Small Group Sunset, Sparkling Wine

SEIT keeps numbers low and the guide close at hand on this five hour small group tour. Anangu culture and the geology of the rock fill the afternoon, which ends with refreshments and sparkling wine as the colour deepens on Uluru at sunset.

Overview

This five-hour guided outing from SEIT keeps the group small and spends the time at Uluru, finishing with sparkling wine as the sun goes down. Pickup happens at Ayers Rock Resort, after which the vehicle heads out through the outback and into Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. The first stop near the park entrance gives a photographic look at the rock before the tour drives on toward its base.

From there the guide leads a walk into Mutitjulu Waterhole, a semi-permanent watercourse tucked into the contours of Uluru. The stories here centre on Liru the poisonous snake and Kuniya the python, along with other Tjukurpa (dreaming) narratives, and the group sees ancient rock art and hears how the site is still used to teach young Aboriginal people. The Mala Walk and a drive around the base fill out the middle of the tour.

The final stretch moves to the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area for sunset, with an open view of Uluru and Kata Tjuta behind it. Guests get sparkling wine, gourmet treats and a bottle of water, and are returned to their accommodation at the resort. Reviewers describe the day as informative and well paced, with the sunset drinks a highlight for many, and the optional iPod audio covers six languages besides English.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Pickup at Ayers Rock ResortThe guide collects guests from their accommodation, with the exact pickup point detailed at booking.
2. Drive to the national parkThe vehicle travels through outback landscapes to the entrance of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park. National park entry tickets are not included in the tour price.
3. First view of UluruShortly after entering the park, Uluru rises above the sand dunes and the tour stops for a photographic opportunity.
4. Mutitjulu Waterhole walkA guided walk leads into this semi-permanent waterhole at the base of Uluru, covering the Liru and Kuniya creation stories, rock art and the site's ongoing teaching role.
5. Mala Walk and base driveThe group experiences the Mala Walk on foot, and the vehicle continues around the base of the rock.
6. Sunset at Talinguru NyakunytjakuThe tour adjourns to the viewing area for an uninterrupted sunset view of Uluru with Kata Tjuta behind it, served with sparkling wine and light refreshments.
7. Return to the resortThe guide drives everyone back to their accommodation at Ayers Rock Resort.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers get the most from the afternoon.

• Pace and walking. Several reviewers described the tour as a mix of walking and driving rather than a long hike. One called it a nice variety of exploring, walking and discovering, and another summed it up as a bit of walking and a bit of driving.
• Group feel. The small group size is a repeated positive, with one reviewer noting ten participants as just right.
• Guides and stories. Reviewers often single out the guides as the strongest part of the day, praising their knowledge, clear explanations and storytelling. One reviewer left the tour inspired to learn more about Uluru's history beyond it.
• Food and drink. Sparkling wine, gourmet treats and one bottle of water per person are included. Reviewers called the sunset snack generous and well catered.
• Non-English audio. Guests can request an iPod with commentary in French, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian or Mandarin. This is optional and supplied on the tour.
• Park entry fee. Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park entry is not included and is bought at the entry station. Park passes cost A$38 per adult for three days or A$50 for an annual pass, with under 18s free, and are valid for three consecutive days from issue.

Common issues. Some travellers say the sunset viewpoint chosen left Uluru in shadow and would have preferred the classic lookout, though the listing promises an uninterrupted view from the Talinguru Nyakunytjaku area. Weather can also interfere, as one reviewer found when rain meant no classic sunset at all, though the tour still ran. National park entry is an extra cost paid on arrival. The listing notes that the infant price covers touring and car seat hire.

Before You Reserve A Seat