Originally Posted by
number_6
The one advantage of a monopoly is that the pricing is controlled and predictable, so a better room always costs more than a worse room ... and there is little gaming of the system. So you can rest easy that your more expensive hotel will be better than the less expensive option. Whether it is worth it depends upon your taste. Personally I think Sails in the Desert is worth it (but don't expect Southern Ocean Lodge quality of experience, even for the most expensive option).
Longitude 131 would be the closest to Southern Ocean Lodge in quality, but a lot more expensive!
Originally Posted by
number_6
Dinner costs AUD 156 for about $50 worth of food, but well worth it for the experience (and consider the logistic cost of conducting it, not quite all profit though close to it). I'd rate it as a "must do" activity in Australia, it gives a new appreciation of the universe.
I didn't end up doing the dinner when I was there a couple of years ago, but wish I had and would definitely do it if I was there again.
Originally Posted by
henry999
Heh heh. Our visit a few years ago took on, for us, the ironic dimensions of an old-fashioned morality play.
Mrs999 and I decided that out of respect for the wishes of the local people we would not make the climb. We got up early and went to watch the sunrise effect, leaving our vehicle in the car park on the (east? south?) side of the rock. After the sun had risen, we stopped briefly back at the car to get more water, etc., before setting out to walk all the way around the base. When we were at the car, a young backpacker came up and asked us for a lift to the other side, saying that she was eager to get started on the climb. We explained that we weren't driving anywhere just then, and that was that. Well, we strolled around the rock ... and when we got to the other side, to the start of the climbing-track -- surprise, surprise -- it was closed, because of high wind.
cheers,
Henry
My understanding is that rock is only open approx. 100 days a year now.