Wintjiri Wiru, the "beautiful view of the horizon." A new cultural STORYTELLING experience not only illuminates Uluru every night.
Slowly, the sun sinks behind the Kata Tjuta, leaving the “many hills” silhouetted against the glowing sky. As it does, it bathes Uluru in a pastel-colored watercolor. A spectacle of light, the kind that only nature itself can create, reveals the magic of the Red Center. It fills visitors with awe at the incredible power of this unique land. Here, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, the land is sacred to the Anangu people.
It holds the secrets of this tribe’s creation stories, known as the Tjukurpa ( pronounced chook-orr-pa). It is the foundation of Anangu culture and connects the Yankunvtiatiara and Pitjantjatjara to the land and their ancestors. It encompasses important lessons about survival, relationships, and codes of conduct, as well as the origins of the universe.
Passed down orally through generations, there are no written records of the Tjukurpa. The Anangu share the Tjukurpa only with people they trust.
A New Era
With the creation of Wintjiri Wiru in May of this year, visitors now have the opportunity for the first time to experience a Tjukurpa story firsthand. Uluru’s newest attraction is also its most culturally significant, as it recounts a chapter of the ancient Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru. Wintjiri Wiru, meaning “beautiful view of the horizon,” is the world’s largest permanent drone and laser show. It also marks the first time an Indigenous story has been told through light, lasers, projection, and drone technology. The idea for Wintjiri Wiru sprang from the imagination of light artist Bruce Ramus. He wanted to bring the story of the Mala to life for visitors to Uluru in a new, unprecedented, and sensitive way.
A collaboration was established with high-ranking Anangu from Kaltukatjara and Mutitjulu to ensure the legends were accurately portrayed. For Ramus, listening was also at the heart of the entire creative process. For him, it was about “understanding from the heart.” Only in this way could he choose a technology with which to accompany the narratives—while leaving the environment in its pristine state. “The technology was completely secondary to the main reason: being allowed to tell this story,” says the artist.
Ramus and Voyages Indigenous Tourism spent three years developing *Wintjiri Wiru* together with the ancestors. The result is an extraordinarily complex and deeply moving work.
A Very Special Evening
When we arrive for the three-hour Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner Experience, we are immediately greeted by evidence of the care with which the land is respected here. A floating path made of recycled ironbark protects the flora and fauna beneath it and winds its way between clumps of spinifex and mulga bushes up to a small hill. The welcome—a spicy aperitif made with apple and koala gin—provides the first sensory delight of the evening. The magical colors of the setting sun add to the experience.
The sheer exhilaration evoked by a 360-degree sunset at Uluru is also indescribable. A carefully curated culinary experience, crafted by chef and Indigenous culinary expert Mark Olive, further tantalizes the taste buds: Canapés featuring cucumber, gin, and green ants; crocodile curry cakes with lemon myrtle; or blackened mountain pepper beef tenderloin on truffle brioche sliders combine modern cuisine with local ingredients. These are paired with a select assortment of various local wines.
Lasers, Drones, and Goosebumps at Wintjiri Wiru
With a basket full of more delicacies, we finally take our seats at the open-air theater. As darkness envelops the desert, lasers and drones begin to tell the legends of the Mala people—the tribe of the “reddish hare-wallabies.” The story unfolds to gentle sounds. It builds in intensity with ever-changing elements—explosions of light and color that blend seamlessly with the endless landscape. Impossible to miss is the devil dog Kurpany, whose footprints are embedded in Uluru.
Our expectations for the show are completely surpassed—even though the use of drones is suspended due to strong winds.
With lights, lasers, projections, and surround sound, the choreography of the 1,100 performers gives you goosebumps. For Rene Kulitia of the Anangu Working Group, this is a new way to bring his people’s history to life: “People come from all over to see Uluru. We want visitors to know that this is our history—to see, hear, and feel it with us. It is the ‘voices of the elders’ that resonate in Wintjiri Wiru , creating an indescribable feeling in this moving show.”
Wintjiri Wiru sets the standard for how First Nations legends can be told accurately and how tourism can be gently promoted at this deeply spiritual site. “We always welcome people who come to Uluru with open arms,” says Kulitia. “We are one world, and we want to share something special with you. Wintjiri Wiru is our gift to everyone.”
If you'd like to explore Australia and Uluru on your own, you'll find great ideas among our private tours. Or simply reach out to us using the contact form.
©Susanne Pinn
