Uncover six must-dos at Uluṟu – the spiritual heart of Australia
An outback Australia road trip is a truly unique journey, as the Northern Territory rolls out the red-dust carpet and the vast beckoning blue skies form a backdrop for a sight like no other – Uluru.
While a drive to Uluru reveals plenty of wonders along the way, no matter which direction you’re coming from, it is the stunning rock itself that will stay in your mind, and warm your soul, forever.
Marvel at Sunrise Journeys
There are so many experiences on offer during your stay at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru that it can be tough to know where to start, but we’d suggest beginning your first indelible day before dawn by taking part in Sunrise Journeys, a breathtaking two-hour experience based on an artwork by three local Anangu women, the title of which translates to ‘Our Country is Truly Beautiful’. It is brought to life not only by the rising sun but through laser and light projection on a vast desert canvas, a bespoke musical score from an Anangu musician and the natural desert environment, with Uluru as the epic backdrop.
Watching the rock arise from the black sky, spinning slowly through a kaleidoscope of colours from purple to rust-red and finally fire-ember orange, is truly breathtaking.
Take a stroll through the Field of Light
That evening you’ll be thanking your lucky stars that some things designed to be temporary – like the Millennium Wheel in London – are so beloved and successful that they become permanent. Field of Light Uluru is a vast and brilliant work of dancing light, by the celebrated artist Bruce Munro. Originally meant to be a temporary installation, this stunning display has now been extended until 2027, due to its immense popularity.
The Field of Light, which you could wander around for hours with your mouth open, spans more than seven football fields of red desert. It encompasses a swaying fantasy garden hosting more than 50,000 spindles of solar-powered light, which, together, create an immersive vista of colours, from ochre to deep violet, blue and soft white.
Dine under the stars
On a subsequent evening you’ll want to prepare both your tastebuds and eyes for a meal that will blow you away – the famous Sounds of Silence dinner. Truly, no restaurant is so brilliantly lit, with million-star views above, nor more perfectly located, with Uluru seated as host for your table.
The white table cloths and red dust create a striking sight on their own, but the way the rock once again performs its colour-changing magic show as the sun goes down makes it difficult to concentrate on your delicious food and wine, It’s noticeable just how quiet this meal can be, as patrons sit peacefully absorbed by the view.
An ancient story takes flight
Wintjiri Wiru is a multi-award-winning cultural storytelling experience that brings to life the ancient, ancestral Mala story using 1200 choreographed drones, lasers and projections that sparkle and swirl in the night sky. Co-created with Anangu over three years of deep consultation, Wintjiri Wiru is the world’s largest daily drone show, and the first time an Indigenous story has been told at this size and scale. The Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner is the ultimate way to experience it – including cocktails from Beachtree Gin, an Indigenous-owned distillery – and canapes that celebrate native ingredients such as crocodile pie and gin-soaked cucumber with green ants.
Experience Fine Dining at the Northern Territory’s highest rated restaurant
Tali Wiru is an exclusive four-hour experience that hosts just 20 guests per night. It is world-class fine-dining, held on a remote dune-top at sunset with both Kata Tjuta and Uluru setting the scene. Pairing a decadent four-course table d-hote menu that celebrates native Australian ingredients with iconic Penfolds wines, this luxurious adventure also includes a didgeridoo performance, star talk and Indigenous storytelling by an open fire.
Absorb Indigenous creativity and culture
You’ll no doubt want to take a piece of all this magic home to remind you of your Uluru road trip and the best place to find something is at the Gallery of Central Australia, located within Ayers Rock Resort. GoCA celebrates creativity and culture of artists of the Central and Western Desert regions, and aims to educate and inspire by shining a light on emerging and well-known artists. GoCA is committed to providing a platform for the Indigenous community to share their stories and culture, while providing a vital income stream to remote communities who might otherwise never see a tourist. Here you can view the intricate artwork upon which Sunrise Journeys is based, and there’s also a free tour of the gallery every day from 10:30am.
In fact there are plenty of free and fascinating activities and experiences hosted every day at your Ayers Rock Resort accommodation, including a camel and animal-patting farm; Bush Yarns, where you can listen to tales of Indigenous culture and see the tools and weapons that were used by the locals over thousands of years; a Didgeridoo Workshop; Guided Garden Walks and a Bush Food Experience, where you can discover proper bush tucker.
A journey to Uluru is far more than a destination, it’s a deep and moving encounter with the world’s oldest living culture, set against a landscape that stirs the soul. And while flying may be faster, travelling by road allows the spirit of the land to unfold gradually—each kilometre drawing you closer to the heart of Australia, where the red earth, ancient stories, and timeless beauty leave an imprint that lasts long after the journey ends.
