Uluru Photography Workshop (Uluru–Kata Tjuta, NT)
2026 dates: 12–16 June 2026 (AEST)
Base: Yulara · sessions at Uluru (Uluṟu) and Kata Tjuta (Tjuṯa)
A small-group (max 4) Uluru photography workshop that is astro-first, planned around moon phase and Milky Way alignment, while still going deep on sunrise, sunset and twilight desert light. We photograph inside the national park during access windows (including twilight, up to close), then continue night-sky technique from dark-sky locations outside the park once it closes. 2026 is sold out. Join the newsletter for cancellations and future releases.
Shoot single and tracked Milky Way images, learn ethical twilight blending, and leave with a repeatable Lightroom workflow + Photoshop finishing for tracked Milky Way blends.
Who this is for
- Photographers who want Uluru + Kata Tjuta done properly (not tourist snapshots)
- Anyone chasing a clean Milky Way alignment over Uluru
- Beginners wanting structure, and advanced shooters wanting real refinement
- People who want a small group, not a crowd
Not the right fit if…
- You want a guided sightseeing tour rather than active instruction
- You expect guaranteed astro every night regardless of cloud
- You want after-hours park access (we don’t do that)
What you'll shoot
- Uluru: sunrise glow, side-light textures, silhouettes, twilight colour
- Kata Tjuta: layered domes, wide landscapes, long-lens abstracts
- Milky Way: single and tracked images (off-park after close)
- Ethical blending: clean twilight blends (no fake light, no weird composites)
- Desert atmosphere: haze, cloud drama, post-rain colour (season dependent)
- Editing: Lightroom workflow + Photoshop finishing (tracked Milky Way blends are done in PS)
What's included
- All guided sunrise, sunset and twilight shoots
- Astrophotography coaching (in-window + off-park)
- Accommodation (Yulara)
- Editing sessions and critique blocks (Lightroom + Photoshop)
- Planning checklists and shoot routines you keep
- Permits and permissions where required
- $20M public liability insurance
Not included
- Flights to/from Yulara (Connellan Airport, AYQ)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Personal gear purchases
- Meals and personal expenses
Flights tip: AYQ can run a limited schedule (season dependent). Aim to arrive earlier in the day to protect the Day 1 briefing.
If you’re choosing times: arrive on the ~11:30am flight if you can, or ~1:40pm latest so you’re set for the local briefing and first session. For departures, the ~2:30pm option is usually the simplest for logistics (where available).
How night-sky sessions work
Astrophotography is planned around moon phase and Milky Way alignment for the specific dates we run this workshop. We photograph inside Uluṟu–Kata Tjuṯa National Park during access windows — including twilight and early night — right up to park close.
After close, deeper night-sky shooting moves to dark-sky locations outside the park boundary when weather and safety allow. Everything is conditions-led. No risky access, no rule-bending.
Payment
- $750 deposit secures your place
- Balance due 60 days before the workshop
- Payment plans available on request
Transport & accommodation
- Base in Yulara (AYQ)
- Accommodation in Yulara included
- All in-field transport provided once you’re based in Yulara
Everything you need to plan and pack
Day-by-day breakdown, conditions, gear expectations and how it runs.
Arrival + briefing + first sunset
Arrive Yulara, gear check and briefing (locals + access rules + cultural guidelines). Sunset session if conditions and arrival timing allow.
Uluru sunrise to twilight + night work
Pre-dawn start, sunrise textures and silhouettes. Midday editing. Twilight in-window, then off-park Milky Way session after close (conditions permitting).
Kata Tjuta + astro focus
Kata Tjuta compositions and long-lens abstracts. Afternoon critique + plan. Evening astro: single + tracked capture workflow, stacking/tracking basics.
Conditions-led flex day
Adapt to weather + group needs. Alternate angles, personal coaching, deeper edit sessions. Final night window if available.
Final sunrise + wrap + departures
Optional final sunrise, image review, take-home workflow notes. Transfers for flights.
Astro windows & seasonal context
June is prime Red Centre season: cool, dry air and strong Milky Way positioning. Dates are chosen around moon phase to maximise dark sky time. Overnight temps can drop hard, so pack proper layers.
Gear expectations
- Mirrorless or DSLR with manual controls
- Wide-angle lens: 14–16mm at f/2.8–f/4 is ideal for astro
- Sturdy tripod (non-negotiable)
- Headtorch with red mode + spare batteries
- Lightroom + Photoshop (tracked blends finished in PS)
Safety approach
- Documented safety plan held on file
- No park access after close
- Briefed emergency contacts + first-aid protocols Day 1
- Weather-led decisions, no ego missions
Permits, access & cultural respect
- Permits/permissions handled where required
- Respect-first briefing on Anangu protocols
- No photography of restricted/sacred sites (briefed before field)
- No drones within Uluṟu–Kata Tjuṯa National Park
Weather & conditions philosophy
We adapt. Overcast can be magic in the desert. Astro requires clear skies and is always conditions-dependent; if cloud rolls in, we switch to editing, planning, and technique so the workshop still moves forward.
What past participants say
Real feedback from real workshops.
"Incredible workshop as Dylan has so much knowledge and experience as a tutor and photographer and is so willing to share it all with his clients. I learnt so much, but at a rate that I could understand as we went along and didn't feel overwhelmed. Would highly recommend and would participate in future workshops in a heartbeat."
"Definitely worth it — expert tuition, incredible locations, and a fun group of like-minded photographers. I was surprised how much my white balance was affecting my images. Despite being slow and needing some help reaching the locations, I made it to every single one and came away with shots I'm genuinely proud of. If you're sitting on the fence — just go."
"Dylan has put a lot of time and effort into this workshop. Easy to understand and ensures each student gets the time they need. I really appreciated that there were only four students — he spent plenty of time with each of us."
"Knighty's Astro session was an amazingly transformative and immersive experience as a beginner photographer. I came back with marvellous photos and newfound confidence."
"Dylan was an attentive and knowledgeable instructor who was prepared to put in extra time. He made sure to check on all photographers and provided tailored advice."
"Excellent. Dylan was very knowledgeable and professional. He went over and above to ensure we all had a great experience."
FAQs
Direct answers before you join the waitlist.
Is the 2026 workshop sold out?
How much does it cost and what's the deposit?
A $750 deposit secures your place. The remaining balance is due 60 days before the workshop. Payment plans are available on request.
What experience level do I need?
Can we shoot inside the park at night?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Do I need Lightroom or Photoshop?
Is accommodation included?
Want first crack at a cancellation seat?
Uluru 2026 is sold out. If someone drops out, the newsletter gets offered the seat before it goes public.