Hi I’m off to Uluru in a few weeks time and particularly want to photograph it at night. Any tips, best vantage points etc from those of you who have been there? Are there any restrictions on night access eg, gates into Uluru itself that anyone knows of? Very hard to get info off the Net I’ve found which surprised me. Also same for the Olgas. And are there any other places I should try to fit into our 4 day itinerary?
Thanks
Geoff
drec
If you’re there over the week-end, take the free shuttle bus and check out Share Share on a Friday night. Which part of Yulara are you staying at? Behind the Outback there’s a couple of look-outs to the rock. There’s a better one down towards the Camel Farm which would be good at night plus gives an ok view to Kata Tjuta. To get into the area around Uluru you need to stop off at the Nat Parks little check point on the way in. I’d try going for sunset and see how long they’ll let you stay after dark.
If you’d like a glass of wine or two at the end of the day I also suggest you take your own supply.
Geoff Coleman...:
We’re staying at the Lost Camel wherever that it. Thanks for all these tips – really helprful. What is Share Share and where is it?
Peter Hill
If you are engaging in a commercial photography activity, you need a permit to shoot at Uluru. Generally, however, there are restrictions against photographing (for any purpose) in certain areas and against shooting certain things and aspects. Refer to these guidelines
Geoff Coleman...:
Thanks Peter – wow those guidelines are so prescriptive. Still the maps were useful but as for the rest I think it’s a bit over the top personally. Over-regulation to that extent just causes people to ignore the regulations.
Arnold Nooren
Check the Olgas out Geoff, I think they are better value. Stayed at Yulara a few years back, never had any problems getting shots, bit luck it may rain, then you’ll get the best waterfalls. Don’t forget to take the nude model
Geoff Coleman...:
Thanks Arnold – they are definitley on the itinerary. Yes will be travelling with my favourite nude model so waterfalls would be brilliant :-)
Anthony Evans
The recent Better Photography magazine, which Peter Eastaway edits, had a story on Uluru, some good tips in there. Sounds like it is a bit of trouble if you want to use them for commercial use, though.
Geoff Coleman...:
Thanks Anthony. I’ll take a look. Well unless you’re Ken Duncan I suspect it’s pretty academic. My total earnings on landscape sales wouldn’t even cover the airfares :-)
JeffStockton
I know that you cant capture Uluru as a whole & any advertising, uploading on the net is not permitted. They also state that your photos have to get clearance from the Elders but I doubt if anyone does it unless for commercial purposes. The base of Uluru at the start of the climb & half way up the face is spectacular looking across to the right side of the face. A waterpool exists & with a decent drop its worth the effort..even if it doesnt rain. The caves around the base (10 kilometres) are good viewing from what I’ve heard. Sunsets & rises are something else & the colour change is a must to see. The Olgas are in a league of their own as you walk through the Domes & more sunset shots are the go. I f you can manage the time & travel then KINGS CANYON should be on your list as well Geoff although its a fair trip from Uluru.
As for entry into the park after dark i would like to also know if its permitted as I am goin back there in July.
Have fun mate hope you get cracking images & enjoy what all Australians should see..you’ll agree with me when you stay there
Geoff Coleman...:
Thanks heaps for this Jeff – very helpful. Yeah Kings Canyon is going to be too hard this trip as only have 4 days and want to relax a bit as well – 600km round trip on a dirt road doesn’t sound like much fun. Will let you know about dark entry when I get back.
drec
‘Share Share’ is the name given to part of the Staff Accommodation and you cram 4 to a unit. I was kind of surprised by the state of the place when I lived there – it reminded me of the Ghetto. It was fun. The Shuttle Bus will tour this area after dark and after dark is when the locals come out to play. The Bus does a constant clock-wise circle of the place so get him to drop you off at the Look-Out near the Camel Farm(the road to Longitude 101)
I’d like to return and work out here again. I lost an entire hard drive of about 3 months of Photos – new to digital, new to PC’s so all my Lightning over the Rock – gone.
Geoff Coleman...:
Thanks for that – how tragic about your hard drive and losing lightning shots. That would be beyond terrible.
Adam Bykowski
Uluru? Wasn’t that the black lady on Star Trek?
Geoff Coleman...:
lol – almost, but Uhuru had more curves than Uluru I suspect.
Varinia - Gl...
Here’a a tip, tickets gratefully received ;-) lol Have a great time, haven’t been there though.
Geoff Coleman...:
Isn’t that a bit like carting coal to Newcastle Ms Travel Goddess :-) Can’t believe there is a speck of rock on this planet you haven’t been to let alone in your own back yard!!
Varinia - Gl...
LOL, welllllllllllll hehe