Ayers Rock Resort launches two new cultural experiences, a native high tea and Indigenous laser show

Indigenous-owned business enterprise Ayers Rock Resort is set to debut two new cultural experiences, a bush tucker high tea and a sunrise laser show bringing to life an artwork by three Anangu artists.

Ayers Rock Resort has launched a new cultural experience known as Sunrise Journeys. Picture: Matt Lambley

Indigenous-owned business enterprise Ayers Rock Resort has debuted two new cultural experiences, one a feast for the body, the other a feast for the eyes.

Starting on Thursday, the resort, operated by Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, will operate Sunrise Journeys, an immersive Indigenous laser, light and sound show that celebrates connection to Country, and an Australian Native High Tea.

Sunrise Journeys is an early morning sensory experience that transforms the desert landscape into a giant canvas the size of three football fields (200m by 300m), as a modern Indigenous artwork is interpreted into a kaleidoscope of colour and sound using state-of-the-art animation technology.

The artwork is a creation of three Anangu (the traditional owners of Uluru) artists, Selina Kulitja, Denise Brady and Valerie Brumby, titled Ngura Nganampa Wiru Mulapa, which translates from Pitjantjatjara to English as “our Country is truly beautiful”.

Ngura Nganampa Wiru Mulapa at the Gallery of Central Australia alongside artists Selina Kulitja (Maruku Arts), Valerie Brumby (Walkatjara Art) and Denise Brady (Kaltukatjara Art). Picture: Supplied

Brady said the trio’s efforts were inspired by their love of country.

“Our hearts burn with passion to share our Country and knowledge with the world,” she said. “We have created Sunrise Journeys to invite people into our culture and share our way of life.”

Voyages CEO Matt Cameron-Smith said Sunrise Journeys “elevates our commitment to authentic, meaningful and responsible cultural tourism”.

“For thousands of years, art has played such an important part in telling Aṉangu stories and keeping culture strong,” he said.

“Artwork painted in this region now hangs in galleries all over the world, so we’re thrilled to be able to showcase this piece in such a unique way – here, in its desert home.”

Sunrise Journeys is accompanied by a musical score by Anangu musician Jeremy Whiskey.

Also launching on Thursday is the Australian Native High Tea, a one-and-a-half hour experience featuring snacks such as lemon myrtle barramundi tarts, Yulara saltbush Tim Tams and wild rosella flower mousse.

New Ayers Rock Resort cultural experience, Australian Native High Tea. Picture: Supplied

Hot beverages will be provided by Blak Brews, the $250,000 winner of recent reality show Gordon Ramsay’s Food Stars.

Blak Brews, founded by Geelong businessman Troy Benjamin, has a strong Northern Territory connection in that his wife Cerisa, who owns and operates the business alongside her husband, was born and raised in Katherine until the age of 15.

Mr Benjamin told this masthead he felt a deep connection to the resort as they were one of the “first stockists to reach out,” and they had a history of “championing and prioritising” Indigenous businesses.

The founder said his business, which produced teas flavoured with native Australian ingredients, had been turbocharged since its appearance on the Channel 9 program.

“What has been great is that a lot of corporate, long-term relationships have come to us – airlines, hotel groups, banks – to ask how we can come together,” Mr Benjamin said.

“For most people who haven’t been on the show, you would have to knock on their door to get a meeting.”

Mr Benjamin said that in time, he hoped his brand would become as iconic as Vegemite or Hills hoist.

Originally published as Ayers Rock Resort launches two new cultural experiences, a native high tea and Indigenous laser show