Spectacular scenery, immersive experiences and a culture unlike any other – here’s why Uluru should stop being on your bucket list and finally make it to your “to-do list”.
It was a phrase that was repeated many times by many Australians – including myself – on my recent trip to the Northern Territory to see Uluru: “It’s always been on my bucket list.”
There’s this idea in Australia that exploring our own country can wait until we explore the rest of the world (à la grey nomad-style).
But having witnessed only a portion of what the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has to offer, I can honestly say don’t wait – Uluru needs to be your next destination.
Accommodation
Ayers Rock Resort offers six different types of accommodation for visitors, from the luxurious Sails in the Desert to the Ayers Rock Campground.
For my recent trip I had the opportunity to stay at the Desert Gardens Hotel – the only rooms with views of Uluru in the resort.
Featuring two double beds and a large bathroom, the rooms are spacious enough to sleep up to four people – a great option for families.
With so much to do within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you’ll likely only spend time in your room to sleep – but after a jam-packed day full of exploring, being able to relax in a comfortable bed makes the once-in-a-lifetime experience even more memorable.
Let’s talk food
Whether you’re after a quick bite to eat or a premium dining experience, the resort features plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes to try out – so you won’t be short on options!
A definite highlight of my trip was the recently launched Australian Native High Tea.
The new afternoon culinary experience celebrates Indigenous flavours and invites guests to sit down to enjoy delights, both savoury and sweet.
The prosciutto anise myrtle fig and brie finger sandwich and lemon myrtle scones with whipped cream and quandong jam were a personal favourite. Plus, I’m still dreaming about the Uluru saltbush caramel Tim Tam.
Pair it with the one of the delicious teas from Blak Brews or a bellini for the ultimate high tea experience.
A nice reprieve from a busy schedule, the high tea gives you the chance to sit down, relax and reflect on everything you’ve seen so far.
A must do for those planning a trip to Australia’s Red Centre.
Experiences
Having arrived in the afternoon, day one of my short trip to Uluru culminated with the popular Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner – and what a way to end the day!
A world-first spectacular sound and light show combining ancient Anangu (the Traditional Owners of Uluru) storytelling with state-of-the-art drone and laser light technology, Wintjiri Wiru starts with a stroll down an elevated walkway through the desert where you’re greeted with cocktails and canapes (make sure to try the lemon myrtle crocodile curry pie) before taking in the spectacular Uluru.
This was my first time seeing the iconic Australian landmark and it took a while for it to actually sink in that I was here. Genuinely, the photos of Uluru don’t do it justice – you have to see it in person to realise just how grand and unique it is.
With the sun starting to set, I sit down with a gourmet dinner hamper, which features everything from prawns to emu, before the show begins.
Drones, lasers and projections light up the night sky in a modern re-telling of an ancient Mala story. It’s powerful and immersive – an experience I’ll never forget.
Day two starts nice and early in the national park as we watch the sun rise over Uluru, before heading out for a walk around the landmark itself to learn more about the beautiful culture and history of Uluru and Anangu. On our way out we swing by the Cultural Centre to check out the incredible art galleries on offer.
When night starts to fall, the Field of Light Dinner begins. Another popular experience, it includes a three-course bush tucker inspired buffet dinner in the middle of the desert.
Once dinner finishes the lights are all turned off and we’re plunged into darkness to hear a fascinating star talk. We learn about the different constellations and even see a few shooting stars, before wrapping up the night with a self-guided walk through the coloured lights of the 50,000 glass spheres as part of the Field of Light art installation.
My final experience before jetting out back to western Sydney on the third day was the new Sunrise Journeys.
The two-hour story-telling experience sees the desert landscape turn into a giant canvas for a modern Indigenous artwork.
Created by three local Anangu women, the artwork comes to life through laser projection, music and the natural environment, with Uluru as the backdrop.
The experience also featured a tasty breakfast of native flavours, including quandong chia and coconut pudding and paperbark smoked bacon and egg wrap with bush tomato relish.
When it comes down to it, this was my favourite experience.
Watching the light show transform the landscape into a kaleidoscope of colour and sound, while the sun slowly rises in the background and casts Uluru in a vibrant orange glow, was an extraordinary moment.
I’ve truly never seen anything else like it.
The final word
Forget Europe and Bali – when it comes to booking your next holiday, think of Uluru. You won’t regret it.
Ellie Busby
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other projects.