More than 1,100 luminous drones take flight each night to lift ancient images to the sky above Uluru. This is Wintjiri Wiru.
A new cultural story-telling experience, Wintjiri Wiru, has opened in Uluru.
Wintjiri Wiru suggests a ‘beautiful view out to the horizon’ in the local Anangu language. And this offering brings to life a chapter of the Mala ancestral story that sits between Kaltukatjara (Docker River) and Uluru.
Using state-of-the-art drone, laser and light projection technology, Wintjiri Wiru illuminates the Central Desert, connecting the earth and sky to offer an inspiring, opening experience of light and sound in the presence of Uluru.
As the drones dance across the sky, they depict parts of the Mala story. This visual feast will be accompanied by a narration in Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara languages. A traditional inma soundtrack recorded by local Anangu community members enhances the atmosphere.
A world-first
Visitors have the opportunity to witness the show from an environmentally sustainable platform specially designed to appear as if it’s “floating” above the desert. This unique vantage point offers breathtaking panoramic views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta on the horizon.
To further amplify the impact, the architectural steel separating the different seating levels of the platform features intricate artwork by Christine Brumby, a local Anangu artist and community member.
This is the first time an experience of this magnitude has been performed on a regular basis anywhere in the world.
In wanting to bring Wintjiri Wiru to life, Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia consulted and collaborated closely with a group of 10 senior Anangu, taking great care to tell the story in the right way.
“We are Anangu and we have one of the oldest continuing cultures on earth,” Rene Kulitja, on behalf of the Anangu Consultation Group said.
“This chapter of the Mala story has been passed to us from generation to generation. Our ancestors walked this Country, carried this story and shared this story through inma, our songs and our ceremonies.
“We are looking forward and have created Wintjiri Wiṟu for the next generation, for our grandchildren.
“We have held hands with Voyages to create Wintjiri Wiṟu together. From the beginning, Voyages has been working together with the Anangu Working Group – talking together, listening together and creating together.
“People from every place have come to see Uluru. Now we want people to come and experience our story in a new way. We want visitors to know this is our story, to look and listen and feel with us. Our stories have been here since the beginning, and we want to share this story with the world.”
How to see the show:
There are two nightly performances of Wintjiri Wiru: the three-hour Sunset Dinner and the 1.5 hour After Dark show.
Gourmet canapes and cocktails will be served at the Sunset Dinner followed by a selection of hot and cold native-inspired dishes paired with premium Australian wines. The Wintjiri Wiru Sunset Dinner experience includes return resort transfers and is priced at AU$385pp.
Voyages will serve wattleseed caramel popcorn and refreshing gelatos featuring native ingredients for the After Dark show. After Dark costs AU$190pp.
For more information, visit www.ayersrockresort.com.au or call 1300 134 044.
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Images Getty
