Wake up to new laser light and sound show at Uluru
A NEW early morning laser light and sound show, Sunrise Journeys, transforms the desert landscape at Uluru into a giant canvas of modern Indigenous art.
The two-hour storytelling experience, which opened on August 1 in the Red Centre, celebrates the dawn of a new day and showcases the artistic expertise of Anangu, the traditional owners of Uluru.
Central to Sunrise Journeys is a painting titled Ngura Nganampa Wiru Mulapa by female Anangu artists Selina Kulitja, Denise Brady and Valerie Brumby which depicts a modern telling of the artists’ shared connection to these lands.
The painting is interpreted on the desert landscape using laser, light and video projections, with a narration by the artists and accompanying musical score composed by local Anangu musician Jeremy Whiskey.
The laser light and sound show has been created by leading Australian visual experience team Mandylights.
To create the stunning visuals, Mandylights designers traced a high-resolution photo of the painting by hand and divided it into more than 170 digital “pieces”. These were animated with video and laser software to match the music and artists’ narration.
Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia (operators of Ayers Rock Resort) said: “Sunrise Journeys elevates our commitment to authentic, meaningful and responsible cultural tourism. 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 Anangu 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.”
Sunrise Journeys costs $125 per adult and $75 per child and includes return coach transfers and breakfast.
On August 1 a new afternoon culinary experience, Australian Native High Tea, started daily at the luxury Sails in the Desert resort.
Enquiries: ayersrockresort.com.au
Artist’s impression of A&K’s new riverboat Pure Amazon.
Exploring the Amazon by luxury riverboat
TRAVEL company Abercrombie & Kent (A&K) will launch a new riverboat, Pure Amazon, in mid-2025 offering cruises to explore the pristine beauty and rich biodiversity of the Peruvian Amazon.
The design of Pure Amazon’s 10 suites and two single cabins offer close-up views of the rainforest.
Indoor and outdoor lounges provide areas to relax while the dining room features a menu that draws on locally-sourced ingredients.
Guests can keep fit at the gym, enjoy health and beauty treatments at the wellness room and start the day with yoga sessions on the observation deck.
Expert guides lead daily excursions into the heart of the Peruvian Amazon to discover wildlife and visit local villages to learn about their traditional way of life.
For those seeking more adventurous activities, Pure Amazon cruises offer kayaking on winding tributaries, fishing for piranha or a night excursion to encounter the rainforest’s nocturnal creatures.
Cristina Levis, CEO of Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group, said: “Our first riverboat in Latin America is an exciting new chapter in A&K’s legacy of luxury expedition cruising. We invite guests to embark on a transformative journey into the very soul of the Amazon, where unparalleled adventures intertwine with the warm hospitality and exceptional service that define every A&K voyage.”
Pure Amazon will sail three-night or four-night cruises which can be combined.
Enquiries: abercrombiekent.com.au
Artist’s impression of the new Mandarin Oriental Bali hotel.
Mandarin Oriental to open luxury Bali hotel
THE Hong Kong-based Mandarin Oriental hotel group plans to open a new luxury Bali property in 2027 on the island’s southern Bukit Peninsula.
Located 30 minutes from Denpasar’s international airport and close to the popular tourism destinations of Jimbaran, Uluwatu and Sanur, the new Mandarin Oriental Bali will have 110 suites and villas, most with private pools.
Perched on a cliffside plateau of elevated terraces, the resort will have panoramic ocean views with direct access to a secluded sandy beaches.
Guests will enjoy infinity pools and a cliff-edge restaurant and bar, a speciality Chinese restaurant and a beach club.
The spa will offer a range of wellness, beauty and massage options including treatments inspired by Balinese culture.
The resort will have outdoor swimming pools surrounded by private cabanas, a fitness centre with outdoor space for yoga and other wellness options, kids’ club, tennis courts and a beach club with water sports
Laurent Kleitman, CEO of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, said: “We are delighted to extend Mandarin Oriental’s renowned levels of hospitality and exceptional experiences to the beautiful island of Bali.”
Enquiries: mandarinoriental.com
Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa on the Big Island of Hawaii.
New look for popular Hawaii resort
THE Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa situated on the cliffs of Keauhou Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii has completed a $60 million renovation.
Set on 22 acres with spectacular ocean views, the resort has 511 guest rooms and suites that capture the spirit of Keauhou Bay.
Geoff Pearson, general manager of Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, said: “Through meticulous design and a deep-rooted cultural narrative, we are fostering a profound connection with Hawaii’s rich tapestry of history and traditions.”
New to the resort is the Piko coffee and wine bar and the Voyager 47 club lounge, while upgrades have been carried out in the rooms, convention centre and around the adults-only and oceanfront swimming pools.
Kona is famous for its manta rays and the resort has nightly tours aboard a 12-metre Hawaiian sailing canoe where guests can snorkel alongside the manta rays.
There are tours to the historic villages of Kaukulaelae and Keauhou Bay, the birthplace of King Kamehameha III.
Enquiries: outrigger.com
Concert at the Noosa Jazz Festival.
Sounds of jazz in Noosa
CELEBRATING 30 years of jazz music in Noosa, this year’s Noosa Jazz Festival will be held at a variety of venues from August 22 to September 1.
Leading jazz musicians from around Australia will be on the Sunshine Coast to take part in concerts and social events at festival venues ranging from theatres, restaurants, cafes and clubs to river cruises and outdoor settings.
The festival kicks off with a concert featuring the six-piece Australian Jazz Ensemble and the 70-member Noosa Chorale at the J Theatre. They present an encore concert on August 24. Other highlights include the Jazz Party Concert on August 28, sunset jazz and dinner events.
The Noosa Jazz Festival offers a diverse lineup of performances that appeal to jazz aficionados and music lovers.
Enquiries: noosajazzclub.com
