Uluru Offers Iconic Business Events Experiences

The Northern Territory delivers enriching business events across an array of inspiring destinations. One of these is Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the massive sandstone monolith Uluru and the majestic rock domes of Kata Tjuta, which tower over the surrounding red desert. Both sites are sacred to the Traditional Custodians, the Anangu people. Uluru is unlike anywhere else in the world – business events staged there are equally unique. The following new experiences, products and initiatives have recently been added to the region’s portfolio.

Indigenous hospitality trainees showcase their creative skills

Indigenous trainees and staff members at the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) at Uluru have designed an original artwork which now features on the new uniform range worn by trainees throughout Ayers Rock Resort at Uluru.

The artwork piece, titled Journey to Uluṟu, was created by five young Aṉangu trainees and staff members at the resort. The original painting was part of an installation at the Alice Springs Parrtjima Festival held in April, with the young artists also participating in a public Q & A session during the festival. This artwork reflects the artists’ deep connection to Country, cultural identity, their journeys and desert surroundings plus their shared experiences during training.

Since 2011, NITA has supported nearly 800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees through nationally recognised hospitality and tourism qualifications, combining paid, on-the-job training with classroom-style learning at Ayers Rock Resort at Uluṟu and also Mossman Gorge in Queensland. The program, operated by Voyages Tourism Australia, will celebrate its 15^th Anniversary later this year.

Uluru photography experience

Adding to its stargazing tour portfolio, Uluru Astro Tours has launched an Uluru Astro Photography Experience. This small-group, premium tour offers guided night access, logistical support and cultural interpretation enabling business events delegates to maximise their photography experience at Uluru, while also maintaining a strong focus on respectful cultural engagement.

Uluru Astro Tours is the only stargazing tour operator licensed to operate inside Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park at night, with uninterrupted views of Uluru beneath some of the world’s darkest skies free from artificial light, and in the clearest night-time viewing conditions. Tours combine astronomy with captivating storytelling, sharing celestial wonders and cultural insights beneath the stunning desert night sky.

New Aboriginal art experience at Uluru

Small group touring specialist, SEIT, a leader in sustainable Aboriginal tourism, is now delivering a new immersive SEIT Aboriginal Art Experience in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Participants learn about the desert landscapes and native wildlife, while gaining invaluable insights into Anangu culture. The small group experience includes a visit to Walkatjara Art, an Aboriginal-owned centre where Anangu artists share their stories through vibrant dot paintings. The artists explain the meaning behind the dots, lines and symbols which are a feature of their artworks – this is followed by a guided class in dot-painting. This experience offers a rare, hands-on connection to living culture and the spiritual heart of Australia.

Field of Light to continue to 2029 with new menu

With the iconic Uluru light installation, Field of Light, recently celebrating its 10^th anniversary and being extended through to the end of 2029, a new menu has also been unveiled for the Field of Light Dinner experience. Native ingredients for the menu are sourced from First Nations-owned suppliers such as Creative Native Foods and Cooee Native Ingredients Australia who honour more than 65,000 years of Indigenous food knowledge, whilst also making native Australian ingredients accessible for today’s kitchens.

The new Field of Light menu includes Smoked Kangaroo Blini with Bush Tomato Relish, Barramundi with Geraldton Wax Coconut Crust, Wattleseed Falafel with Rivermint Labneh and delicious desserts like Desert Lime Macadamia Cheesecake with Kakadu Plum Compote

Created by internationally renowned light artist, Bruce Munro, the Field of Light opened in April 2016 as a temporary exhibition and has since become one of Australia’s most iconic experiences, welcoming more than 750,000 visitors to Uluṟu since its inception. For business events groups, the Field of Light Dinner offers an approximate three-hour buffet experience whilst the shorter ‘Star Pass’ provides a cocktail function option.

What planners are saying about Uluru and the NT

“It’s important that we experience this nation, and we always want to stretch the boundaries and do something meaningful because our network deserves meaningful. It’s why we chose the heart of Australia as our destination.  It’s why we ensured the stories of the Aṉangu, traditional custodians of Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park, would be shared throughout a range of incredible and immersive experiences in the desert.”

David Mansfield
Managing Director at Ascott Australasia
 (in reference to the Quest Franchise Conference held at Uluru)

Visit www.ntbusinessevents.com.au for further information about Uluru and the Northern Territory.