Baillie Lodges considering new ‘experiential’ tourism offering at Uluru as development application filed
An Australian icon could get a new ‘experiential’ tourism offering – once a decision is made on its future, and an application to clear more than six hectares of native vegetation is approved.
More than six hectares of native vegetation could be cleared near an Australian icon, as a company explores plans for a new “experiential” tourism offering.
Baillie Lodges, which operates Longitude 131 at Yulara – right next to Uluru – has lodged an application seeking approval to clear 6.62 hectares of native vegetation.
The clearing is for “accommodation and services,” according to the planning application filed, which opened for exhibition on November 21.
A Baillie Lodges spokeswoman elaborated further, explaining the company was “always exploring opportunities for new experiential tourism products and is currently considering one such proposal” at Yulara.
“This concept is currently in the pre-planning stage and is subject to approvals from all relevant government parties and stakeholders. Nothing has been approved or confirmed at this time,” she said.
Documents filed with the application indicate the company could be building nine suites with private decks and plunge pools, a new restaurant and a shared bar, alongside general works such as access tracks and fences.
These works would be part of an “upscale development” to the existing site, which was “themed around celestial and Pitjantjatjara cultural elements, with a strong emphasis on ‘dark sky’ experiences and potential certification from Dark Sky International”, Baillie Lodges’ special projects general manager Ben Lanyon said in application documents.
A records abstract from the Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority (AAPA), submitted with the clearance application, said there were no registered or recorded sacred sites within the proposed clearance area.
There are also no restricted work areas either, according to the AAPA correspondence.
“The team at Baillie Lodges values its position in delivering iconic Australian tourism experiences at Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa,” the Baillie spokeswoman said.
“The company remains committed to continued investment and to working in partnership with valued stakeholders in the region.”
Tourist accommodation at Uluru, a UNESCO world heritage site, is limited to Yulara, a town site owned by Voyages Indigenous Tourism.
Baillie runs luxury lodges all over Australia, with its portfolio also including lodges in Canada and New Zealand.
The exhibition period for the proposal ends at midnight, December 19.
Originally published as Baillie Lodges considering new ‘experiential’ tourism offering at Uluru as development application filed
