The traditional owners of Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park, call themselves Anangu (pronounced arn-ahng-oo) and have a great word called “Palya”. It means “welcome” or “hello”, you hear it a lot when you come to visit and will end up saying it yourself just as frequently.
In terms of experiences in Australia you don’t get more memorable than Uluru, which sits in the centre of this vast country. A group of Executive PA Media members experienced its famous sunrises and sunsets for themselves when they recently took part in 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.
Early morning sunrises and breakfast on an open double decker coach, guided walks around the base of Uluru itself, including visits to the Mutitjulu Waterhole, aboriginal dot-painting classes, bush tucker and reptile tour, sunset-viewing of Uluru and Kata Tjuta from a helicopter, exclusive four-course open-air dinner on the ‘Tali Wiru’ dune top, sunrise by the world famous “Field of Light” – clearly there are too many activities to ever get bored.
Furthermore, and a surprise for many of the participants, the destination has all the facilities you would expect of a 5 star city venue, fine dining, superb conferencing facilities for up to 420 guests, breakout rooms, excellent quality accommodation for delegates and in the middle of Australia – even wifi.
Here’s what our members had to say
“It was jam packed and full of awesome experiences. Seeing Uluru at sunrise on a double decker bus was an incredible experience. And the food has been on a completely different level. Tasting the bush tucker and hearing all the stories and culture has been incredible – dot painting, learning some of the aboriginal words. Learning about indigenous culture is certainly one my highlights. Accommodation second to none and there’s so much to do. A highlight for me was the camel tour to see a beautiful sunset over Uluru. I would love to bring my team here.”
Cheryl Slender – Executive Assistant to the CEO at Aerocare
“I would highly recommend a visit to experience Uluru, either for business or pleasure. There’s so much to do. My favourite part? Too many to mention but the camel ride at sunset and flying in a helicopter to a venue for dinner made me feel very special. We heard some great stories from indigenous people living here and the later arrivals. It’s been a very moving experience, very spiritual and I’m walking away feeling energised. It’s a very special place.”
Leeanne Muscat – Personal Assistant to Managing Partner at Clifford Chance
“One of my highlights was catching a private chopper to an amazing dinner setting at a place called Tali Wiru (which means “beautiful dune”). It’s been absolutely amazing and I would love to bring some of my team over for future events.”
Jennifer Tosich – EA to the Group Executive of Public Affairs at Virgin Australia
What the locals have to say
Sam who works with visitors at the Red Centre gave his take on Uluru. “It’s the culture capital of Australia and if you haven’t been here yet, get yourself over and fall in love with the place like I have.”
Natalie is a young indigenous woman who, alongside her other responsibilities, works on Reception at Ayres Rock Resort. She sums up the region and the wonderful nature of the people who live there, in just two sentences “If you are looking to explore Australia you need to come and stop at Uluru. You need to get to Uluru and come and see me at the Desert Gardens Hotel.”
Peter Graham Director of Sales at Ayers Rock Resort said. “We have everything in-place to run any kind of business event from an executive retreat to an incentive program, right through to a sizable conference. We have all the facilities right here, including world class AV. Furthermore, while you’re here you can’t help but get up close & personal with the majestic Uluru – just one of many experiences to enjoy and appreciate that are unique to this iconic destination.”
More information on Uluru for your next business event can be found at www.ntconventions.com.au
