Proposed 40km ‘Uluru Lodge Walk’ wins support from resort operator Voyages

THE company that operates Ayers Rock Resort is broadly in favour of a newly proposed 40km tourist walking track established between Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

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

THE company that operates Ayers Rock Resort is broadly in favour of a newly proposed 40km tourist walking track established between Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

Voyages CEO Matthew Cameron-Smith said despite Voyages’ lack of involvement in the initiative, he was still excited to see development in the area.

“While Voyages isn’t involved in the proposed ‘Uluru Lodge Walk’, we welcome product development in the Red Centre that showcases Indigenous culture and supports the employment of traditional owners,” he said.

Voyages also operates the airport at Yulara.

According to the company behind the proposal, Australia Walking Company, the track would be a “wilderness and wellbeing experience” stretching between Kata Tjuta and Uluru.

The track would be known as the “Uluru Lodge Walk” and would be a four-day, four-night hike featuring three semipermanent to permanent camps that include a wellness centre, spa and plunge tanks.

An artist’s impression of the route, views and accommodation part of the proposed Uluru Lodge Walk from the Australian Walking Company (AWC). Picture: Troppo Architects

An artist’s impression of the route, views and accommodation part of the proposed Uluru Lodge Walk from the Australian Walking Company (AWC). Picture: Troppo Architects

MORE TOURISM NEWS

Red Centre adventure to feature on popular TV series Travel Guides

Leading operator says fluctuating border restrictions will mean the ruin of the NT tourism market

Third and final round of $200 Territory Tourism Vouchers to be released February 1

The idea for the project arose following a 2015 government process to find “culturally appropriate tourism ventures” as an alternative to climbing the rock.

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

According to documents lodged with the Commonwealth, Australia Walking Company negotiated with traditional owners, supported by the Central Land Council, for six years to obtain 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 complementary businesses supporting other aspects of the walk,” the company stated.

An artist’s impression of the route, views and accommodation part of the proposed Uluru Lodge Walk from the Australian Walking Company (AWC). Picture: Troppo Architects

An artist’s impression of the route, views and accommodation part of the proposed Uluru Lodge Walk from the Australian Walking Company (AWC). Picture: Troppo Architects

NT NEWS sizzling new deal: Get all your news for just $5 a month

“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.”