The Sounds of Silence tour at Ayers Rock Resort begins at sunset, when the iconic rock formations of Uluru and Kata Tjuta glow fiery red. Take a short walk through the dunes to a panoramic viewpoint, then dine outdoors on Aussie fare, including crocodile canapés, barbecued kangaroo, and wild barramundi. When night falls, an astronomer directs you to sights in the southern sky and explains the stars’ significance in the culture of Uluru’s traditional landowners, the aboriginal Anangu people. $158 for a four-hour tour, including dinner and drinks. Rooms at the resort from $188 per night.

Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, 61/(0) 2-8296-8010. Photo by Dai Fujihara via Creative Commons. This story appeared in the January/February 2011 issue.