Separation issue involving a The Boeing Company 737-476, VH-TJQ, Ayers Rock, NT on 29 May 1993

When about to turn base for runway 31, the crew of VH-TJQ sighted two light aircraft heading in the opposite direction on the active side of the circuit. From prior communication, the crew of TJQ believed the two aircraft were joining the circuit on the dead side. The pilots of the two light aircraft spoke with American accents and were part of a group visiting Australia. Separation was maintained but it appeared to the crew of TJQ that the pilots of the light aircraft were not familiar with local procedures. The following factors were considered relevant to the development of the occurrence: Foreign aircrew apparently unfamiliar with local procedures.