Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu has launched an early morning Indigenous laser, light and sound show that celebrates connection to Aṉangu, the Traditional Owners of Uluṟu.

Sunrise Journeys, a two-hour story-telling experience, uses the desert landscape as a giant backdrop for a display of modern Indigenous artwork through a state-of-the-art animation technology.

“Sunrise Journeys elevates our commitment to authentic, meaningful and responsible cultural tourism,” said Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO, Matt Cameron-Smith.

“It’s a real honour and privilege to be able to work with leading artists of the region and share their unique connection to the natural environment.

“For thousands of years, art has played such an important part in telling Aṉangu stories and keeping culture strong. Artwork painted in this region now hangs in galleries all over the world, so we’re thrilled to be able to showcase this piece in such a unique way – here, in its desert home.”

Central to Sunrise Journeys is a bespoke painting created by three renowned female Aṉangu artists – Selina Kulitja (Maruku Arts), Denise Brady (Kaltukatjara Art), and Valerie Brumby (Walkatjara Art) – which depicts a modern telling of the artists’ shared connection to these lands.

“Our hearts burn with passion to share our Country and knowledge with the world”, Brady said. “We have created Sunrise Journeys to invite people into our culture and share our way of life.”

Designers from renowned Australian visual experience team Mandylights designers traced a high-resolution photograph of the painting by hand and divided it into over 170 digital “pieces” which have been brought to life with video and laser software to match the music’s pace and artists’ narration.

“When the audience witnesses finches emerge from the bush plants, a flock of cockatoos rise in laser lights, and the rippling lines of dry creek beds and sand dunes, they are seeing elements from the original artwork brought to life with the latest animation technology,” says Mandylights CEO, Richard Neville.

To coincide with the launch of Sunrise Journeys, Ayers Rock Resort also launched a 1.5 hour afternoon culinary experience celebrating Indigenous flavours from Central Australia and beyond.

The Australian Native High Tea features items such as Lemon Myrtle Northern Territory Barramundi Tart, Yulara Salt Bush Caramel Tim Tams and Wild Rosella Flower Mousse, paired with fine teas from Blak Brews, coffee, and Australian sparkling wine.

The two new experiences follow the launch of a number of new attractions at the resort including nightly drone show, Wintjiri Wiru, Field of Light by world renowned artist Bruce Munroe; and the recently hatted dune-top fine-dining experience, Tali Wiru.