What to see at Uluru
Ancient story-telling and hi-tech wizardry will soar above the desert for the latest tourism initiative in the Red Centre.
A 1000-drone light show sparkling against the backdrop of Uluru will launch in May, the latest attraction designed to draw tourists to the spiritual heart of Australia.
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, which runs Ayers Rock Resort, today announced the spectacle, a unique marriage of ancient story-telling and state-of-the-art technology.
Wintjiri Wiru – which means “beautiful view out to the horizon” in the local Ananagu language – will bring to life part of the Mala story. It tells of the Mala people, who are set upon by a devil-dog called Kurpany as they enact ceremonies in the area.
Offered in either a one or three-hour format, Wintjiri Wiru is set to become the world’s largest ongoing drone show.
Chief executive Matthew Cameron-Smith said Voyages had collaborated closely with the Anangu, the custodians of this chapter of the story, to ensure its accurate and sensitive adaptation.
“We are honoured that we can share the cultural importance of the Mala story with our guests through such an illuminating and captivating experience in the spiritual heart of Australia,” he said.
“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.”
Up to 130 guests will watch the show from a striking new platform, built from sustainable materials on a desert dune and decorated with the illuminated artwork of Indigenous woman Christine Brumby.
Guests of the three-hour experience, which costs $385 a person, will be served sunset cocktails and canapes before enjoying the show while sipping Australian wine and snacking from a dinner hamper showcasing native ingredients. The second performance goes for an hour, with tickets at $195 a person, including light refreshments.
Both will be accompanied by a soundtrack of traditional inma (music) recorded with the Anangu community, plus narration in English, Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara languages.
Wintjiri Wiru was designed and produced by Melbourne-based studio RAMUS, which has put its stamp on multiple Melbourne buildings plus the light and water feature at the entrance to The Star Sydney, among other projects.
The show complements other Uluru attractions, such as Bruce Munro’s Field of Light installation, which has been made a permanent fixture in the desert.
Wintjiri Wiru premieres on May 11, after which it will be displayed twice a night except in January and February, when there will be one show a night.