Discover Local Outdoor Pursuits and Adventures at Uluru: Embrace Local Exploration

When you venture into the Spiritual Heart of Australia, you’re also heading to the heart of the Australian Outback. From self-guided exploration of iconic Uluṟu to one-of-a-kind, immersive activities like Wintjiri Wir̲u, there’s no shortage of bucket list experiences to be had in the Red Centre. Here is our list of the top outdoor pursuits and adventures to add to your Uluṟu itinerary.

Wintjiri Wir̲u is an award-winning cultural storytelling experience that brings to life a chapter of a sacred ancestral Indigenous story through choreographed drones, lasers, and projections illuminating the desert night sky above Uluru. This experience was created in collaboration with senior An̲angu (the Traditional Owners of the region) from Kal̲t̲ukatjara to Mut̲itjulu and is the world’s largest ongoing drone display.

You can choose from one of three experiences to witness the Mala story come to life. The Wintjiri Wir̲u Sunset Dinner offers a chance to delight in Indigenous gin cocktails and canapes as the sun sets over Uluru and Kata Tjut̲a. This is followed by a gourmet dinner hamper celebrating Australian ingredients and paired with premium Penfolds wine to enjoy while you sit back and enjoy the show. You can also select the Wintjiri Wir̲u Twilight or Wintjiri Wir̲u After Dark experiences, both of which provide an opportunity to enjoy a lighter hamper featuring three types of Australian cheese, crackers, fresh grapes, chutney, dip, and a slice infused with native flavours.

Embark on an unforgettable aerial adventure with a helicopter tour, offering an unparalleled perspective of Australia's most iconic landmarks. Prepare to be mesmerised as you witness the majestic Uluṟu and Kata Tjut̲a, adorned with the breathtaking hues of sunset. Flying alongside these iconic landmarks, you'll gain a newfound appreciation for their immense scale and significance. Or choose a longer tour and bear witness the other-worldly landscape that is Lake Amadeus. The thrill of this experience will linger in your memory long after your holiday comes to an end.

One can’t-miss sunrise activity in Uluṟu is the Sunrise Field of Light experience. As the pre-dawn tranquillity blankets the desert, lose yourself in the mesmerising beauty of the Field of Light. Aglow with a gentle symphony of colours, its pathways invite you to wander and discover. Before the first rays of sunlight grace the horizon, you'll be greeted at an elevated sunrise viewing dune where you can indulge in a comforting cup of tea, coffee, or hot chocolate.

If you’re looking for a unique way to experience sunrise in the Red Centre, consider a Sunrise & Segway Tour. Your morning will start with a light breakfast as you watch dawn break over the Spiritual Heart of Australia. Then, you’ll enjoy a guided walk to the Mut̲itjulu Waterhole before your 12-kilometre Segway cruise around the base of Uluṟu as your guide leads the way.

Witness the awe-inspiring transformation of colours as the desert comes alive under a canopy of stars at Desert Awakenings. Guided by an expert, this experience offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wonders of the Outback.

As the first light of dawn breaks, watch the distant domes of Kata Tjut̲a emerge on the horizon as you indulge in a traditional Aussie breakfast served in the open air, featuring hearty bacon and egg rolls, steaming cups of tea and coffee, and a homemade damper drizzled with syrup.

While you savour your early morning snack, your guide will unravel the secrets of the desert, revealing the intricate natural history of the area and decoding the myriad animal tracks scattered across the sands, offering insights into the nocturnal activities that transpired under the cover of darkness. With the sun casting its golden glow upon the landscape, you’ll set out on a guided tour at the base of Uluṟu.

Embark on a captivating journey into traditional An̲angu culture with an exclusive 1.5-hour Maruku Arts Dot Painting experience. Delve into the rich tapestry of An̲angu ways of life as you immerse yourself in the world of Tjukurpa — the sacred creation stories. Discover the profound meanings behind the traditional symbols intricately woven into An̲angu culture as you engage in the art of dot painting. As you craft your own narrative on canvas, you’ll deepen your appreciation for the enduring legacy of traditional An̲angu culture.

Enjoy an invigorating morning adventure with a bicycle ride around the base of Uluṟu. This self-guided journey spans 15 kilometres, allowing ample time to soak in the sights within a leisurely three-hour window. This experience is designed for the whole family to relish the natural beauty of the Red Centre. After completing your scenic, flat and easy ride, the exploration continues at the Uluṟu-Kata Tjut̲a Cultural Centre, where you're invited to deepen your understanding of this iconic landmark's rich heritage and significance.

Dining in the Spiritual Heart of Australia with the breathtaking natural beauty of Uluṟu-Kata Tjut̲a National Park as your backdrop is an experience you’ll never forget. There are many opportunities at Ayers Rock Resort to experience the magic of dining al fresco in the desert.

Award-winning dining experience Tali Wiru, meaning 'beautiful dune' in the local Anangu language, sets the stage for an unforgettable gastronomic adventure under the Southern Desert sky. Prepare to be enchanted by this culinary journey unlike any other.

You’ll indulge in a four-course dinner carefully crafted to showcase the finest native ingredients, each course a testament to culinary artistry and respect for tradition. From delicate yellowtail kingfish adorned with yuzu pearls and desert lime to Japanese scallops paired with duck foie gras espuma and indigenous herbs, every bite is a symphony of flavours and textures. Each dish is thoughtfully paired with premium Australian wines, ensuring every sip enhances the culinary journey.

Experience an unforgettable evening that seamlessly blends culinary delights with artistic wonder under the vast expanse of the outback sky at A Night at Field of Light. This one-of-a-kind dining experience marries the renowned Sounds of Silence dinner with the mesmerising Field of Light art installation.

While the sun sets behind Uluṟu, you'll be treated to breathtaking views and a symphony of colours that herald the beginning of your evening. Savour the magic of the moment as you're serenaded by the melodies of the didgeridoo while indulging in gourmet canapés and chilled sparkling wine.

As darkness descends and the Field of Light comes to life, you’ll delight in a tantalising three-course buffet menu showcasing the best of Australian cuisine, paired with a premium selection of wines and beers. Our resident star talker will guide you through the celestial wonders above, offering insights into the southern night sky.

Before you venture into the Field of Light, your host will introduce you to this captivating art installation, inviting you to explore its illuminated pathways and immerse yourself in the play of coloured light that dances around you, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that will leave you in awe.

No matter the type of outdoor adventure you’re after on your Red Centre getaway, you’ll find the perfect activities for your itinerary in Uluṟu. Book your stay and start planning your visit to the Spiritual Heart of Australia.