Wintjiri Wiru – Kurpany the devil dog. Anangu share the Mala story, from Kaltukatjara to Uluru, through a drone, sound and light show designed and produced by RAMUS
A SPECTACULAR show featuring 1,200 lightweight drones and light projections in the skies above Uluru has taken out two major awards.
Wintjiri Wiru emerged as a standout performer at the 36th Brolga Northern Territory Tourism Awards.
The Brolga’s are the local tourism industry’s night of nights with 28 businesses, organisations and individuals crowned winners.
Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia’s Wintjiri Wiru, which means beautiful view out to the horizon, won best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Tourism Experience as well as being crowned the Chair’s Choice for Tourism Excellence.
A total of 22 NT business category winners from the awards will represent the Territory at the Australian Tourism Awards, with Darwin the host city for the national awards on March 15, 2024.
“We’re absolutely thrilled Wintjiri Wiru has been recognised at the Northern Territory’s Brolga Awards,” said Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.
“Importantly, these awards honour the Anangu and the story they have so graciously shared with the world to create Wintjiri Wiru.
“We’re incredibly proud to be able to share this stunning Indigenous storytelling experience with our guests, offering an authentic connection to Anangu culture in the spiritual heart of Australia.”
‘Tis the Season to See Oz
JOURNEY BEYOND has launched its 2025 season of touring, train journeys and Sal Salis stays, with a new itinerary for the Indian Pacific.
Outback Spirit’s first release for 2025 is a selection of the small group touring company’s most popular itineraries, which are fully inclusive of meals, drinks, attraction fees and activities.
Sal Salis Ningaloo Reef, now open for 2025, provides guests with availability across both humpback and whale shark seasons.
Journey Beyond’s train journeys – The Ghan, Indian Pacific and Great Southern – are also open for booking.
There is also a selection of holiday packages available and some new pairings, where train journeys connect with Outback Spirit’s all-inclusive, small-group tours.
This comes with the further announcement of an all-new extended service on the Indian Pacific.
“At Journey Beyond, we focus on consistently inventing and delivering exceptional tourism experiences that really connect our guests with this beautiful country,” said Alicia Triggs, EGM Sales & Partnerships.
“This includes the big news that the Indian Pacific is extending its eastbound itinerary to a five-day, four-night journey. The extended 2025 itinerary includes new Off Train Experiences and enhancements that reimagine crossing the Nullarbor by train.”
The new Indian Pacific itinerary will operate year-round from January 2025.
Lux Offer Looks Good On Paper
AUSTRALIA’S ORIGINAL glamping retreat is offering savings on midweek rates for those looking to unwind and unplug.
Paperbark Camp has a new package that offers three nights at the luxury ecotourism retreat for the price of two. The promotion is available until December 21.
Nestled in riverside bushland at Jervis Bay, 2½ hours south of Sydney, the five-star camp boasts luxe eco safari tents, all offering bush-view tubs and indulgent day beds.
The special ‘three nights for two’ offer is available for midweek stays from Monday to Thursday nights from December 4 to 21, with rates starting at $745 a night per couple, or $1,490 for the three nights including the free night.
Rates include a gourmet, three-course dinner each day in the camp’s treetop restaurant, full breakfasts and use of the camp’s bikes and canoes.
The camp has 13 elevated tents with polished hardwood flooring, double canvas roofs, outdoor deck seating and private ensuites – with hot showers overlooking the bush.
The tranquil, riverside setting in the bush is home to kangaroos, possums and colourful birdlife. The blue-sapphire waters of Jervis Bay are just minutes away as are whale and dolphin cruises.
