Standing proud on Anangu land for hundreds of millions of years, Uluru has got to be seen to be believed. Located in the spiritual heart of Australia (or 450kms south-west of Alice Springs), this sacred monolith serves as an important reminder of just how new non-Indigenous Australians are to this country.
The extravagantly beautiful landscape surrounding Australia’s ancient landmark is brimming with history, so if you’re yet to immerse yourself in this cultural experience, consider bumping it to the top of your travel itinerary.
We’ve teamed up with Ayres Rock Resort to guide you through the Uluru adventure from sunset to dusk—including the latest addition of a thought-provoking light show. How many can claim they've seen the largest ongoing drone show in the World?
What To Do
Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner
Translated to ‘beautiful view out to the horizon’ in the local Pitjantjatjara language, it’s fitting that the three-phase Wintjiri Wiru experience begins with a stunning sunset dinner. A feast for the eyes, soul and belly, this three-hour tour will take you on a leisurely stroll through Australia’s inimitable desert before you reach quite a unique oasis—an open-air theatre propped up on a sand dune.
From this enviable vantage point, you’ll get to indulge in a smorgasbord of delectable food made with native ingredients (think lemon myrtle crocodile curry pie canapés, balsamic caramelised onions with South Australian goat's cheese, and a gourmet hamper including smoked emu with a saltbush chilli crust). You'll also sip on a Spiced Apple Tonic Cocktail made with an award-winning Koala Gin from Beachtree Distillery.
This is the time to lose yourself in the sunset before the rest of the night’s festivities begin.
Book the experience here.
Wintjiri Wiru Twilight
Usually reserved for postcards, witness Uluru transform during twilight as you sip on unlimited Australian wine and nibble on rich, moreish local cheese. Get comfortable in the sustainably built theatre as the first chapter of the show begins, an immersive sound and light retelling of the Mala story, and how Uluru played a significant role in guiding the Mala people from the north.
Book tickets here.
Wintjiri Wiru After Dark
Using modern technology to further illustrate the ancient Anangu story is an inspired decision made with cultural sustainability in mind, and you’ll be blown away by the final act of the night.
Wintjiri Wiru After Dark unleashes drones, lasers and projections into the night sky, taking the form of various artworks and key moments in history while the sound of a traditional Inma soundtrack plays in the background. It’s a lot to take in, so you’ll undoubtedly be processing it all for hours to come as you lay in bed, staring at the roof with memories of the dazzling drone show floating around your head.
Book the third Wintjiri Wiru after dark instalment here.
Where To Stay
Ayers Rock Resort is the go-to home of Wintjiri Wiru, with a range of accomodation that encourages the preservation of Indigenous Australians’ extensive heritage.
From garden views to windows directly facing Uluru in all its glory, free shuttle buses will get you to whichever temporary home suits you best. There’s plenty to offer just at the resort alone—restaurants, a newly opened art gallery and a refreshing pool will make it incredibly challenging to leave.
If you have some extra annual leave or time on your hands, why not extend the trip to tick off other Uluru staples? The famous Field of Light installation by artist Bruce Munro is another must-see.
We often neglect to explore our own backyard, so there’s no time like the present to experience Wintjiri Wiru in all its dazzling glory.
Uluru after dark truly gives new meaning to the word ‘breathtaking’.
Details:
What: Wintjiri Wiru
When: Now, all year 'round.
Where: Ayers Rock Resort, 170 Yulara Dr, Yulara NT 0872. Direct flights available from Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and Melbourne.
More info on Wintjiri Wiru and resort bookings can be found here. As custodians of the land, Anangu hold the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru. To share their story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, RAMUS designed and produced an artistic platform using drones, light and sound to create an immersive storytelling experience.
Editor’s note: this article was produced in partnership with Ayres Rock Resort. Thank you for supporting the partners who make Urban List possible. To read our editorial policy, click here.
Images: Ayres Rock Resort.