Uluru (Ayers Rock) Sunrise Tours

As you travel towards Uluru it's vast shape rises from the sand dunes in the early dawn light highlighting the presence in this country. Your guide will take you to a special location to watch the sun rise over this amazing monolith. You will learn the Creation stories of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python) and hear about the Mala people.

After breakfast you will visit Mutijulu Waterhole and then drive around the base of Uluru before returning to the resort.

You will join your guide on a trek around the base of Uluru as you explore the most profound and culturally significant monolith in Australia. Your guide will meet you at the entrance to your accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort.

As you start your sunrise trek around the 14 kilometre base trail of Uluru you will embrace the culture, geology and environment that is the essence of this amazing monolith.Your guide will tell the cultural stories (Tjukurpa) of Liru (poisonous snake) and Kuniya (python), well as many other Aboriginal creation stories associated with this central Australian icon.

Along the trail you will witness sunrise, visit waterholes and the rock art sites of the ancients and learn of Uluru's cultural significance to the Anangu (local Aboriginal) people. Take time to enjoy your picnic breakfast as you listen to the variety of desert noises and absorb the majesty of this powerful place.

On completion of your journey your guide will then return to your accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort.

Experience the tranquility of the pre-dawn land under a canopy of stars. Then watch the amazing transformation of colours and life as the desert awakens with Uluru and Kata Tjuta as your backdrop.

Travel away from the crowds to a secluded sand dune to watch the spectacular sight of sunrise over Uluru and Kata Tjuta. In the company of your expert guide and with no more than 20 other passengers, Desert Awakenings is designed to introduce you to the natural and cultural landscapes of this remarkable region.

Sunrise and bushman's breakfast

You arrive at your private dune top viewing area well before the sun breaches the horizon. As your traditional bushman's breakfast is being prepared over the fire, your guide will explain the retreating star scape above. Enjoy a cup of Billy Tea and Damper as you watch the sunrise over Uluru and the vast landscape stretching as far as the eye can see. After breakfast your guide will explain the natural history of the region, and as the daylight reveals the myriad of animal tracks in the sand an insight into what activity took place during the night.

Cultural Centre and Uluru

Next depart for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and the first stop is the Cultural Centre, a vibrant and engaging place of learning where the local lore of the Anangu (Aboriginal people) is explained in detail. Next stop is Uluru (Ayers Rock) where you can take a short walk into Mutitjulu waterhole. A visit here will help appreciate its cathedral like proportions and why it is such a powerful and spiritual place for visitors and Anangu alike. A guide will explain some of the rock paintings and some of the stories from the creation period as told by the Anangu people.

Desert Awakenings is a much sought after experience that delivers insight into the ancient landscape, ecology, culture, heritage, and history of what is now regarded as Australia's spiritual heartland.

Please note that children ages 5-15 years are welcome and child rates apply, however this tour is not suitable for children under 5.

This morning you will be picked up at your accommodation in a luxury coach. You’ll travel the short distance to the exclusive Field of Light location.

British artist Bruce Munro is best known for immersive large-scale mixed-media installations based on his interest in the medium of light. With just enough time for some background commentary on the internationally renowned artist, you will arrive very excited to see his latest artistic endeavour.

Arriving in complete darkness, you will be able to enjoy the 50,000 spheres of light in the desert, before making your way up the hill to the Field of Light sunrise viewing area. Once at the viewing area, you will be served you tea, coffee or hot chocolate. You can enjoy your beverage as the sun starts to creep light throughout the sky and then watch in awe as it pops up in the distance behind Uluru, flooding the landscape, including Kata Tjuta behind you, with light.

As the natural light brightens the landscape, the Field of Light will dim for the day. Enjoy some amazing photos from this unique raised location that allows you to view both Kata Tjuta and Uluru in all their natural glory.

You will rise early and travel to the sacred site of Kuniya Piti. You’ll be captivated as your guide shares the Tjukurpa (beliefs and law of the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu) story of the Mala Men

Next you’ll continue around the base of Uluru to the Mala Walk. Here you’ll see some of the sacred sites where Aboriginal communities live and prepare for ceremony. Some believe that as you walk through this area, you’ll be surrounded by the spirit of the Mala Tjukurpa – the hare-wallaby people.

The vision of a powerful waterfall in a desert setting is really something to see, particularly after rain when the water flows from the side of Uluru and plunges into Kantju Gorge. After a short rest break, continue along the Lungkata Walk, where your guide will tell you the Tjukurpa story of the cheeky Blue Tongue Lizard!

The Mutitjulu Waterhole was once a valuable source of water for the Anangu. Here you’ll see ancient Aboriginal rock paintings and learn about the Indigenous and European history of Uluru. Complete your walk at Kuniya Piti, where you’ll board your coach back to town and receive a certificate of your achievement – walking the base of Uluru!

Rise early this morning to travel to the Uluru sunrise viewing area. Watch the first rays of the sun set the Red Centre alight while enjoying a warming cup of tea or coffee.

Then you travel to the mystical 36 domes of Kata Tjuta.
On the way, stop at a lookout for a panoramic view of the southern side of Kata Tjuta.
Continue on before arriving at the base of Walpa (meaning windy) Gorge.
Spend some time exploring the gorge and the unusual conglomerate rock formations.

Your guide will take you on the 1hour walking trail through Walpa Gorge which follows the natural creek between two of the tallest domes of Kata Tjuta. You will hear stories of the local flora and fauna and the geology of this amazing formation.