“Sounds of Silence Dinner” – A truly magical experience that couldn’t (quite) possibly be replicated anywhere else

The low hum of the didgeridoo in the distance welcomed us as we made our way up the trail.  The hum got louder as we neared the flat plains set slightly on top of a hill giving us a 360 view of the beautiful red earth.  Sipping our champagnes, we took in the beauty of the desert, enjoying the cool evening breeze.  Mesmerized by the dreamy tune of the didgeridoo, we were awed that we were actually there in the vast Red Centre, with Uluru on our left and Kata Tjuta on our right; and soon we’ll experience an Outback banquet with Australian wines.

The experience of an award winning candlelight dinner under the stars – in the Outback – couldn’t possibly be replicated anywhere else.  Apart from the beautiful desert scenery, the lovely canapés of crocodile ‘top hats’, little baguettes of barbecued kangaroo and (our favourite!) vegetarian sushi rolled in Outback Dukkah were simply a grand “entrée” to the evening.

Dinner was buffet-style with an array of Australian delicacies – kangaroo, crocodile, barramundi, bush salads and spices – complemented by lovely Australian red and white wines. The open-table dining was (thankfully) fun as we met fellow travellers from all parts of the world, and had a great time exchanging travel anecdotes, as well as reflecting on our hikes and sunrise experiences through Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Sitting in total darkness under the starlight was a very special closing to the evening indeed.  All the stories we’ve heard – of travel, Dreamtime and the starry kind – are momentous.  It’s amazing what you can hear in that few minutes of silence…truly magical.

Sidebar…
While the experience and service of the restaurant were five-star quality, the food didn’t quite reach that mark – the canapés at sunset were however fantastic. Is it still worth doing? …yes!

~GioMi
(December 2008)

Tags: Dining, Dining Under the Stars, Northern Territory, Restaurant, Sounds of Silence Dinner, Uluru

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