Share your views on the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Walk

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. The Australia Walking Comapny (AWC) proposes new 40km ‘Uluru Lodge Walk’ to replace climb after 2019 ban.

AWC are 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.

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.

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.

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.

View the EPBC referral (submitted 9th October 2020)

The response period for the Uluru Lodge Walk proposal has now closed. For more information contact AWC feedback@ulurulodgewalk.com.au

https://www.taswalkingco.com.au/uluru-kata-tjuta/