Route Suggestions YSBK-YARE (Ayres Rock)

[Ultralights]

I am in the initial planning stages of a flight from Bankstown to Ayres Rock Return, in our nice new Jab J170.
Initial route will be YSBK- Condobolin- Broken Hill- Leigh Creek- Marree-William creek- Coober pedy- then generally follow the Sturt Hwy to Ayres Rock. 3 days flying from Ayres rock on numerous sight seeing flights.
Initial planning show we will be flying 5 hrs average over 3 days. in Mid June.
Return will be reverse of same route.

Im basically after some advice, suggestions and traps to be aware of during such trip.
Fuel shouldnt be a problem with 130 Ltrs on board. and im aware of planning ahead for fuel stops out of drums etc.

Is June the best for flying conditions?

Is Kings Canyon far from Ayres?

what are your experiences flying in these places?

thanks in advance.

[morno]

Where's YARE? :)

[Capt Claret]

YAYE

June, it'll be cold. Zero-ish dawns. Lovely days.

Much of where you're travelling is in a designated remote area, with the attendant planning & equipment requirements.

Turn left at Erldunda for Ayers Rock. Lots of scenic flights, mostly choppers. Fixed wing operate to east of RWY & choppers to west.

[Howard Hughes]

June is a good time to travel trough the centre but can be very cold (around 13C) during the day, night time down to zero. Dalhousie Springs (http://www.exploroz.com/Places/14328/SA/Dalhousie_Springs.aspx) has an airstrip and some very warm thermal pools which are great for a visit in June, not much good any other time of year.

Flying weather should be fairly good, although be prepared if there is low cloud it might hang around for a few days.

Kings Canyon is less than 20 mins from Ayres Rock, would recommend overflying 'Gosses Bluff' a little north of Kings canyon.

Cheers, HH. :ok:

[A-Thousand-To-Go]

G'day...

HH has pretty much hit it on the head...
We went to AYE (and beyond..) during June a few years back, via Broken Hill & Coober Pedy.
It was a great experience, with near perfect flying conditions.

Best of Luck.

[gupta]

U/L - Sorry for the correction but as a past resident its like fingernails on a blackboard:
Ayers Rock, not Ayres - two diffferent blokes.

Watch out for the steep landing/parking fees - was $50+ a few years back, car rental, accom etc is also high.

After all that, its magnificent. Take the time to walk at the base in the early morning, sans tourists. At Maggie Springs, lean over and put your hands on the rock, then come back here & tell me you didn't feel anything...........................

[sms777]

Watch out for Pine Gap on the way to Kings Canyon. You may get shot down.