One of the highlights of our stay at Uluru was the Sounds of Silence dinner. It began with a bus ride to a sand dune in the middle of nowhere. We indulged in canapés and sparkling wine

as we watched the descending sun

change the hues of Uluru.

Behind us, Kata Tjuta was transforming

as the sun sank lower. Sol finally slipped below the horizon

and while trying not to take our eyes off the spectacle around us,

we made our way along a path to our restaurant. The kitchen was well equipped

and the formal table settings contrasted sharply with the surrounding landscape.

While we got to know our fellow travellers

we listened to the stirring sounds of a didgeridoo

and enjoyed some of Australia’s finest wines. The bush tucker inspired buffet included barbecued barramundi, kangaroo, emu & crocodile. The last glow lit up the horizon

and the dark sky came alive with stars.

The resident star talker introduced us to the wonders of the universe and we had the opportunity for a close up view of Saturn and the Earth’s moon through his amazing telescope. The lighting around the perimeter created a warming ambience

and as the desert evening cooled down, the gas heaters were welcomed.

Replete with food, wine and good company, it was a very quiet bus ride back to the resort.