Voyages Launch Major Events Program for 2014

Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia is delighted to announce its major events program for 2014 on the eve of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra's performance at Uluru. The program will kick off in April with Tjungu, an Indigenous Cultural Festival followed by Outback Fest, Uluru Camel Cup, an Astronomy weekend and the Australian Outback Marathon.

"The entire Ayers Rock Resort is fully booked this weekend around the performances of the Darwin Symphony Orchestra (DSO) which we know will be a fantastic experience," said Voyages Managing Director Koos Klein.

"We believe that our major events program in 2014 will enhance the already strong guest experience that we now offer at the Resort and give people an even better reason to plan their trip to the spiritual heart of Australia," said Koos.

The inaugural Tjungu Festival will be held from 24-27 April. Tjungu, pronounced tjoo-ngoo, meaning meeting or coming together in local Anangu language, will celebrate the best of Indigenous culture - past present and future. Highlights of the three day festival will include a spectacular line up of contemporary Indigenous musicians and bands, a fashion parade, a movie montage of Indigenous film and food experiences including a master class by a leading Indigenous chef.

The colourful Outback Fest, from 3-4 May, will be an Authentic Aussie Outback experience. Featuring the Uluru Camel Cup Race day complete with Fashions on the Field and a Camel Calcutta the weekend culminates with a true Outback Ball under the sparkling night sky.

The Australian Outback Marathon is now in its fifth year and the 2014 event, held on 26 July, is set to be the biggest yet. Set amongst one of the most iconic backdrops in the world entrants from every continent will once again pound the red dirt with spectacular views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

The spectacular night sky is often amongst the highlights of a stay at Ayers Rock Resort, with low humidity and minimal light pollution allowing a view of the stars and planets that few other places on earth can claim. The Astronomy Weekend, from 22-24 August will be led by some of the world's leading experts and will include discussions on the structure of the cosmos and more.

Further details of the individual events will be released early in 2014.

"These events further add and enhance the experience of our guests who every day have the opportunity to experience not only the natural beauty and wonder of the destination but also the true cultural immersion that is offered in numerous ways throughout the Resort including our daily cultural dance performances, spear and boomerang throwing classes, daily art markets and much more," said Koos.

"We are very pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response we have had to the DSO performance at Ayers Rock Resort and look forward to supporting the major events that are planned for Ayers Rock Resort over the coming year," said Tourism Northern Territory CEO Tony Mayell.