The summer heat in Uluru may feel intense, but the Red Centre gives you plenty of ways to stay cool and comfortable while enjoying some of the season’s best deals. From sunrise to well after dusk, a wide range of experiences lets you enjoy the very best of Uluru without the desert heat holding you back.

If you’re visiting Uluru in summer, early mornings and evenings are the best time to explore, with midday reserved for resting, cooling off and slow, shaded experiences at Ayers Rock Resort.

To make the most of your getaway, rise before sunrise to enjoy the cool morning air and watch the golden hour as the sun gradually lights up the landscape. A variety of experiences are available to help you make the most of your time in the outback.

 

To truly experience Uluru, wake early and join Sunrise Journeys. Begin your day by watching the golden glow of the rising sun gradually illuminate Uluru. More than a sunrise, it is a full sensory experience. With Uluru as your backdrop, you will see a stunning artwork that combines sound, lasers and light projections. Created by three local Aṉangu women, the experience is designed as an intimate moment of coming together, inviting visitors to reflect on the past, present and future, and on our shared connection to this Country.

 

Begin your day pre-dawn beneath a sky full of stars with the Desert Awakenings experience. Through this experience, you can appreciate the landscape and see the colours shift across Uluru and Kata Tju. Fuel up on a traditional Aussie breakfast, then follow your guide as they explain the natural history of the region. As daylight grows, you’ll see a maze of animal tracks in the sand and gain insight into the nighttime activity that unfolded. Stretch your legs on a guided tour around Uluru's base, discovering the Tjukuritja that tell the Mala Tjukurpa creation story.

 

Insider Tip: For a deeper understanding of the creation story, take part in Wintjiri Wiru, an Aṉangu-led cultural storytelling experience brought to life in the outback sky using drones, laser, light and sound.

 

After a morning of exploring, take time to rest and stay cool during the daytime heat. Relax in the shade at your Ayers Rock Resort property or enjoy a refreshing dip in the pool. To ensure a pleasant experience, hotel pools are reserved exclusively for the use of that hotel’s guests.

Unwind and enjoy a delicious meal, whether you prefer quick bites or a leisurely four-course dining experience. Savour local cuisine expertly paired with Australian wines and native ingredients. Ayers Rock Resort offers dining options to suit every taste and schedule. 

Immerse yourself in authentic Indigenous art at the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA), where rotating exhibitions share the stories and culture of the Indigenous community, inviting visitors to experience one of the world's oldest and most vibrant living cultures. Collaborating with art centres, independent artists, and galleries across the region, GoCA showcases the work of emerging Indigenous artists.

 

As the sun sets and the heat dissipates, the adventures continue with memorable experiences that bring the desert to life in a completely different light. When it comes to dining at this time, there are plenty of options that allow you to savour the stunning landscape while enjoying dishes inspired by native ingredients and seasonal produce.

Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner

The Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner starts with a stroll from Ayers Rock Resort to a dune-top theatre. There, enjoy a gourmet dinner featuring native ingredients and premium wines. Afterwards, watch a captivating show of drones, lasers, and projections that shares an ancient Aṉangu story, narrated with traditional music.

Field of Light Uluru Dinner

Enjoy canapés and sparkling wine at sunset, followed by a bush-flavoured buffet and stargazing. As darkness falls over the desert, 50,000 glass spheres illuminate The Field of Light, and our resident star talker reveals the secrets of the southern night sky.

The Field of Light Star Pass

The Field of Light Star Pass is a relaxed evening that combines canapés and drinks with unhurried time to wander through Bruce Munro’s illuminated artwork. When the desert turns to night, you’ll spend around 45 minutes walking among 50,000 glass spheres that illuminate the desert floor, tasting four outback-inspired canapés paired with Australian beverages along the way.

Sounds of Silence at Ayers Rock Resort

Sounds of Silence, inducted into the Australian Tourism Hall of Fame, is a four-hour dining experience under the outback stars, combining a bush-tucker-inspired menu, didgeridoo performance and guided stargazing. As the sun sets over the landscape, lie back under the clear desert sky and take in the planets and galaxies above.

Take advantage of the clear southern night sky and embark on an engaging stargazing tour with the Outback Sky Journeys. Discover ancient Indigenous stories connected to the stars and explore the vast desert landscape through telescopes, spotting planets, constellations and deep-sky objects rarely visible in city skies.

The Red Centre is warm and sunny, so it’s important to always be prepared. Here are a few tips to stay safe in the sun.

• Stay hydrated at all times by carrying a reusable water bottle and drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
• When packing for the desert, choose lightweight, breathable clothing in light colours to reflect the sun’s heat.
• Add a wide-brimmed hat for shade and UV protection, and wear sunglasses to enjoy the landscape safely and comfortably.
• Apply broad-spectrum SPF sunscreen all over your body, as the sun’s rays are intense even through clothing. Reapply throughout the day to stay protected and comfortable.
• Listen to your body and know the signs of heat stress. Take note if you are feeling dizzy, nauseous or fatigued. If you are, move to a cool area, hydrate and rest.