Recently updated on January 22nd, 2020 at 11:18 pm
A journey to Uluru is certain to leave a lasting impression. After all, who could fail to be blown away by the magnificence of Ayers Rock as it glows in the changing light of the day? What leaves the most enduring impression, though, are the stories told by Aboriginal peoples about their heritage, culture and life on the land. All of this is perhaps best reflected through creative expression, seen at its most authentic within the patterns of Aboriginal rock art.
Here in the Northern Territory’s Red Centre, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park – a vast area encompassing the 36 red rock domes of Kata Tjuta – is especially well known for its exceptionally well preserved examples of ancient Aboriginal rock art, where each painting tells the story of life in the region. These extraordinary rock paintings can be seen by strolling between the caves and rock faces of Mala Walk, Kuniya Walk, and Mutitjulu Waterhole, which was the key source of water for the Aboriginal people here over thousands of years.
Distinctive in style, these paintings of red, yellow and orange with black, white and grey tones were originally painted using pigments made from natural minerals mixed with water or animal fat. And while these are diminished by the natural elements, they still remain in parts of Australia to this day.
The Aboriginal (or Anangu) community are the traditional owners of the land around Uluru, so they now introduce visitors to their heritage and culture through the area’s important rock art. This Anangu art has traditionally been in the form of rock paintings, sand drawings and body painting, with each artwork incorporating significant symbolism either for religious and ceremonial expression, to teach the Tjukurpa way of living, or for storytelling.
To protect the rock paintings within the national park, the Anangu and park managers have worked together to create viewing platforms with explanatory signs at popular spots on the Mala and Kuniya walks. And now, this same style of Aboriginal art is created using acrylic paints on canvas, with the same use of symbolism, to help retain the Anangu beliefs.
After seeking out the park’s original rock art, these more recent works can be found at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre, which exhibits ceramics, paintings and woodwork, along with the artists’ explanations of their meaning.
Trafalgar guests have the opportunity see this ancient rock art, while hearing about the Aboriginal and European history of the area, on a visit to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre. It’s by joining in on this remarkable experience that each guest can discover the unique and spiritual culture of the traditional custodians of this special land, which is thought to have begun forming a staggering 550 million years ago.
Travel to Uluru with Trafalgar on the Uluru Highlights, Red Center Sights and Sounds, Australian Highlights, Discover Australia and New Zealand, and Highlights of Australia and New Zealand trips.
Image credits: Cover photo of Aboriginal Rock Art © iStock / markrhiggins. Kings Canyon in Australia © iStock / Jimmybaby. Aboriginal Rock Art around Uluru © iStock / diphoto6. Aboriginal Rock Art in Kakadu National Park © iStock / misterbike. An Aboriginal painting © iStock / dominiquelandau. Uluru National Park © iStock / structuresxx.