Australia Walking Co. proposes new 40km ‘Uluru Lodge Walk’ to replace climb after 2019 ban

An Australian company behind a number of the country’s “great walks” has proposed the development of a 40km walking track and “wilderness and wellbeing experience” between Kata Tjuta and Uluru.

AN Australian company behind a number of the country’s “great walks” has proposed the development of a 40km walking track and “wilderness and wellbeing experience” between the NT’s Kata Tjuta and Uluru.

To be known as the Uluru Lodge Walk, documents lodged with the Commonwealth show the project was born out of a 2015 government process to find “culturally appropriate tourism ventures” as an alternative to climbing the rock.

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Tourists have been banned from climbing Uluru, a sacred men’s site of traditional owners the Anangu, since October 2019.

The proposal by the Australian Walking Company (AWC) would involve a four-day, four-night walk traversing a 40km track and three semipermanent to permanent camps that include a wellness centre, spa and plunge tanks.

Artist impression of the route, views and accommodation to be part of the proposed Uluru Lodge Walk, a 4-day, 4-night “wilderness and wellbeing experience” during a walk between Kata Tjuta and Uluru, according to proponent Australian Walking Company (AWC). Picture: Troppo Architects.

Artist impression of the route, views and accommodation to be part of the proposed Uluru Lodge Walk, a 4-day, 4-night “wilderness and wellbeing experience” during a walk between Kata Tjuta and Uluru, according to proponent Australian Walking Company (AWC). Picture: Troppo Architects.

The company, which also runs the Twelve Apostles Lodge Walk in Victoria, estimates up to 2000 guests a year will do the Uluru Lodge Walk during the cooler months.

According to lodged documents, traditional owners, supported by the Central Land Council, after six years of negotiation consented to the company obtaining a 45-year sublease form Parks Australia for the project.

“Over the lifetime of the project, it will have a specific focus on engaging Anangu as guides, hosts and support staff, as well as in complimentary businesses supporting other aspects of the walk,” the company stated.

“It is also proposed that Anangu will receive opportunities for training, which may enable them to obtain skills necessary to take on a greater responsibility in the management of the Park.

“Additionally Anangu will receive a percentage of the income AWC generates through its venture.”

AWC states in it environmental impact statement said “close communication and on-site consultations” with traditional owners were central to the projects design and changes had been made to the walking route to address concerns, including steering clear of culturally sensitive sites.

The proposal will need to get the go ahead from the federal government under environment protection and biodiversity laws.

Artist impression of the route, views and accommodation to be part of the proposed Uluru Lodge Walk, a 4-day, 4-night “wilderness and wellbeing experience” during a walk between Kata Tjuta and Uluru, according to proponent Australian Walking Company (AWC). Picture: Troppo Architects.

Artist impression of the route, views and accommodation to be part of the proposed Uluru Lodge Walk, a 4-day, 4-night “wilderness and wellbeing experience” during a walk between Kata Tjuta and Uluru, according to proponent Australian Walking Company (AWC). Picture: Troppo Architects.

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