I've actually been swimming on top of Ayers Rock back in 1980, I left the rock to go to Alice the day before a "Dingos' got my baby"
My mate was a Ranger and we could 4x4 where no one else could go, Then the Rangers Qrts were right at the base of the Rock.
Best time ever Alice was still a Frontier town no traffic lights, no Mall. Been back a few times, as you said why go Overseas
when we have the "Outback and Tropics" on our doorstep