Close up of an Aboriginal artists brush while painting

Aboriginal cultural experiencesaround Uluru

Learn the ways of the ancient Anangu people of the Uluru region, one of the world's oldest living cultures, dating back thousands of years.

The Anangu people of the Uluru region have one of the world’s oldest living cultures, dating back thousands of years. This culture of art, story and landscape is represented in Tjukurpa (pronounced ‘chu-ka-pa’), the foundation of the Anangu way of life.

This ancient knowledge of Tjukurpa is not written down, but has been taught and remembered through inma (songs), stories, ritual dances and rock art for generations.

Wild history

Walk the perimeter of mighty Uluru and discover ancient rock art and markings that tell the story of Anangu culture and history. Join local indigenous guides on the Lungkata Walk, which brings to life Kuniya Tjukurpa, the great battle between Kuniya (woman python) and Liru (poisonous snake man), and then finish your walk at a sacred waterhole.

The native wildlife of Uluru forms an important part of Anangu culture, not only as a rich source of food, but also as a link to the creation story. The humble rufous hare wallaby (Mala) embodies the spirit of the Mala people, ancient Anangu ancestors.

Aboriginal cultural experiences around Uluru

 

Join the dots

Local Aboriginal art is another gateway to understanding Aboriginal culture and the relationship of the Anangu to the land. A dot painting that tells the story of Lungkata (blue-tongued lizard) burning the country around Uluru and Kata Tjuta also shows us how Anangu and rangers are continuing this tradition in the park today.

Walk the land

Take the Mala walk around Uluru and see first hand the connection between land and people. Forage for ili (wild fig tree) and arnguli (bush plum), which Mala women and children gather for food, and encounter Anangu rock art along the way.

Walk through the landscape and learn the ways of Uluru’s traditional custodians. Watch local artists demonstrating their craft and hear the Anangu stories of creation for a direct and long-lasting insight into this ancient culture.

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