Uluru drone show launches in the Red Centre

More than 1000 drones have taken flight in the most significant tourism event at Uluru since climbing the rock was banned in 2019.

Drones light up the sky at the premiere of Wintjiri Wiru.

The star-studded sky at Uluru was aglow on Wednesday as more than 1000 drones took flight in the most significant tourism initiative at the national landmark since climbing the rock was banned in 2019.

The $10m-plus show combines state-of-the-art drone and laser light technology with the storytelling of the Anangu traditional landowners, and is said to be the first of its scale in the world.

Wintjiri Wiru, which means “beautiful view out to the horizon” in Pitjantjatjara, relates part of the Mala creation story, including ancestral lessons about the land and people.

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, which runs Ayers Rock Resort, and a Melbourne light studio devised the spectacle in close collaboration with the Anangu community to ensure a culturally sensitive and accurate depiction of the tale.

“As custodians of the land and this part of the Mala story, the Anangu consultation group has carefully guided us on the Wintjiri Wiru experience, from conception to launch, to generously share their story with the world,” said Voyages CEO Matthew Cameron-Smith.

The mammoth production was designed by Australian media architecture studio RAMUS and features projections, lasers, choreography and narration in Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara, including special recordings of ceremonies, or inma.

A devil-dog called Kurpany features in the Anangu’s Mala story.

Elders of the Anangu clan were present during Wednesday’s display, and as the sun set, the sky milky behind the monolith, the sound of elders singing resonated across the land.

The drones took to the air in waves of colour and light to illustrate pivotal moments from the Mala story, accompanied by narration in two native languages and English.

In Anangu tradition, the tale explains some of the markings on the surface of Uluru, and features Indigenous ceremony, spurned invitations, a devil-dog called Kurpany and warnings of danger falling on deaf ears.

Wintjiri Wiru is performed at a purpose-built open-air theatre about 20km from Uluru, outside the national park boundaries but with magnificent views of the rock and Kata Tjuta. At its premiere, the entire audience was enthralled, bursting into applause as it drew to a close.

The work of Anangu artist Christine Brumby features as part of the architecture and surrounding seating.

Wintjiri Wiru will run every night until mid December. Guests have the option of combining the show with a sunset dinner, a three-hour experience with a $385 price tag that includes cocktails and canapes and dishes celebrating native ingredients.

Otherwise, spectators join a two-hour tour to see the performance at a cost of $190 an adult; children $95.

Anangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS.