THE HON TANYA PLIBERSEK MP
Minister for the Environment and Water
SENATOR THE HON DON FARRELL
Minister for Trade and Tourism
Special Minister of State
MARION SCRYMGOUR MP
Member for Lingiari
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday 22 October 2024
World-class guided walk unites Australian icons
A world-class desert walk between two of Australia’s most iconic landmarks is set to become one of central Australia’s major tourism attractions.
The new Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk through World Heritage-listed Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory will open to visitors in 2026.
The fully guided walking experience starts in the shadows of Kata Tjuṯa’s giant red domes and ends 54 kilometres away at the foot of Uluṟu, Australia’s most defining natural icon. Along the way, the walk offers incomparable views in every direction.
Aṉangu Traditional Owners of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park will guide visitors on the four-night trek, sharing stories and knowledge about their ancient Country, including Aṉangu practices to protect the park.
This desert journey into the heart of Australia is the first overnight accommodation offering in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.
The new walk will benefit local Aṉangu communities, creating at least 20 positions in the first 10 years of business, and through revenue-sharing agreements.
The walk will be operated by the Tasmanian Walking Company. Construction on the walk commences this week.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek:
“The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk will redefine the great walks of Australia, bringing Aṉangu culture and tradition – and this majestic desert landscape – to the rest of the world.
“Aṉangu’s connection to Country and culture will be shared with visitors through immersive experiences that showcase the park’s iconic rock formations, diverse flora and fauna, and cultural practices that have sustained this land and its people for tens of thousands of years."
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator Don Farrell:
“Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa are iconic sites of great cultural and natural heritage value – things that we know are great drawcards for international visitors to Australia. This is an exciting new tourism product that will enable people to experience the awe-inspiring country and gain a greater understanding of Anangu's stories and connection to the land.
“I recently had the privilege of being welcomed to Anangu Country to meet the National Indigenous Training Academy’s class of 2024, at their graduation event. And I hope this walk will provide future employment opportunities for First Nations people like those graduates, giving them the chance to take their first steps towards a successful career in tourism and hospitality.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“The new Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Signature Walk will allow visitors to this national park to share in the rich cultural history and traditions of Anangu. I am pleased this iconic cultural experience has finally come to fruition."
Quotes attributable to Director of National Parks, Ricky Archer:
“This environmentally sustainable walking tour is the culmination of a strong partnership between Anangu, Parks Australia and the Tasmanian Walking Company, developed over many years. The walking tours will benefit Anangu through creation of meaningful employment opportunities and revenue sharing, while providing visitors with an enriched understanding about Anangu culture and customs.”
Quotes attributable to the Chair of the Anangu Steering Committee, Tapaya Edwards:
“Anangu have walked this land for over 30,000 years and we welcome visitors from around the world. This walk has been created in close partnership with Anangu and is supported by our community. When you come to our Country we want you to slow down and connect with our beautiful home. During the walk we hope you’ll gain a deeper understanding of our stories, art and traditions, and join us in caring for the land. As you walk, you’ll see that our culture is alive and continues to be rich and strong.”
ENDS
