The Northern Territory is now home to a new Red Centre Light Trail, cementing the region as one of the most unique multi-sensory travel destinations in the world.
Travellers can expect enlightening and expansive experiences that showcase sacred Aboriginal cultures, awe-inspiring landscapes, natural wonders and ancient stories in spectacular colour and light.
The Red Centre Light Trail is an epic six-day road trip adventure from Uluru to Alice Springs via Kings Canyon (or vice-versa). Along the journey, travellers can take in the Red Centre’s newest and most iconic outdoor light and sound experiences – from groundbreaking immersive story telling amongst starry skies, to sprawling desert light installations, and epic experiences showcasing the Red Centre’s stunning sunrises and sunsets.
Among existing experiences, the Trail features two new, highly anticipated attractions, including Wintjiri Wiru, a cutting-edge, sound, drone and light show that launched this week in the spiritual heart of Australia, Uluru, and Light-Towers a newly launched light and sound installation at Kings Canyon, created by internationally acclaimed artist Bruce Munro.
Both experiences are only a few hours’ drive apart, and the perfect way for travellers to experience the iconic Red Centre in both new and reimagined ways.
Existing trail highlights include Bruce Munro’s iconic Field of Light installation at Uluru; Alice Springs’ Parrtjima – A Festival in Light, the only authentic Aboriginal light festival of its kind which runs annually in April; and breathtaking sunrise, sunset and stargazing experiences across the Red Centre.
Bolstered by the new Red Centre Light Trail, the heart of Australia promises an unforgettable five-star feast for the senses, from sunrise through to sunset, and after dark.
From striking desert landscapes to awe-inspiring landmarks, immersive Aboriginal cultural experiences, magnificent skyscapes and, now, unrivalled light and sound shows, the Red Centre is a must-do destination for travellers seeking a holiday that’s different in every sense.
RED CENTRE LIGHT TRAIL HIGHLIGHTS
Wintjiri Wiru
Voyage Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru
Launching this week and set against the breathtaking backdrop of Uluru, Wintjiri Wiru is a fully immersive light and sound show combining ancient Anangu storytelling with state-of-the-art drone and light technology.
Suggesting a ‘beautiful view out to the horizon’ in local Anangu language, Wintjiri Wiru marks the first time an experience of this magnitude has been performed on a regular basis anywhere in the world.
The show sees more than 1,000 choreographed drones, lasers, and projections light up the desert sky in a contemporary, artistic expression of the Mala ancestral story, accompanied by narration in local Aboriginal languages and a traditional Inma soundtrack.
Wintjiri Wiru was created in close collaboration with the local Anangu community, who consulted on the project, provided story narration and advised on the visuals.
Voyages will host two shows every night, from March until December, with one show a night operating in January and February. The signature experience is the three-hour ‘Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner’, which includes welcome cocktails and canapés at sunset, followed by a gourmet dinner hamper celebrating native ingredients and paired with premium Australian wines.
‘Wintjiri Wiru After Dark’, is a shorter, one-and-a-half-hour experience that includes wattle seed caramel popcorn and refreshing gelatos featuring native ingredients.
Field of Light
Voyage Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru
Bruce Munro’s iconic Field of Light installation, aptly named Tili Wiru Tjuta Nyakutjaku or ‘looking at lots of beautiful lights’ in local Pitjantjatjara, is his largest work to date.
Illuminated against the backdrop of Uluru and under a star-studded sky, this is a mesmerising installation of 50,000 spindles of light, whose stems sway through a coloured spectrum of ochre, deep violet, blue and gentle white.
Field of Light is available to book in three sessions: a self-guided ‘Field of Light Pass’; ‘A Night at Field of Light’ dining experience and star talk; and a ‘Field of Light Star Pass’, featuring panoramic views from an exclusive dune top, outback canapés and drinks.
Light-Towers
Discovery Resorts – Kings Canyon, Kings Canyon
Launched in April 2023, the Light-Towers installation is the second permanent light and sound installation in the Red Centre from world-renowned artist Bruce Munro, following his widely acclaimed Field of Light.
The installation consists of 69 two-metre towers that change colour in response to music emanating from within, taking guests on an immersive aural and visual journey against the stunning backdrop of Kings Canyon.
The experience is bookable in three ticketed sessions: ‘Light-Towers at Sunrise,’ ‘Light-Towers at Sunset’ and ‘Light-Towers by Night’. The sunrise and sunset sessions are both hosted by a local guide and include a food and beverage package. Guests of the ‘By Night’ experience are invited to take advantage of a revamped food and beverage outlet on the Luritja Lookout before or after their session.
Parrtjima – A Festival in Light
Alice Springs
The only Aboriginal light festival of its kind, Parrtjima is an extraordinary, free and annual 10-night celebration of Aboriginal art, culture and music in April in Alice Springs. The program includes the illumination of the West MacDonnell Ranges, large-scale light and sound installations, workshops, films, talks and performances. The 2024 dates and themes will soon be announced.
OTHER SUNRISE, SUNSET AND STARGAZING EXPERIENCES
Sounds of Silence and Tali Wiru
Voyage Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru
Enjoy canapés and a star-lit dinner on a private dune overlooking Uluru and distant domes of Kata Tjuta at two of the Red Centre’s most iconic dining experiences. As the sun sets and darkness falls, taste a menu infused with Aboriginal native ingredients, accompanied by a didgeridoo performance and resident star talker. Sounds of Silence offers a bush tucker inspired buffet, whereas Tali Wiru is a table d’hote four-course extravaganza.
Sunrise or sunset at Uluru
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Sit back and watch Uluru transform from ochre brown to burnt orange to intense red and all the colours in between – it is a magical sight to behold. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has five easily accessible viewing areas dedicated to experiencing and photographing Uluru in its prime. Alternatively, book a segway, camel, helicopter or guided walking tour.
Earth Sanctuary World Nature Centre
Alice Springs
Located 15 minutes from Alice Springs, Earth Sanctuary is home to some of the clearest night skies in the world and the best place to spot Southern Cross, Milky Way Galaxy and other constellations. The outback observatory offers a range of guided astronomy tours, featuring laser lights and a deep-sky telescope, as well as sustainability tours and a sleep-under-the-stars experience at their Space Camp, a set of six intergalactic-style domes available in glamping or swag style.
Outback Ballooning
Alice Springs
For an awe-inspiring adventure, board a hot air balloon ride at sunrise or sunset to get a bird’s eye view of the majestic desert landscapes and wildlife, including wallabies, kangaroos and the spectacular 300-million-year-old MacDonnell Ranges. Upon landing, enjoy some light refreshments and sparkling wine.
Camping or glamping under the stars
Red Centre
With wide-open spaces and unfiltered night skies, the Red Centre has a range of incredible camping and glamping options, perfect for a night of desert tranquility.
At Uluru, book with Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, a fail-proof option with various accommodation options to suit all budgets, from pitching a tent at Ayers Rock Campground, to the recently refurbished, budget-friendly Outback Hotel and Lodge, and five-star Sails in the Desert.
At Kings Canyon, enjoy the endless red desert views from Discovery Kings Canyon or Kings Creek Station, with camping and luxe glamping options available.
At Alice Springs, camp at local campgrounds near picturesque swimming holes along the MacDonnell Ranges or opt for a romantic glamping stay at the Squeaky Windmill.
