Family-Friendly Dining Options at Ayers Rock Resort

When the family is on holiday enjoying all that Ayers Rock Resort has to offer, someone at some point is going to declare they’re hungry. Fortunately, there are plenty of options here to tantalize taste buds of all ages. Food plays an essential role in your family adventure, no matter the pace of you and your young explorers. Maybe you’re looking to take a brief pause to energize in the middle of a day, and a convenient to-go meal will hit the spot. Or perhaps the family wants to spend quality time around the table to recap the day — excitedly discussing what big thing comes next. No matter what has your stomach rumbling, you’ll find a meal that hits the spot when you stay with us.

If your heart is set on exploring local food culture, be sure to check out the Bush Food Experience. This free activity is the perfect introduction to bush tucker. Now, you may be wondering what, exactly, is bush tucker? Well, the term is used to describe Indigenous ingredients from the Red Centre of Australia that have been essential and celebrated parts of life for over 40,000 years. The highlight of this daily tour is a captivating bush tucker cooking demonstration. You’ll learn the stories of how different local ingredients came to be used, all before getting the chance to touch and taste bush tucker for yourself! This experience is a great way to spark the curiosity of kids. And who knows? Maybe they’ll want to try something new, adventurous, and not on the children’s menu after this memorable experience.

 

Early risers will love starting the day off with a hearty breakfast at Gecko’s Cafe. Open early from Friday to Monday, Gecko’s has a kid’s menu along with options for the adults in the family. Feel the fresh breeze below the desert sky while eating outdoors or head indoors and take in the expansive views while enjoying fresh, flavourful food infused with local Indigenous ingredients.

Looking to have pizza night before setting out to watch an Uluru sunset? Gecko’s has you covered. Whether you want to sit down in this relaxed atmosphere or take it back to the resort with the take-away option, everyone will be reaching for that last slice.
 

Ideal for when you need a quick and light breakfast or lunch during your family adventures, the Kulata Academy Café has something for everyone. You can enjoy a variety of fresh sandwiches, hot pies, salads, and more at the café or on-the-go. Tea, coffee, and sweet treats are also available if you need a little boost during your day.

Prepared by students of the National Indigenous Training Academy, these convenient, delicious meals are created by the rising stars of Ayers Rock Resort. Along with satisfying hunger, you’ll be supporting these trainees on their path to hospitality success.
 

Want to spend the afternoon at the pool but not pack up and leave once hunger strikes? The Pira Pool Bar is the spot to relax by the oasis-like pool at Sails in the Desert. Adults can unwind on holiday with handcrafted cocktails, fresh salads, classic burgers, and tasty bar bites with Indigenous flavours. There’s also a children’s menu for young explorers who are ready to slow down for a moment before hopping back into the pool. With gluten-free, vegetarian, and dairy-free options, there’s something for everyone.
 

Start your day in the absolute best way with the Desert Awakenings Experience. This magical experience starts bright and early, before the sun even rises! Watch the desert wake up in the shadows of Uluru and Kata Tjuta rock formations. And while watching the sun rise, you’ll learn about the natural landscapes of Central Australia — as well as their cultural significance — while filling up on a traditional Aussie breakfast. This includes bacon and egg rolls, traditional damper with homemade syrup, brewed coffee, and selections of tea to start this memorable day off. After breakfast, your journey continues with a guided tour of the locations and lore of the Anangu.

Note: Desert Awakenings Experience is available from 1 April 2021
 

When you’re looking for an exceptional immersive food experience with the whole family, try the Ilkari Restaurant for a dinner you’ll never forget. The buffet menu brings together international flavours along with signature dishes created by a team of executive chefs, deeply integrating Indigenous ingredients to celebrate the ancient flavours of Australia. For dessert in the desert, items such as crème brûlée and a flowing chocolate foundation are sure to catch the eyes of both children and adults with an appreciation for sweets. Located at Sails in the Desert, the restaurant also has a full buffet breakfast highly recommended for egg lovers.