ROCKS
Why is Uluru so sacred?
Uluru isn’t only a spectacular natural
landmark, but a deeply spiritual place. The
local Aboriginal people, the Anangu, are
the traditional owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta
National Park, the area that encompasses the
rock. For the Anangu, this is a living place
governed by Anangu law, known as Tjukurpa
— the foundation of Anangu life and society.
The Anangu people believe the landscape
around Uluru was created at the beginning of
time by their ancestors. A landmark decision
made in 2017 means that climbing the Rock is
forbidden as of 26 October 2019, 34 years ater it
was handed back to the Anangu people by the
Australian government.What’s the best way to experience Uluru?
The Uluru Base Walk — you can circumnavigate
the 10km base and relax beside waterholes, take
a break under a magniicent Sheoak tree and
peer into hidden caves. Join a guided tour to
hear stories passed down by generations, see
incredible rock art sites and learn about its lora
and fauna, including 73 types of reptiles and
thousands more species of creepy-crawlies.What are the other highlights in the area?
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre is a great
starting point. It ofers information about the
park as well as an introduction to Anangu
culture. For a fun way to experience the icon,
travel through the red sand of Australia on the
back of a camel, taking sunrise and sunset tours
to both Uluru and the soaring rock domes of
Kata Tjuta. You could also join a Maruku Arts
dot painting workshop at Ayers Rock Resort to
learn about the Tjurkurpa creation symbols.What sort of cultural experiences are on
ofer for families visiting the area?
If you’re up for a real adventure, you can travel a
few hours deep into the heart of the Red Centre
with SEIT Outback Australia, led by Uluru’s
Anangu people, on a 4x4 tour to visit places
like Cave Hill, site of the Seven Sisters creation
stories. Your guides will point out the desert
dunes and painted caves of their homeland.HOW TO DO IT: Explore Uluru and the Northern
Territory’s other geological giants, too, from
Kings Canyon to the Devil’s Marbles. This is
also the place to take the ultimate Australian
camping trip: a night spent sleeping out in sight
of the rock will reveal starry skies and a sunrise
that will be forever etched in your family’s
memory. Two-day tours of Uluru, including
meals and swag bags for camping, from £220
per person. uluru.com
BEST FOR: Six-plus IMAGES: GETTY; ALAMYUluru-Kata Tjuta
National Park
BELOW: At the foot
of UluruTRAVELLER 10
166 nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel03