I was lucky enough to score a seat on the left of the plane when I touched down in Uluṟu. There she was, through the window. I felt star-struck – seeing it in real life felt like a dream. As we got off the plane, dusty red sand swirled around. There was an instant sense of warmth and stillness. This is a place filled with memories, stories, history.

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We headed to The Desert Gardens Hotel, a quick 8 minute bus ride from the airport. The hotel has one of the best views of Uluṟu you can get, it was like staring into a postcard. I was greeted by Freddie, an Anangu man who gave us a tour of the garden resort surrounded by native plants and bush foods like saltbush and bush plum, which are all used in dishes at Arnguli Grill located in the hotel. 

Adjacent to the hotel is the Gallery of Central Australia (GoCA). The gallery, which is celebrating its second year, showcases pieces from local artists around regional central Australia, and supports emerging indigenous artists, providing a place to share stories from the indigenous culture and community. 

Also celebrating an anniversary is Tali Wiru, a 20-seat dining experience that focuses on native ingredients. Meaning ‘beautiful dune’ in local Anangu language, the dinner, now in its 10th year, harnesses the magic of fine dining under the Southern Desert sky.

Stepping off the coach, we made our way up the dusty red sand, where the welcoming staff greeted us with Champagne. The stillness of the land, and the sounds of the didgeridoo echoing into the open, felt like a dream. We’re served canapes, dishes like kangaroo with shaved egg yolk and finger lime on wattleseed crackers, blue swimmer crab and, my favourite, gin-compressed cucumber with green ant and celery salt. 

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In the dining area we start with an amuse bouche, then choose between 3 entrees, mains and desserts. It was not an easy choice! Every course of this exclusive four-course dinner is infused with ancient native herbs and spices, and each dish is one to remember. 

To end the trip, AATKings Experiences organised a sunrise trip to the Field of Lights. Rising before sunrise, we travelled to a desert location overlooking Uluru. Created by artist Bruce Munro, colours of ochre, deep violet, blue and white create pathways around the site. It is a fitting end to what was a magical experience. 

Tali Wiru
Prices from $385 per person
Tour duration approx. 4 hours 15 minutes
Season runs from April till October
For more info, head to ayersrockresort.com.au/experiences/tali-wiru