Bucket list experience:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia
Arguably the best-known outdoor dining experience in Australia, the Sounds of Silence is an ideal way to round off a busy day exploring Uluru and Kata Tjuta. By Central Australian standards this is incredibly spiffy, with linen-covered tables, candles and silver service.
Guests arrive for drinks and canapés while watching the sunset over The Rock, then enjoy a buffet meal, didgeridoo music and a spot of stargazing.
The true majesty of the night sky is revealed in all its glory here, with billions of tiny stars wherever you look and the Milky Way prominent. After your meal, there’s a talk from the resident astronomer, who guides you through the many constellations in the southern night sky. Brilliant.
Want more recommendations in this destination?
Destination Guide >The dinner location is a short drive from Yulara, and the price includes return transport to/from your accommodation.
Book tickets ahead of time on the Ayers Rock Resort website. Plan on about 4 hours. Food is buffet style – vegetarian options are available with prior notice. Temperatures plummet in the evening in the desert, even in warmer months – take a warm jacket and/or a wrap.
Sounds of Silence operates all year round, seven days a week. Pick up times are seasonal, around 1 hour before sunset.
Since this is a desert region, many first-time visitors imagine that heat will be a problem. Just the reverse. Winter (June to August) nights can be bitterly cold, so guests should rug up in long trousers, jumpers and fleeces. Since this is an outdoor event high winds can also make this an uncomfortable experience, so check the weather forecast before you book. You are unlikely to be troubled by flies or mosquitos, but it’s always wise to carry insect repellent when travelling in the Australian Outback.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[0.8 miles]
Excellently located in the heart of the Yulara township, this friendly garden hotel an oasis in this harsh yet beautiful arid landscape – and the perfect base to explore.
Official star rating:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[0.9 miles]
This bright and airy apartment hotel is the perfect choice for families or groups of friends, with excellent facilities and a great location.
Official star rating:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[0.9 miles]
Affordable quirky and fun, this small hotel is an unexpected delight in the Red Centre, with access to all the facilities of the Ayers Rock Resort.
Official star rating:
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[1 miles]
Fresh from a multi-million dollar make-over, this iconic desert resort has never looked better, and makes an ideal base for exploring Uluru.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Northern Territory, Australia
The place to come for the Australian outback experience – jaw-dropping geological formations (including world-famous Uluru), sleeping out in swag bags, sampling bush tucker, and connecting with authentic Aborginal culture.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[0.9 miles]
This dot painting workshop is an excellent and fun introduction to Indigenous Art, where participants learn about the different symbols used to create local Creation Time stories.
Best for ages: 4+ | £40 | 90 minutes
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[1.1 miles]
Sublime upscale desert dining experience, with magnificent Uluru views combined with Aborigine performance and storytelling.
Best for ages: 15+ | £200 | 4 hours
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[6.3 miles]
Discover a different perspective on Australia’s most famous desert natural wonders, with a helicopter tour that soars across the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Northern Territories.
Best for ages: 16+ | £180 | 30 minutes
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[11.5 miles]
A unique 10km circuit walk that showcases the complex and intricate beauty of this extraordinary monolith, and reveals the rich local legends that surround it.
Best for ages: 10+ | Free | 2-3 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[0.8 miles]
Dubbed a ‘cultural hub’, this arts centre in the Ayers Rock Resort showcases work from established and emerging indigenous artists, plus a range of cultural events. It hosts regular exhibitions, and offer free daily tours.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[0.9 miles]
The digeridoo, a long and thin musical instrument of Australia’s indigenous people, is one of the Outback’s most iconic symbols – and sounds. Playing it relies on a technique known as circular breathing which is much harder to master than it looks. These workshops are free – so why not give it a go?
Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 45 minutes
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[1 miles]
Located at the Sails in the Desert hotel, this long-running gallery sources authentic Aboriginal dot paintings, artworks and glassware from desert communities across the Northern Territory.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[1.4 miles]
Cameleer Chris Hill runs a wide range of carbon-neutral camel tours, including sunset and sunrise rides and express (45 minute) adventures through the dunes.
Best for ages: 10+ | £40 | 45+ minutes
