Ayers Rock Resort celebrates 40th with native high tea and sunrise journeys in Uluru

A native high tea and a sunrise art show are how this Red Centre resort plans to celebrate its 40th birthday. Read on to find out how you can celebrate with them.

Sunrise Journeys artwork hanging at GoCA together with the three artists: L-R: Selina Kulitja (Maruku Arts), Valerie Brumby (Walkatjara Art and Denise Brady (Kaltukatjara Art)

An animated Indigenous art experience and an Australian native high tea is how one Red Centre resort plans to celebrate its 40th birthday.

Ayers Rock Resort is launching Sunrise Journeys to mark the occasion and they’ve gotten some prolific talent on board to help them with their celebrations.

Sunrise Journeys is collaboration between Anangu musician and composer Jeremy Whiskey and three Anangu artists Selina Kulitja (Maruku Arts), Denise Brady (Kaltukatjara Art) and Valerie Brumby (Walkatjara Art).

Mandylights — whose recent work includes city lighting for Vivid Sydney and Chayong International Light Festival in Beijing – is also providing their visual expertise for the experience.

With tickets for the show starting at $125 for adults and $75 for children, attendees will be seated on a “sustainably constructed, floating platform overlooking Uluru and Kata Tjuta” as well as the artwork – titled Ngura Nganampa Wiru Mulapa – Meaning “our Country is truly beautiful” in Pitjantjatjara, according to the resort.

Dawn at Uluru from the platform where Sunrise Journeys is enjoyed

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia chief executive Matt Cameron-Smith said he was deeply grateful for the partnership with the artists.

“Long before travelling with purpose was a trend, we’ve been focused on our purpose to promote responsible tourism,” he said.

“As we mark 40 years of delivering exceptional hospitality and innovative experiences, we’re thrilled to announce that we’re expanding our offering with two new cultural and Indigenous-inspired experiences at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru.

“We’re deeply grateful for our partnership with these exceptional Anangu artists – Selina Kulitja, Denise Brady, Valerie Brumby and Jeremy Whiskey – and their trust in Voyages and Mandylights to help bring their vision to life through Sunrise Journeys.”

Australian Native High Tea served daily at Sails in the Desert, Ayers Rock Resort

Sunrise Journey’s kicks off August 1 and will run for 2.5 hours. Tickets prices include return coach transfers, breakfast and hot drinks.

Attendees who are still hungry can then stick around for the Australian High Tea in the afternoon, which the resort said uses “native ingredients sourced from Central Australia and around the country.”

“Each afternoon, guests will have the opportunity to sample a selection of handmade sweet petits fours and savoury light bites together with fine tea, coffee and Australian sparkling wine, showcasing the unique culinary heritage of Australia,” the resort said.