$16m Wintjiri Wiru drone show opens at Ayers Rock Resort

A $16m light show touted as the largest ongoing drone show in the world has officially opened at Ayers Rock Resort. Here’s your first look at the exhibition.

A $16m light and sound show hoped to attract tourists from around the world has officially opened at Ayers Rock Resort.

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia chief executive officer Matthew Cameron-Smith said the 1000 drone show was the largest ongoing drone show in the world and the most expensive single investment in Indigenous tourism for the sector.

Produced by architectural lighting company RAMUS over three years, the Wintjiri Wiru show details the Mala story from Kaltukatjara to Uluru using light installations, projections, lasers, drone technology and an authentic soundtrack.

It has been created with extensive collaboration from the local Anangu community, with Wintjiri Wiru named to suggest a beautiful view on the horizon in the local Anangu language.

Wintjiri Wiru opened at Ayers Rock Resort on Tuesday night. Credit: Anangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS.

Tourism and Hospitality Minister Nicole Manison said the exhibition would be a major drawcard for tourists from around Australia and the world.

“I’m delighted the opening night of Wintjiri Wiru was a great success, and I send my warmest congratulations to Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia,” she said.

“This incredible drone show is the first of its kind and has been in the making for some time, with comprehensive consultation with the local Anangu community.”

The show will run twice a night from now until December, with one show a night on display in January and February 2024.

Visitors can also experience the light show through a three-hour Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner, which included welcome cocktails and canapes and a gourmet dinner celebrating native Australian ingredients.

The show runs alongside the renowned Bruce Munro Field of Light exhibition, which is still on display at Uluru.

The light show involves more than 1000 drones. Credit: Anangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS.

The exhibition has been touted as the largest ongoing drone show in the world. Credit: Anangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS

Crowds wait for the opening of the Wintjiri Wiru exhibition. Credit: Anangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS.

The light show cost more than $16m and took more than three years to develop. Credit: Supplied.