Outback BBQ Dinner, Star Talk

Uluru sunset barbecue dinner and star talk: 445 reviews.

Overview

This AAT Kings evening runs for three and a half hours and puts two of central Australia's best moments back to back: sunset over Uluru with a drink in hand, then a barbecue dinner eaten close to the rock itself. One reviewer notes this operator is permitted to serve dinner inside the national park. The evening finishes with a star talk led by an expert guide, weather permitting, under skies that one traveller from the northern hemisphere described as unlike anything seen at home.

The flow is simple. Hotel pickup from Ayers Rock Resort is included, as is drop-off afterwards. The sunset stop comes first, with sparkling wine, red and white wine, lemonade, orange juice and nibbles. Dinner follows at the base of Uluru, with beer, wine and soft drinks included alongside the barbecue. A driver guide runs the evening and a star guide takes over for the astronomy portion.

It suits most travellers, including families, and one reviewer noted it works across generations. Wheelchair and pushchair access is listed, and infants sit on laps. The group runs to a maximum of 58 travellers, so expect a busy, sociable dinner rather than a quiet one. Travellers hoping for a longer stargazing session should note at least one reviewer wished for more time under the stars.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupPickup from Ayers Rock Resort hotels, included in the tour price.
2. Sunset at UluruDrinks and nibbles at the sunset viewing area while the light changes over the rock. Sparkling, red and white wine, lemonade, orange juice and snacks are provided.
3. Uluru, 2 hoursTransfer to the barbecue dinner site near the base of Uluru. Admission ticket included for this stop. Dinner with beer, wine and soft drinks, reached by a path lit with low lamps according to one reviewer.
4. Star talkA star gazing session with an expert star guide, weather permitting. One reviewer singled out the guide's knowledge of the constellations.
5. Hotel drop-offReturn transport to Ayers Rock Resort hotels, included in the tour.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before booking, drawn from the listing and from what travellers report.

• Weather matters. The star talk runs only if weather permits, and the listing states the whole experience requires good weather. One reviewer had the barbecue and star talk portion cancelled for unfavourable conditions and was credited for the cancelled part. If the tour is cancelled for weather, the listing promises a different date or a full refund.
• Food and drink. Drinks are included throughout: sparkling, red and white wine, lemonade, orange juice at sunset, then beer, wine and soft drinks with dinner. Opinions on the food vary, with some calling it excellent and others describing tough meat and basic desserts. One reviewer mentioned kangaroo among the dishes served.
• Group feel. Up to 58 travellers join this tour, so the dinner feels like a large shared barbecue rather than an intimate meal. Reviewers describe a lively, sociable atmosphere that worked for families and multiple generations. One reviewer found it a smooth, well-coordinated outing with hospitable staff.
• What to bring. The national park entry fee is not included, so pay that separately. Hot drinks are self-service after dinner, according to one reviewer.
• Photography. One reviewer described the path to dinner as lit with low lamps. Darkness at the dinner site is real, so plan photos accordingly.
• Accessibility. The listing states the tour is wheelchair and pushchair accessible, with infants sitting on laps. It also advises contacting AAT Kings directly with any accessibility questions. Most travellers can participate according to the listing.

Common issues. The star talk depends on clear weather, and one reviewer had that portion cancelled for unfavourable conditions, with a credit for the cancelled part. The park entry fee of A$38 per adult is not included. Food quality draws mixed reports, with one reviewer calling the meat overcooked and the desserts supermarket-basic, while others describe good or excellent food. The group size can reach 58, and the minimum number of travellers must be met or the tour may be cancelled with an offer of a different date or a full refund.

Before You Reserve A Seat