A solar eclipse will be visible above Uluṟu – how to time your trip

By Liz Whitehead
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It’s a total eclipse of Australia’s heart (well, almost).

There’s something in the air (or rather, the cosmos). Australia is in the midst of a rare flurry of solar eclipse activity, with five total eclipses sweeping across the country between 2023 and 2038.

For context, only 15 total solar eclipses have touched Australia in the last 200 years, making this an extraordinary streak. And the next one? It cuts right across the belly of the country and will be visible above Uluṟu.

If you’ve been dreaming of a trip to Australia’s spiritual heart, this could be one of the most magical times to make it happen.

When is the solar eclipse?

The next total solar eclipse visible from Australia is slated for 22 July 2028. The path of totality begins from the Kimberley region of WA, sweeps across the Northern Territory, outback Queensland and NSW.

A partial eclipse will be visible from pretty much anywhere in the country. Uluṟu is a definite standout. Uluṟu is not directly under the eclipse’s path of totality, but it’s pretty darn close. It’s estimated to be at around 88 per cent in totality, meaning that this is still a rare sight. And it’s hard to imagine a more iconic landscape to witness it in than Australia’s red heart.

the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

The path of the total eclipse will travel very close to Uluṟu in 2028. (Image: Tourism Australia)

If you can’t manage to get to Uluṟu for the eclipse, it’s still an amazing destination for astronomy enthusiasts, with some of the most stunning starscapes in the country. You can learn lots about Indigenous astronomy at star talks, tours and even dune-top dinners under the stars.

As for the lucky places in Australia that will experience the 100 per cent total eclipse? Read on.

Where else can you see the total eclipse?

Aussies are in for a celestial treat in 2028. This total solar eclipse won’t just skim the edge of the country, it’ll sweep dramatically across the entire diagonal of the mainland, offering rare views to millions.

The path of totality begins in the stunning Kimberley region of WA, crossing near the town of Kununurra, then it will continue past remote stretches of the Northern Territory before hitting outback Queensland towns like Tennant Creek and Birdsville. From there, it moves into regional NSW, passing over Dubbo and Orange, before finally heading for the big cities of Sydney and Wollongong and then out across the Pacific.

And Sydneysiders, mark your calendars. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from Sydney for another 800 years. No pressure.

Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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It’s official! The Northern Territory’s best restaurant is in Uluṟu.

    By Emily Murphy
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    Australia’s most iconic rock now rocks the food scene.

    You already know Uluṟu as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – but did you know it’s also home to the Northern Territory’s best dining?

    At the 2025 Hospitality NT Gold Plate Awards, Tali Wiṟu, the signature open-air dining experience at Ayers Rock Resort, was crowned Restaurant of the Year. The win cements Uluṟu as not only a bucket-list destination for awe-inspiring landscapes but also for world-class food.

    A fine-dining experience under the stars

    A table of people dining at Tali Wiṟu in Uluṟu

    Tali Wiru has a Chef’s Hat. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

    Meaning “beautiful dune” in the local Aṉangu language, Tali Wiṟu offers diners an unforgettable four-course banquet beneath the desert sky. Think native flavours like wattleseed, quandong, and desert lime woven into contemporary dishes, paired with premium Australian wines and uninterrupted views of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa glowing at sunset.

    It’s a recipe that has already earned Tali Wiṟu a coveted Chef’s Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide – making it the highest-rated restaurant in the Northern Territory and the only open-air restaurant in Australia to hold such an honour.

    More than one win for Uluṟu

    Dining at Arnguli Grill & Restaurant in Uluṟu

    Arnguli Grill & Restaurant won the Best Hotel Restaurant. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

    The resort didn’t stop there. Its Arnguli Grill & Restaurant, located at Desert Gardens Hotel, also took home the award for Best Hotel Restaurant, impressing judges with refined dishes that showcase premium Australian steak and native ingredients in an elegant yet relaxed setting.

    A taste of Country

    Tali Wiṟu in Uluṟu chef plating entrees

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    For both restaurants, the accolades recognise more than just flawless cooking – they’re also a celebration of connection to Country. Central to Ayers Rock Resort’s culinary philosophy is championing bush foods and paying respect to Aṉangu culture. Native ingredients like lemon myrtle, kangaroo and desert lime feature heavily on the menus, offering travellers a true taste of the Red Centre.

    Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO Matt Cameron-Smith said the wins highlight their dedication to delivering world-class dining experiences.

    “These awards are a testament to the passion and creativity of our culinary teams, and to the unique cultural and natural setting that inspires everything we do,” he said.