you should check out qantas for your airfare - although they have a reputation for being a little pricey, they have some great US - Aust airfares. eg $999 west coast return including 3 flights within australia. plus their inflight service is so much better than any of the US airlines. (you can also add a stop in fiji for $100 - bargain) Should you decide to go to Melbourne (my home town) the Lonely Planet guide is pretty good.
Uluru(Ayres Rock) is so worth the trip! The sunrise and sunsets are amazing! It is indeed a very special place and a good way to learn a little of the Aboriginal Culture. Just make sure to bring mosquito nets to put around your face. I don't think they were mosquitos but instead the most pesty natts. The guided trips are a bit pricey but how often do you get to go to the outback. The Sounds of Silence sunset dinner is the most incredible experience form tasting kangaroo and crocodile, not bad at all, to the stars and the sounds of the dessert in the pitch dark over candlelight dinner. There is not much of a choice as far as hotels but if you can fly to Alice Springs and rent a car, it's not a bad choice. You still will have to stay in the area since everything is so far away. That's what we plan on doing next time. And there will be a next time!