Uluru (or Ayers Rock as it is still known by many) is Australia’s most famous icon and one of the world’s most recognisable natural wonders. Standing in the heart of Australia surrounded by miles of red desert, the iconic monument is at the heart of thousands of years of Aboriginal culture. The Angu people, the traditional owners of Uluru, would prefer that visitors don’t climb the rock out of respect for their culture. While you are here, why not visit Kings Canyon with its plunging sandstone chasm.
Sounds of Silence Dinner
An unforgettable evening that begins with sunset canapés and sparkling wine with Ayers Rock in front of you and the domes of Kata Tjuta behind you - add to that a spectacular sunset and an amazing 360 degree view of the surrounding landscapes. As the sun sets over Ayers Rock and the night lights up with a myriad of stars, your Uluru dinner experience continues with a barbecue buffet of Australian dishes including barramundi, kangaroo, emu, crocodile, bush salads and classic desserts, complemented by some of Australia’s finest wines. After your Sounds of Silence dinner, turn your attention to some of the world’s best stargazing with the resident astronomer who provides a star talk and explains the southern night sky. Wind down after dinner with your choice of tea, coffee or port. In winter on this Uluru tour, guests gather around the campfire to savour a special treat of hot mulled wine.
Departs: daily from Ayers Rock Resort
Kings Canyon and Outback Panoramas
Depart your Ayers Rock Resort hotel and drive through sandhill country towards Kings Canyon, stopping for breakfast at Kings Creek Station (breakfast included) along the way. Continue on to Watarrka National Park where you can make the rocky climb to the rim of Kings Canyon to be rewarded with marvellous views. The climb may take up to 3 hours and is for those with a good level of fitness. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the boulder-strewn Canyon floor, an easier walk. After lunch (not included) you will make your way back to Ayers Rock Resort or you may choose to continue to Alice Springs. Hotel pick up and drop off are included.
Departs: daily at 4 or 5am
Uluru Sacred Sights & Sunset
Travel around the base of Uluru as your Driver Guide provides commentary about the numerous sacred sites and features to be found here, then you are escorted to the beautiful Mutitjulu Waterhole. View Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the area as your Driver explains the Aboriginal and European history of Uluru. Visit the Uluru – Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, before heading to the Uluru sunset viewing area to witness the striking colour changes of Uluru at sunset whilst enjoying nibbles and a glass of wine.
Departs: daily at 3 – 3.30pm depending on sunset
Uluru Sunrise Trek
On this trek around the base trail of Uluru you will embrace the culture, geology and environment that are the essence of this amazing monolith. You will witness the sunrise, visit waterholes and rock art sites, learn the creation stories of Liru and Kuniya and their battle for control of Uluru and understand Uluru’s cultural significance to the Anangu people.
Uluru Base & Sunset with BBQ
As Uluru Sacred Sights tour above, then after sunset transfer to an exclusive barbecue site within the National Park where you will enjoy a buffet BBQ with a glass of wine, beer or orange juice. After dinner, tea, coffee and dessert will be served and your guide will conduct a tour of the night sky, (weather permitting) and tell Aboriginal stories.
Departs: daily at 3 – 3.30pm depending on sunset
Uluru Sunset
Travel to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and see Uluru rising from the sand dunes. Drive around its base to Mutitjulu Waterhole to hear Creation stories and see ancient rock art. At Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area enjoy uninterrupted views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta as the sun sets.
Departs: daily, time depends on sunset
Mount Conner Outback Experience
This is the quintessential Aussie Outback experience; a fascinating tour introduces you to life in the desert. Absorb the ambiance of the Red Centre without the crowds as you venture into an extraordinary environment by 4WD. 100 km east of Uluru, Mt Conner is situated on a vast, fully operational, privately owned cattle station, called Curtin Springs Station. While the dams on the property were constructed for watering cattle, here you will find the perfect natural habitat for red kangaroos and a vast array of birds and reptiles of the Red Centre. You will discover an ancient inland salt lake and learn about the European history of the region. While you enjoy a glass of sparkling wine, you will
be captivated by the spectacular changing colours of sunset over Mt Conner before returning to relish a three-course outback dinner prepared by the cook at Curtin Springs Station.
Departs: daily from Ayers Rock Resort, time varies with sunset
Evening Field of Light Star Pass
Your Field of Light experience begins with a hotel pick-up and short transfer to a remote desert location, with majestic views of Uluru from an exclusive elevated viewing area. Your knowledgeable host will provide insights and background to the artist and light installation that awaits you. As the last rays of sun hit Uluru, splashing the rock’s façade with colour, and darkness gradually falls, the 50,000 glass spheres gently sparkle to life. Covered under a sky brilliant with stars, Field of Light beckons you to explore and lose yourself momentarily in the rhythms of coloured light. Take in the vast scale of the installation one last time from the raised viewing area as you savour sparkling wine and canapés before your transfer back to the hotel.
Departs: daily 30 minutes before sunset
Morning Field of Light Sunrise
The Field of Light Sunrise experience begins with a hotel pick-up and short transfer to the exclusive desert location with majestic views of Uluru. Your driver/guide will provide commentary on the artist and installation en route. In the quiet of the predawn land, covered under a blanket of stars immerse yourself in the Field of Light. Its paths, glistening softly with rhythms of coloured light, beckoning you to explore. Just before the sun breaches the horizon and floods the land with warm yellow light, you’re welcomed at a raised viewing area for tea/coffee/hot-chocolate.
Departs: daily 1¾ hours before sunrise