Exploring the Unknown with Radio Surveys
A Celebration of the Career of Ray Norris
15-17 May 2023
Uluṟu, NT, Australia
Location
Rayfest 2023 is being held at Ayers Rock Resort, in Uluṟu, NT, Australia.
While the conference is hybrid to cater for all those who can't make it in person, we strongly encourage in-person attendance where possible to make the most of the venue and the occasion.
Additionally, there are numerous cultural activities one can partake in while visiting Uluṟu. For more information on excursions and activities please visit Voyages Indigenous Tourism: Experiences and Discover Central Australia.
Conference Venue
Uluṟu is one of Australia's most recognized and important landmarks, a place of cultural and spiritual significance. Given Prof Ray Norris research in Indigenous astronomy, and his connections to Indigenous communities across Australia, we are planning for a conference with significant focus on cultural and Indigenous astronomy. Uluṟu is the perfect place to leave a legacy of Indigenous cultural value and impact.
The Ayers Rock Resort is run by an Indigenous owned company, Voyages. Further information about the resort is available on their website.
Getting there
QANTAS or Jetstar fly directly to Uluṟu, Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) from Sydney, Melbourne and Cairns.
Flight arrival times are usually between 12:30 - 15:30 and then departures from 13:15 - 16:15.
Ayers Rock Resort is only 6 km from Ayers Rock Airport. Transfers to the resort from the airport are included for guests staying at the Ayers Rock Resort.
One can also fly into Alice Springs, and drive the ~450 km to the Ayers Rock Resort. This drive is about 4.5 hours, non-stop, road conditions unknown.
Please arrive on the Sunday May 14 and depart Thursday May 18 if you wish to attend the whole conference.
Accommodation
We have organised a block booking with the Ayers Rock Resort. Rooms must be booked by Mar 14th or they will be released. Prices may be higher if booked later.
We have set aside 40 rooms in the Lost Camel at $332 per night, and 10 rooms in the Desert Gardens hotel at $385 per night.
Note that the group booking is for four nights (check in Sun 14th May and check out Thu 18th May). If you wish to stay longer then that is subject to availability.
To book rooms within the conference block, please use the button below to book directly with the venue. For booking related enquiries, please contact the Voyages Group Reservations team by phone at 1300 134 044 or by email at groups@voyages.com.au.
May is the start of peak season at Uluṟu. We have received a discounted rate for our group booking. It is recommended that attendees book their rooms using this group booking link ASAP, and before Mar 14th.
Please see the Ayers Rock Resort website for the full list of available accommodation options but note that due to the remoteness of the location all available accommodation is as listed on this website.
Please email the conference organisers at rayfest2023@gmail.com if you would like to consider sharing accommodation with another attendee and we can put people in touch with each other where appropriate.
Conference Dinner: Sounds of Silence
On the first night of the conference (Monday 15th May), attendees and their guests are invited to attend the Sounds of Silence dinner. The dinner ticket includes:
- Outback style canapes
- A three-course bush tucker inspired buffet
- Didgeridoo performance
- A guided tour of the night sky
- Return transfers
- This will be non-exclusive (i.e. other resort guests will attend), but we will be seated as close together as possible.
This will be non-exclusive (i.e. other resort guests will attend), but we will be seated as close together as possible.
Tickets are $249 each, payable at the time of registration.
More information can be found on the Sounds of Silence website.
