by Yee Ling
The area around Uluru was settled thousands of years ago, and although it was discovered by the white man in the 1800s, Uluru and Aboriginal culture are very much entwined today. In fact, Uluru is sacred to the local Pitjantjatjara tribe that live here. It was said to have come about during the much fabled Dreamtime. Aboriginal culture dictates that Uluru was formed by ancestral beings during the Dreamtime. The rock’s many caves and fissures are thought to be evidence of this, and some of the forms around Uluru are said to represent ancestral spirits. Rituals are still often held today in the caves around the base where ‘No Photography’ signs are posted out of respect.
1. Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
Located in the Uluru-KataTjuta National Park, the centre houses an amazing collection of original ceramics, paintings and punu (woodwork) that provide an insight into the unique and spiritual culture of the Anangu people, the traditional owners of Uluru.
No cameras or videos are allowed in this place. There is also a book of letters from around the world. One of the stories was written by a Germany person. In Anangu culture, they prefer that visitors do not climb Uluru out of respect for their culture and law. Anangu have a duty to safeguard visitors to their land, and they feel great sadness if their land is damaged by visitors. Once, a visitor from Germany climbed Uluru and brought back one of the rocks from the site. A few years later, the visitor sent a letter of regret along with the rock to the site, and hoped that their people can return the rock to the original place. By doing this, he hoped that good fortune will follow him for the rest of his life.
Located in the Uluru-KataTjuta National Park, the centre houses an amazing collection of original ceramics, paintings and punu (woodwork) that provide an insight into the unique and spiritual culture of the Anangu people, the traditional owners of Uluru.
No cameras or videos are allowed in this place. There is also a book of letters from around the world. One of the stories was written by a Germany person. In Anangu culture, they prefer that visitors do not climb Uluru out of respect for their culture and law. Anangu have a duty to safeguard visitors to their land, and they feel great sadness if their land is damaged by visitors. Once, a visitor from Germany climbed Uluru and brought back one of the rocks from the site. A few years later, the visitor sent a letter of regret along with the rock to the site, and hoped that their people can return the rock to the original place. By doing this, he hoped that good fortune will follow him for the rest of his life.
2. Indigenous Art Market
Marvel over the beauty of locally made art, and watch as world-acclaimed Multijulu artists’ dot paintings and artworks come to life. Markets are held daily and are located at the Town Square Lawn Area.
Marvel over the beauty of locally made art, and watch as world-acclaimed Multijulu artists’ dot paintings and artworks come to life. Markets are held daily and are located at the Town Square Lawn Area.
3. Mani-Mani Indigenous Cultural Theatre
The symbolic story of Walamuru, Kakalyalya & Kaanka is a tale of love, jealously and greed. The word ‘mani-mani’ comes from Yankunyttjatjara & Pitjantjatjara language of the Anangu people of Central Australia. Anangu people would often tell stories by drawing symbols in the sand using a stick taken from a branch of the Mani-Mani tree. The stories were often about ancestors, real events in history, and the Tjukurpa creation time.
The symbolic story of Walamuru, Kakalyalya & Kaanka is a tale of love, jealously and greed. The word ‘mani-mani’ comes from Yankunyttjatjara & Pitjantjatjara language of the Anangu people of Central Australia. Anangu people would often tell stories by drawing symbols in the sand using a stick taken from a branch of the Mani-Mani tree. The stories were often about ancestors, real events in history, and the Tjukurpa creation time.
Transportation
There is a free shuttle bus that circulates the resort daily, departing approximately every 20 minutes from 10.30am to 6pm and 6.30 pm to 12.30 am.
Social media
Check out Explore Uluru on Facebook to look at other tourists' experiences, tips and photos.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, large water bottle, camera and a jacket if you're visiting in the cooler months.
There is a free shuttle bus that circulates the resort daily, departing approximately every 20 minutes from 10.30am to 6pm and 6.30 pm to 12.30 am.
Social media
Check out Explore Uluru on Facebook to look at other tourists' experiences, tips and photos.
WHAT TO BRING
Comfortable walking shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, large water bottle, camera and a jacket if you're visiting in the cooler months.