Join me on this incredible experience to ULURU our EPIC CENTRE the cultural heart of Australia

The plan is to stay for 4 nights (end of April 2027) at the Desert Gardens Hotel, which has rooms with views of ULURU. Over the 4 nights we will try dot painting and create expressive landscape painting using acrylic. We will sketch everyday and fill our Art Journals with the days highlights.

Of course, we will make the most of our time there by experiencing as many of ULURU’S unforgettable activities that we can. I have outlined what I think will be unmissable experiences below:

No trip to Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is complete without experiencing the awe-inspiring beauty of Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas). Located around 45 minutes’ drive west of Uluru, these towering domes are often less crowded than their famous neighbour, but just as geologically  and spiritually significant. Return bus trips regularly transport visitors from the Ayers Rock Resort to Kata Tjuta.

The best time to visit Kata Tjuta is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light softens and the colours of the rock seem to shift with the sun. Sunrise is particularly magical: watching the domes slowly glow orange and red against a pale desert sky is an unforgettable moment. Head to the Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing Area for panoramic views perfect for photos.

Mala Walk (2km)

Traverse the path between the Mala carpark and Kantju Gorge, where you can edge into ancient caves to see rock art that's been on the walls for thousands of years. There's a free daily ranger-led walk to learn about the local Mala story.

Waḻpa Gorge Walk

The Waḻpa Gorge Walk is a relatively easy 2.6km return track that winds between two of the largest domes. It takes around an hour and is ideal for visitors with limited time or moderate fitness.

Kuniya Walk & Mutitjulu Waterhole (1km)

An easy, shaded walk leads from the Kuniya carpark to a tranquil waterhole nestled in a rock cleft. It’s home to the Tjukurpa (creation story) of a deadly battle between Liru (the poisonous brown snake man) and Kuniya (the woma python woman).

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku Viewing Area

Seeing Uluru from various vantage points across the day is a must to experience its shifting hues and changing atmosphere. Elevated platforms provide stunning photographic opportunities. Talinguru Nyakunytjaku is the best spot for panoramic sunrise views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, while the Car Sunset Viewing Area is best for sunsets. If you're staying at the Ayers Rock Resort, the central Imalung Lookout is also a beautiful sunset vantage point of Uluru.

WALKATJARA ART

SITUATED AT ULURU, IN THE HEART OF THE RED CENTRE, WALKATJARA ART IS THE ABORIGINAL-OWNED, NOT-FOR-PROFIT ART CENTRE OF THE MUTITJULU COMMUNITY. Here we will experience a short workshop in the art of Dot Painting.

In addition to this I will be conducting workshops in Expressive landscape painting using Acrylic paint from our Hotel site, You can choose to paint in a naive style or more traditionally, totally up to you. Below are some examples of landscape painting styles you may wish to explore.

Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA)

Explore local Indigenous artworks at the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA), a small art gallery with revolving exhibitions onsite at the Ayers Rock Resort. GoCA works with art centres across Central Australia as well as independent artists to source its artworks, most of which are available to purchase. It's open daily from 9am to 5pm.

Explore more local artwork at the Lawn Gallery, located just a few minutes' walk away. Here, Anangu artists paint and sell their art directly to buyers.

Join GoCA's free Paint Your Own Australian Animal workshop at 9.30am from Tuesday to Sunday, where kids with parental supervision can choose a wooden creature and use stencils and paints to make a piece of unique art.

FIELD OF LIGHTS - Dining

This exclusive dining experience combines the award-winning Sounds of Silence dinner under the outback sky with the unforgettable Field of Light installation, which is celebrating 10 years of lighting the desert landscape with more than 50,000 glowing spheres.

Your evening begins with a convenient hotel pick-up and transfer to the remote desert location with majestic views of Uluru. As the sun sets on the horizon to the music of a didgeridoo, enjoy gourmet canapés and chilled sparkling wine. 

As darkness falls and the coloured lights of the 50,000 glass spheres gently come to life, join your table of fellow travellers for an exceptional three-course buffet menu infused with bush tucker flavours. As the night ignites with countless stars, settle back and listen as our resident star talker decode the southern night sky.

Your host will provide insights to the art installation that awaits you, before you’re invited to immerse yourself in the Field of Light, its pathways glistening softly with rhythms of coloured light, beckoning you to explore. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE MENUE

CAMEL TO SUNSET

Meander through the Rich Red Sand Dunes on your Friendly Camel

Enjoy a peaceful one hour camel ride with stunning views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta, and watch on as the colours of the desert landscape change as the sun sets. Bringing you closer to nature, the friendly and knowledgeable cameleers will tell you stories of the territory. Return to the Camel Farm at twilight to relax and enjoy Australian beer, wine, champagne and outback bush foods, including freshly baked damper. 

Where we will stay at The Yulara Ayers Rock Resort

The township of Yulara is the main base for Uluru visitors, located just a 20-minute drive from the park entrance. I’ve chosen the 4.5 star Desert Gardens Hotel which offers private balconies with desert views and native gardens.

Imagine waking up to a sunrise view of ‎Uluru, blazing red under a sunny Outback sky. Perched within an oasis of native gardens, the hotel’s 218 elegant guestrooms provide a relaxing retreat from a day of adventure and the resort’s only views of Uluru. Accommodation options are diverse, from Deluxe Rock View Rooms to Standard Rooms amidst towering gumtrees and garden beds dotted with native shrubs and flowers. It also has it’s own Swimming Pool, Bistro Bar and Restaurant.

HOW TO GET THERE

Fly, drive or train it on the Ghan, however you choose to get there is up to you. I’d love to experience visiting The Alice by Rail, however the cost is beyond this starving artist’s meagre means. However, if you can afford it, here’s a link (The Ghan Rail Experience) to their website. Please take photos for me so I can experience it vicariously through you!

If, like me, you can’t afford the time or the cost, flying directly to ULURU is a great option. Let me know if you would like me to book your flights to arrive with me.

A non refundable deposit of $1500 is required upon registration. with the balance paid soon thereafter

Fee includes:

• 4 nights accomodation at 4.5 star Desert Gardens Hotel, our rooms are top of the range offering private balconies with desert views and native gardens

• Buffet Breakfast every day

• Entrance to Uluru National Park (3 days)

• 4 days of painting and sketching workshops 2.5 hours each (includes materials)

• FIELD OF LIGHTS - Dining

• CAMEL TO SUNSET

Not Included in the fee:

• Return Flights from Adelaide, Getting there is up to you, however if you would like me to arrange your flight I will be happy to do so.

• Meals (except the Evening we Dine at the Field of Lights - breakfast is included also every day)

• Extra Experiences or activities not listed above

Uluru-Kata Tjuta Park is a remote desert landscape with limited mobile reception and water access. Help keep yourself safe by staying on marked trails, notifying someone if heading out alone, and drinking at least one litre of water per hour while walking outdoors. Check weather forecasts before long hikes, as temperatures can change quickly, and start hikes early to avoid the midday heat.

Help prepare for the area by packing:

• Reusable water bottle - it’s dry out here and important to stay hydrated

• Sturdy walking shoes or boots - ideally with ankle protection over rocky ground

• Sun protection - a broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

  Fly net - flies can hang around in great numbers, especially in warmer months

• Mobile phone - with plenty of memory for photos and a working SIM card (Telstra has the best coverage in the area)

• Warm jacket - for chilly desert nights

• Headlamp or torch - for evening walks, as the area gets very dark.