23 October, 2017

Uluru is the next big MICE hotspot

Sunrise and sunset watching are iconic experiences at Uluru but for the Business Events sector, it’s the “how” and “from where” that often deliver the optimum impact.

A group of 17 corporate and association representatives, along with specialist event planners, saw this in action when they recently enjoyed some truly unique Uluru sunrise and sunset perspectives, courtesy of the NT Convention Bureau’s inaugural Unconventional Uluru Showcase initiative.

Swaying gently across the sand dunes aboard a relaxed and friendly camel, as a spectacular Central Australia sun sank below the horizon, set the ‘wow factor’ benchmark for the three day program.

The extensive paved terrace of the Uluru Camel Farm was the perfect post-ride dinner venue, with impressive catering provided by Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, and entertainment surprises which included Priscilla-style drag queens.

Uluru Showcase provided an opportunity for participants to visit Nyangatjatjara College, an Anangu college providing secondary education across three remote Indigenous communities.

Showcase guests gained insights into the positive initiatives being undertaken by the facility, before undertaking a team-building activity of garden and grounds tidying, as a CSR contribution.

Early-rising the following morning was rewarded with a ride to the rock aboard SEIT Outback’s unique dining facility, the double-decker Fork and View coach.

With its upper deck fitted out as a 44-seat open-air restaurant and the lower deck boasting a well-equipped commercial kitchen, participants were rewarded with panoramic views of a desert sunrise bathing nearby Uluru, which was complemented by a hearty breakfast.

Desert dingoes howling on cue as the sun rose provided an extra-special thrill.

Daylight hours at Uluru offered many activity options.

These encompassed guided walks around the base of the monolith including a visit to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, an aboriginal dot-painting class with Maruku Arts and a bush tucker and reptile tour, with all tours conducted by SEIT Outback.

Hotel and Uluru Meeting Place site inspections were also conducted, which showcased Ayers Rock Resort’s capability for business events.

Tricia Mikolai, Managing Director from BI Worldwide, Oceania was impressed by the venues available.

“I had the misconception that the conference space would be too small but instead I found Uluru Meeting Place to be very impressive,” she said.

“Not a single meal has disappointed – the catering has been plentiful and 5-star all the way.”

Aerial sunset-viewing of Uluru and Kata Tjuta was provided as helicopters delivered participants to an exclusive four-course open-air dinner on the ‘Tali Wiru’ dune top.

Showcase guests were not only impressed by the exquisite fine dining cuisine and spectacular location, but were captivated by the engaging Indigenous hospitality team who delivered the whole experience.

A final Uluru sunrise viewing and breakfast was provided at the Field of Light, the magnificent lighting installation created by acclaimed artist Bruce Munro.

Guests continued on to visit Kata Tjuta’s remarkable domes before their action-packed Uluru Showcase adventure finally came to its conclusion.

Uluru Showcase guests were accommodated at Voyages Ayers Rock Resort’s Sails in the Desert Hotel and the newly-refurbished Desert Gardens Hotel.

For more information on the Northern Territory Convention Bureau, Unconventional NT Showcases and NT destinations, visit www.ntconventions.com.au

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