The Outback is the colloquial name for the vast desert region of Australia's interior and includes the arid Red Centre, most famous for Uluru (Ayer's Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas). We'll also be travelling around 300 kms east, then north west to Kings Canyon.
In 1985, the federal government announced that it would return the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park and Lake Amadeus/Luritja to its traditional owners on the condition that it be leased back to the federal parks service for 99 years.
Today the Park is jointly managed by a board made up of Anangu (traditional owners) and Piranpa (non-Aboriginal) members, with their roles and responsibilities set out in both the Aboriginal Land Rights Act and the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. The EPBC Act ensures that visitors to the Park respect its natural and cultural values, while the ALR Act protects the property rights of the Anangu people.
The Park covers a large area - more than 1,325 square kilometres. It is the spiritual heart of the Red Centre and an important part of Aboriginal Dreamtime, not just for the Anangu but for all Aboriginal people.
The Dreamtime or the Dreaming represents the essence of Aboriginal society, culture, traditions and spirituality. It is a time when ancestors, gods and living mortals come together to learn about the heritage and customs of the Aboriginal people. Dreamtime is the core of everything and of the many sacred sites in Australia few are as important as Uluru.
We are looking forward to our outback adventure. It will be my first visit, and the same for The French. We are excited to see the shapes and colours of the landscape, to enjoy wonderful walks and spectacular scenery, and to learn more about this unique and special place and the Dreaming.
J.
