Ayers Rock Resort has proudly claimed top honours at the prestigious 2025 Hospitality NT Gold Plate Awards, reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for exceptional dining and tourism experiences in the Northern Territory.
The Resort’s standout culinary offerings were recognised across three major categories:
- Hotel Restaurant – Arnguli Grill & Restaurant
- Tourism Dining – Tali Wiru
- Restaurant of the Year – Tali Wiru
These accolades celebrate the Resort’s commitment to excellence in hospitality, Indigenous cultural experiences, and sustainable tourism.
Tali Wiru, Uluru’s signature open-air fine dining experience, continues to set the benchmark for luxury tourism dining in Australia. It holds 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 receive a Chef’s Hat.
Arnguli Grill, located at Desert Gardens Hotel, builds on its recent acclaim as the NT’s Best Steak Restaurant, impressing judges with its refined menu showcasing premium Australian produce and native ingredients in a relaxed yet elegant setting.
“We are honoured to be recognised by Hospitality NT for our dedication to delivering world-class dining experiences in the heart of the Red Centre,” said Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia, operators of Ayers Rock Resort. “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.”
Central to the culinary philosophy at Ayers Rock Resort is a deep respect for Indigenous culture and native Australian ingredients. Both Tali Wiru and Arnguli Grill feature seasonal menus that hero bush foods such as wattle seed, desert lime, quandong, lemon myrtle, and kangaroo. These ingredients are thoughtfully integrated into contemporary dishes, offering guests a unique sensory experience that connects them to the land and its traditional custodians, the Anangu.
The Gold Plate Awards, held at Mindil Beach Casino Resort on 25 August 2025, celebrate the Territory’s finest in hospitality and dining. Ayers Rock Resort’s wins highlight its role in elevating the NT’s culinary landscape and its ongoing contribution to Indigenous tourism and regional excellence.
