Just on the edge of the National Park is a vast complex which has grown from nothing to act purely as a tourist resort for Ayers Rock. The full range with catered for, from the campsite at one extreme to the $250 a night Sherridan Hotel on the other. I was staying in the Ayers Rock Lodge which was one up from the campsite. First priority was a decent shower and shave, before our tour left for the Olgas. The Olgas are actually much bigger than Ayers Rock, but no where near as spectacular. It is also illegal to climb them.

In the evening we went to the sun-set strip to see the rock changing colour as the sun set. This was quite a dull experience as it does not look that spectacular to the eye. Photographs however appear to add a whole different perspective on it.

The following morning, we made an extremely early start. Unlike the last time I was here, when it was actually quite chilly, it gets extremely hot this time of year and it is recommended that you complete the climb before the sun gets too intense.

So, yes, I have climbed the rock twice, and I've signed the book at the top to prove it!