Exploring Uluru and the Red Centre
The red ochre vistas of Uluru and Kata Tjuta in Australia's Northern Territory are an ever-changing colour palette that will form a backdrop to days filled with sunrise tours, Aboriginal culture activities and star-lit dinners. Discover Australia's 'Red Centre' on this three-day program that includes walking tours with local Aboriginal guides.
What to know
- Three-day program
- Red Centre highlights, including Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Cave Hill
- Ayers Rock Airport is a 10-minute drive from Ayers Rock Resort
Day 1: Welcome to the Red Centre
Sails in the Desert Hotel, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Adam Bruzzone
Morning
Land at Ayers Rock Airport for your outback adventure at Uluru in the Red Centre. Check in to Ayers Rock Resort, home to five individual hotels with more than 700 rooms. Accommodation options include luxury tents at Longitude 131° and five-star suites at Sails in the Desert. For a traditional introduction to the Red Centre, treat your guests to the Inma Welcome to Country, a 30-minute performance of dance and music by the local Anangu people.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at Ilkari Restaurant at Sails in the Desert, which showcases seafood, grilled meats and Indigenous ingredients. Then, it’s time for a thrilling ride to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) on the back of a Harley-Davidson with Uluru Motorcycle Tours. Take in these majestic rock formations from the Walpa Gorge viewing area, celebrating with sparkling wine as the sun sets.
Evening
For your welcome dinner, book an exclusive experience dining under the stars at Tali Wiru, which means ‘beautiful dune’ in the local Anangu language. This open-air restaurant serves intimate meals for 20 people, beginning with sparkling wine and canapés around the fire pit, followed by a four-course dinner and Indigenous performances and storytelling.
Day 2: Visit Uluru and the Field of Light
Field of Light by Bruce Munro, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory © Mark Pickthall
Morning
Take a private sunrise and base tour of Uluru, recharging with a light breakfast as you watch the sun climb behind this 600-million-year-old monolith. Join a guided walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, past rock art and sacred sites, then visit the Cultural Centre to learn about local Aboriginal customs and buy original artworks.
Afternoon
Return to Ayers Rock Resort for a lunch in the Pira Pool Bar or Gecko’s Café, followed by a dot painting workshop near the Town Square lawn. Once local Indigenous artists have taught you the story behind the sacred symbols of the Dreamtime, create your own work on canvas to take home. As the sun sets, take a helicopter flight over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. A multilingual commentary is available via iPods.
Evening
Enjoy dinner surrounded by 50,000 illuminated glass spheres at the Field of Light, Bruce Munro’s dazzling light installation in the heart of the desert. The evening includes sparkling wine and canapés on arrival, a bush tucker buffet dinner, didgeridoo performances and Aboriginal dances.
Day 3: Indigenous experiences and a camel ride
Outdoor dining at the Camel Farm, Uluru Camel Tours © Tourism Australia
Morning
Devote your final day to SEIT Outback Australia’s Cave Hill Day Tour. This eight-hour round trip in a four-wheel drive includes a hike to the top of Cave Hill. If you prefer something closer to base, book SEIT’s Bush Tucker and Reptiles tour. Up to 150 people can join this one-to three-hour tour led by a local Aboriginal guide and interpreter. Once you’ve tasted bush tucker and encountered desert reptiles, return to Ayers Rock Resort for lunch in the Mangata Bistro & Bar.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon at Ayers Rock Resort enjoying a range of Indigenous activities. Hands-on experiences include a Punu woodcarving workshop, a lesson in bush medicine and a demonstration of traditional activities, including spear throwing.
Evening
Begin your final night in the Red Centre with a Sunset Camel Experience with Uluru Camel Tours. After your ride, enjoy a relaxed outback dinner at the camel farm in Yulara, the largest farm of its type in Australia. If you time your visit to coincide with the Uluru Camel Cup in May, you’ll be treated to the unique spectacle of the Northern Territory’s famed camel races, Fashions in the Field competition and gala ball.
