Voyages welcomes new dawn on Uluru tourism
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11 Oct 09 (TravMedia.com): Visitors to Australia’s Red Centre are set to see a new side of the rock with the official opening of Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, the new sunrise viewing area at Uluru.
Talinguru Nyakunytjaku, which in the local Aboriginal Pitjantjatjara language means ” place to look from the sand dune”, was unveiled on October 8th and will give the 300,000 visitors a year who come to Uluru a new perspective on viewing this Australian tourism icon.
At a cost of $21m by Australia’s Federal Government, the platform has been landscaped into the sand dunes and offers panoramic views over the desert oaks to both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, on a clear day.
Just 3km from Uluru, Talinguru Nyakunytjaku also features traditional shade shelters or wiltjas, 1600 metres of walking tracks and raised pathways, interpretation of the Aboriginal landscape and stories, and an area that can potentially be used for outdoor performances or concerts.
It is expected to welcome some 3,000 visitors every year, an increase on the 1,200 people that used the previous dawn viewing area. The new area is supported by an 11km scenic road around Uluru, as well as a new coach area, car park and toilet amenities.
On a clear day, the platform will also offer views of Kata Tjuta, also known as Mount Olga, another rock formation located some 25km away.
Anna Guillan, Voyages Hotels & Resorts Executive General Manager Sales & Marketing, said: “Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is a World Heritage-listed destination and this new world-class viewing area will provide even greater enjoyment for our guests looking for new experiences.”
“Not only will it provide guests with great views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta, it will offer fantastic photographic opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers.”
Standing about 3km from the rock, the new area allows visitors to take in the southeastern face of Uluru without revealing any sacred sites.
This viewing area - which is the largest infrastructure investment ever in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – was opened by Environment Minister Peter Garrett during a dawn ceremony of traditional dance (inma).
“I see this as a springboard for a whole range of new visitor experiences, opening up new opportunities for Indigenous and tourism businesses,” said Garrett.
Visitors travelling to view the new side of Uluru can stay in a wide range of accommodation at nearby Voyages Ayers Rock Resort, from the $19-night campground, to the luxurious Sails in the Desert Hotel and the safari chic Longitude 131
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