While the greatness of Uluru is reason enough to lure travellers to the Red Centre, planning your next Red Centre escape around these 2017 events will add another dimension to your outback holiday.
Bruce Munro's Field of Lights (image: Mark Pithall)
Field of Light, Uluru: until 31 March 2017
It’s still not too late to catch the iconic star-studded installation that has bathed the Red Centre in an ethereal glow since April. The largest and most isolated iteration of artist Bruce Munro’s work, the Field of Light is a sparkling carpet of 50,000 frosted-glass light spheres dotting a remote expanse framed by Uluru. Munro’s first solar powered exhibit represents a spiritual homecoming for the artist, as the idea was conceived during his first visit in 1992.
A candid capture from the Tjungu Indigenous Cultural Festival (image: Wayne Quilliam Photography)
Tjungu Indigenous Cultural Festival: 22–25 April 2017
Returning for its fourth year by popular demand, the Tjungu Festival celebrates the vibrancy of indigenous Australian culture across a host of performances. This year, the spotlight is on even more performances from the local Anangu people and surrounding lands, alongside returning artists, established indigenous performers and national sporting stars. Highlights during the festival include bustling art and bush tucker markets, a short fi lm festival and the ‘Tastes of Tjungu’ outdoor dining experience.
Desert Dreaming Yoga Retreat: 22–29 April 2017
Listen up, yogis! Feel the serenity wash over you as you salute the sun during intimate classes on this unique yoga retreat. Famed yoga instructor Denby Sheather returns to host a week of yoga, meditation and cultural immersion in the inspiring surrounds of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Together with yoga practice and spiritual awareness classes, you’ll be treated to cultural activities with indigenous artists and an unforgettable dining experience under the stars. Feed your soul in one of the most stirring places in all of Australia.
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Herds of camels roam the barren expanses of the Red Centre (image: Getty)
Uluru Camel Cup: 26–27 May 2017
Forget Derby Day and the race that stops a nation. Venture to the Red Centre in May for a true ‘only in Australia’ experience: the Uluru Camel Cup. Northern Territory locals and visitors come together for a weekend of fun, with festivities kicking off in true Aussie style at the Outback Pioneer Hotel. Then, it’s a non-stop lineup of events, including racing, the ever-popular Fashions on the Field, family-friendly activities and a true-blue outback ball set under the sparkling night sky.
ACO Uluru Festival: 2–4 June 2017
One for classical music lovers, the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) returns to the Red Centre for a series of exclusive concerts led by Richard Tognetti and in harmony with ARIA Award nominee Stephen Pigram’s soulful voice and rhythmic guitar. The three performances held in the intimate Uluru Meeting Place have been designed to complement the moving spirit of the area’s unique surrounds. The festival also features three exclusive dining events, including a Long Lunch with tastes of the outback and a celebratory Gala dinner on the final evening.
The sky over Uluru lights up every night (image: Getty)
Uluru Astronomy Weekend: 20–22 October 2017
Calling all stargazers! Discover the spectacular Australian outback sky – void of city light pollution – with the help of leading astronomers and the Centre of Excellence for All-sky Astrophysics (CAASTRO) during this fascinating all-ages weekend event. The stargazing event includes activities for the whole family, stargazing demonstrations, engaging talks about cosmic events, the structure of the Universe and dark matter, and an exclusive Astronomical Sounds of Silence experience.
