonders.
And yes!!!! it was there long before the so call indigenous mob arrived and staked a claim.
My view is that since our forefathers discovered the " ROCK" they had us there in the first place, but became to greedy and did not RESPECT what we had to offer.
a lack of good old Customer service says I.
Jay&Dee

-- Edited by JayDee on Tuesday 14th of July 2015 02:23:08 PM
Not sure what you meant by "So called indigenous mob"?? Don't you believe they are indigenous?

Also you said "since our forefathers discovered the " ROCK" they had us there in the first place". Who's forefathers do you mean? I guess you must mean being aboriginal yourself your people discovered it. If this is so then fair enough since I just read that "Archaeological findings to the east and west indicate that humans settled in the area more than 10,000 years ago And I think it is big enough that there is a fair chance they discovered it first, and, of course, there is ancient rock art scattered round the base of Uluru.
It actually wasn't until 1873 that surveyor William Gosse discovered it

Cheers
Jon

done dreaming · Senior Member

Went to the dining under the stars experience several years ago and asked why the didgeridoo player was white and was told since the locals were given the old resort to live in they no longer feel the need to work yet the player still had to get their permission.i was born and bred in the Alice and we used to go camping there before all the entrance fees and rules ever existed,surely that makes me one of the original inhabitants.

justcruisin01 · Guru

On our first half lap of the block in 91 we went there. It was the dearest destination of the trip a the lack of service at the tavern was rude a arogant;havent been back. JC.

jules47 · The Happy Helper

Have been to Uluru twice. First time it was $25 entry, which was for three days, (2005) - that time I climbed the rock, wasn't a hard climb, take your time, and lots of water. Second time - 2013 - $25 entry (though this time they write on your ticket your name, rego and type of vehicle) Still for three days though.

First time we camped at the Yulara campground, was ok, gravel, but lots of amenities, etc., and the shops were great, being a bakery, decent supermarket, newsagent, coffee shop, and the usual tourist shops. Prices were reasonable.

Second time - we had heard the camping was $45 night - not for these black ducks, thank you - so stayed at a free camp up the road a way a bit, was okay. The shops, apart from the supermarket, have gone upmarket, and up price as well. Not many people staying at the resort, from what we could see.

This second time we rode our bikes around, 11.2k - was terrific, saw so much. So glad I have done both, and even though it is expensive, it is an icon, and something to be seen and marvelled at, in my opinion. We won't go back though, I don't think.

-- Edited by jules47 on Tuesday 14th of July 2015 07:17:22 PM

Roving-Dutchy · Guru

Went there 17 years back and I think the charge was $25 entry fee but you could pick up a pass at Curtain Springs for $10 with unused days on it.
Caravan Park $28 a night so stayed for free at Curtain Springs first night then into Uluru early next morn, 2 nights in the caravan park and left late on the 4th day back to Curtain Springs so 4days for $56 not bad value could still do the same now for $115 so still good value, if you are going round the loop why would you miss something that is an incredible sight for just a few dollars.
If you are going to miss a lot of the sights on your trip because of entry fees and worry about the cost of fuel, best to stay at home and avoid the stress.
Cheers
David

moamajohn · Guru

My wife and I visited the rock in 2005 with 1700 mates .[National rally for H,O,G,.M/cycles .] From the day we arrived at reception it was down hill.They pointed out the areas where we could park our bikes ! ER What ! I informed the lass that I will be parking my bike under the window of my room and should she have a problem with that please feel free to have the manager drop in ! Food was average and the nights entertainment was a sleepy DJ. I asked him if one of my crew could assist him he said OK but they usually finish at 11 pm.Well ... the night was HUGE Ac/Dc etc and the music cranked up a tad and we even had all the great Asian and Japanese folk up and dancing trying to figure out who the %$#@ was Alice !! The night finished at 2 am and the barman told me it was the biggest turnover night in 2 years. However every where we went it seemed that the wallet was coming out .I think the rock is truly overwhelming ! and you have to see it in person so to speak to appreciate the magnitude of it .But at what cost ? Cheers John Aw Yeah Jon ... As a Guru of this forum you should keep on the topic question which was the costing and not digress to the politics of ownership .

Hylda&Jon · Guru

moamajohn wrote:
My wife and I visited the rock in 2005 with 1700 mates .[National rally for H,O,G,.M/cycles .] From the day we arrived at reception it was down hill.They pointed out the areas where we could park our bikes ! ER What ! I informed the lass that I will be parking my bike under the window of my room and should she have a problem with that please feel free to have the manager drop in ! Food was average and the nights entertainment was a sleepy DJ. I asked him if one of my crew could assist him he said OK but they usually finish at 11 pm.Well ... the night was HUGE Ac/Dc etc and the music cranked up a tad and we even had all the great Asian and Japanese folk up and dancing trying to figure out who the %$#@ was Alice !! The night finished at 2 am and the barman told me it was the biggest turnover night in 2 years. However every where we went it seemed that the wallet was coming out .I think the rock is truly overwhelming ! and you have to see it in person so to speak to appreciate the magnitude of it .But at what cost ? Cheers John Aw Yeah Jon ... As a Guru of this forum you should keep on the topic question which was the costing and not digress to the politics of ownership .

True, just got my hackles up a bit. I apologize.

Treecrest14 · Senior Member

Maybe people should think about visiting Mt Augustus in Northern WA.

Acknowledged as the biggest rock in the world is Mount Augustus, but it is not a Monolith, but a Monocline ie uplifted and tilted strata. Mount Augustus is eight kilometres long and two and a half times the size of Uluru. It rises 858 metres above the surrounding land. Uluru is accepted as the largest Monolith in Australia and claims to be the largest monolith in the world.

Mt Augustus is a must area to visit .. no matter that people say it is remote .. come in via Kenndy Ranges N.P. .. then go back around on the other road to Gascoyne Junction. Check road conditions, 4wd not essential .. have a great time !! Visit in September .. the wild flowers can be just outstanding .. colour as far as the eye can see.

moamajohn · Guru

And that folks is why your a Guru Jon .Well done ! Cheers John

03_Troopy · Guru

We were there on our Central Australian Surfing Safari in 2012. Great place but the surf was pretty ordinary...

Dougwe · Chief one feather

The wind must have been blowing the wrong way Troopy. Surf is usually pretty good there.

Grumpytoo · Senior Member

I first visited in the 70's when there was a basic campground and a Fibro Roadhouse. Loved it. Went back with the wife in 2008 and couldn't get out fast enough. There were 747's on the runway, multi-storied buildings, shops etc and crowds of people. Some times you shouldn't go back. However I believe that the Rock is something special and everyone should visit at least once.

al · Senior Member

I worked in that area in the early 60"s we camped at MT. Conner the other big rock on the way to Ayers rock . I use to work with a lot of our indigenous friends they all camped a round Mt. Connor when asked why they did not camp out at Ayers rock the answer was there is nothing there why would we camp out there.that was an answer from an elder So
how sacred can it be except now it is a sacred cash cow.

exa41 · Guru

We did the Urulu thing in may this year ,was a must do but I was a little dissapointed. Coffee was nice , food average and everything expensive . Fuel was $2.05 entry was $25 for the rock and 4 hours to walk the base. Stayed at Curtin springs for a couple of days on the way out but as others have said , it is a must to do,we were going to do Kings canyon but warned against it so we didn't go. Caravan park was nice though with good amenities.

03_Troopy · Guru

exa41 wrote:
We did the Urulu thing in may this year ,was a must do but I was a little dissapointed. Coffee was nice , food average and everything expensive . Fuel was $2.05 entry was $25 for the rock and 4 hours to walk the base. Stayed at Curtin springs for a couple of days on the way out but as others have said , it is a must to do,we were going to do Kings canyon but warned against it so we didn't go. Caravan park was nice though with good amenities.

You should have gone to King's Canyon and walked around the top mate. I think it was just as spectacular as "The Rock"

gandk · Senior Member

Hylda&Jon wrote:
... As a Guru of this forum you should keep on the topic question which was the costing and not digress to the politics of ownership .
True, just got my hackles up a bit. I apologize.

You are right Jon but I understand how Jaydee feels. Just because it is run by indigenous people it shouldn't be allowed to be over expensive or low quality.

brickies · Guru

What and who control prices at Uluru , Who or what controls the prices at Belyando in central Queensland , Why are caravan parks so costly on the Water front , It's is easy to blame the first people but it is a long way into Ulura cost lots in transport if we want to see these sort of place in remote area we have to pay someone has to .

kandagal · Guru

Maybe you should visit Mt. Mulligan (in north Qld) out from Mareeba. I grew up there. No town now. Just a mountain - 10 miles long - with a beautiful escarpment. Fantastic sight as the morning sun hits it. Cheers Alice

Cupie · Guru

03_Troopy wrote:
exa41 wrote:
We did the Urulu thing in may this year ,was a must do but I was a little dissapointed. Coffee was nice , food average and everything expensive . Fuel was $2.05 entry was $25 for the rock and 4 hours to walk the base. Stayed at Curtin springs for a couple of days on the way out but as others have said , it is a must to do,we were going to do Kings canyon but warned against it so we didn't go. Caravan park was nice though with good amenities.
You should have gone to King's Canyon and walked around the top mate. I think it was just as spectacular as "The Rock"

Couldn't agree more.

We were at the rock in 2001. Found it a bit commercialised & pricey but something that just has to be done.

I climbed the rock (although, it was a bit tricky with the walk being constantly closed due to wind, possible rain or a funeral). SWMBO went on a round the base walking tour, I push biked round solo.

I enjoyed the Olgas just as much. Just waited until the hordes of chattering tourists went past & the birds came out all round me.

Kings was fantastic. Walked up the middle & round the top, then went on a helicopter flight .. doors off! Not too dear either.

I'd go back too.

jab160 · Senior Member

2 of the big draw crowd locals in the NT......kakadu and that rock. Both seriously dropping off in visitors, both becoming overly regulated, over priced, hit and miss services. Both being attacked by indigenous groups, that really don't want you and me there. ( They do pay lip service to tourism tho )

You / me, would love to see / meet, the story tellers, the entertainers, the food gatherers, the children.......etc etc, but.........it's all too hard. You are discouraged from intermingling, by both white and black managements. There is a tone, that one gets.....often.

"National Parks" NT, quietly discourage the use of "their" parks, staff can be darn right obnoxious at times. Many a time when encounting departing folks ( travellers ) as we entered, they expressed negative comments.

Can recall one time, we noticed overflowing rubbish bins, bumped into "ranger" told him....he replies, bins are emptied each morning, and tourists filling them with their caravan etc etc rubbish was a cause for park concerns.........Ok Ok, the odd bad apple is about, but 98.3% of us actually do the right thing. But ranger man, was not happy jan.........with us lot, you / me.

One time, we parked in appropriate area, noticed a couple had set up 4....5 chairs under shady trees, they had a great coffee maker, and for $4.00 you got a great coffee, sat down and relaxed, heard couple of days later, parks had moved them on........unreal.

had me rant.....feel better

moamajohn · Guru

Good rant nevertheless Jab. It does sadden one however .John.

03_Troopy · Guru

I can understand the coffee seller being moved on if it was within the park boundaries, but as for the attitude of the parks staff, maybe they need reminding that they are public servants, and there to serve the public. I'd be reporting obnoxious behaviour to the relevant management body.

Bru · Senior Member

This topic a stirred a few. I am a tour guide for Uluru and Kata Tjuta so maybe I can get a few facts in. The National Park operates under a management system that includes the Anangu people the Commonwealth Govt ( Tourism and Conservation reps), The NT Government. The current charge is $25 per person for a 3 day ticket, come and go as often as you wish. The Anangu people have been here for over 30,000 years, making them the oldest living culture on earth. With their involvement the park received its 2nd World Heritage listing for Cultural Values making it one of only 30 in the World. There are several free activities available in Yulara and in the park, for example a 2 hour walk with a ranger on the Mala Walk, well worth doing. WE have 3 Hotels here and like all others they are expensive but they are all at different levels. The CP has powered and unpowered sites and for tents there is a nice grassed area. Still expensive at $45 but the costs out here are considerable as well. We have a IGA store that doesn't seem too bad to me and always a good selection of fruit and veg at no more than I have paid throughout QLD. As has been mentioned there is free camping at Curtin Springs about an hour away. So any Grey Nomads coming this far feel free to PM me and I can drop by for a chat.

As a PS the climb site at Uluru is open and free, it is only closed for safety reasons when it is over 35, or raining or strong winds at the summit.

-- Edited by Bru on Thursday 16th of July 2015 02:30:32 PM

brickies · Guru

Bru I take it the hotels and other business are all not owned by the Anangu people

Bru · Senior Member

Most of the businesses are owned by a company called Voyages part of the Accor group. The only Anangu enterprise in Yulara is Maraku Arts a retail outlet for their paintings and craft work.

brickies · Guru

So I take it the claim by some people the it is the Anangu people are ripping us off are not true .

Bru · Senior Member

The Anangu are not ripping anyone off. They are to the most part just getting by like the rest of us, ordinary decent people trying to fit into white man's world. The Anangu have only had serious contact with us since 1930's when men came here for dingo scalps and began trading with them, and before that it was the occasional wandering explorer.