The sunrise and sunset tours of Ayres Rock were very boring. They claim the rock changes colours and it does....from dark red to light red. They were also very expensive. The Sounds of Silence sunset dinner was interesting, nice views, different local food, but still pretty boring. The man playing the Digeridoo was very arrogant which ruined the experience. The view of the night sky and star talk was interesting because you saw things that you normally don't see in the northern hemisphere.

The sunrise tour again was very boring and didn't provide breakfast. The only reason you should go on this tour is if you plan to climb the rock because in the summer they don't allow you to climb it after 8am.

Reallly you have no option but to take the tours unless you hire a car which I would recommend if there's more than 2 of you as the walks are well signed and the tours are very expensive.

We chose the "discovery eco tour " operator for 3 tours and were delighted as at most the were only 6 plus the tour guide so you get really personal service. Not only that but the small vehicle gets you closer than coaches.

I'm not sure what I was expecting at Ayers Rock but I get what I thought. Firstly I wouldn't recommend going in January! It was far too hot (45 deg) and we spen the afternoon we had there in the room (luckily we only stayed two night). We did a sunrise tour but this was over the buses rather than Ayers Rock, however it was quite amazing to see the rock change colour so vividly. We decided to do the base walk and this was very good, although so tiring in the heat. It took 2hrs 15mins. There was very little shade which made it difficult and the water through the taps was very warm. If you really wanted to see Uluru then I would say go but if you were umming and arring - don't bother.

This is one of the places you have to visit once in your lifetime to get soaked into good ole Aussie culture.....this is the real McCoy!