Uluru Hop On Hop Off Bus

A driver called Snakebite ensures I will never forget my visit to Uluru (Ayers Rock) on the Uluru Hop On Hop Off Bus.

The extreme heat of a Northern Territory summer was always going to be an issue in my desire to explore the base of the rock.

After researching the option of travelling from my accommodation, Sails in the Desert,  at Ayers Rock Resort to Uluru, the Hop on Hop Off Bus shuttle service’s one day Uluru Return pass seemed ideal.

The service includes stops at several of the resort’s hotels and then at the Mutitjulu carpark, Kuniya Piti, Mala carpark and the Cultural Centre within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

I expected I would have to do my own research on the flora and fauna at these stops and Uluru generally but then I met Snakebite.

As it turned out I was the only passenger to board his bus on the trip from the resort. It was natural we should chat and what followed was more information about Uluru and Snakebite’s many adventures than I could ever have wished for!

His answers to my questions bought the landscape and his colourful career to life.

He also understood my reluctance to get off the bus at the first three stops within the park. The bus’s schedule (which changes depending on the time of year) is designed to allow passengers a couple of hours to explore the terrain around each of the stops.  Given the temperature was in the low 30s I wasn’t that keen to walk in such heat, especially having come from an English winter. However thanks to Snakebite’s enthusiasm and knowledge I felt I had an understanding and feel of the areas around each of the stops.

My knowledge was further enhanced by my 90 minute stay at the Cultural Centre. The centre offers excellent information about the park and its activities as well as the Anangu culture. A cold drink in the café was also most welcome.

I was sorry the weather was too hot to explore the base of the rock on foot, but thanks to Snakebite’s commentary and my time at the Cultural Centre I still had a great Uluru experience. And by joining a hop on hop off service I spent my time exactly where and how I wanted.

Visit the Hop On Hop Off Bus website for more information.