Pukulpa pitjama nganampa ngurakutu … Welcome to our home, a very important place of Tjukurpa (Law) and culture which has been handed down to us by our Grandmothers and Grandfathers.

Cassidy Uluru, traditional owner and senior guide, is whipstick lean like the deadly set of hunting spears he casually leans on. His smiling face is shaded by the distinctively shaped stockman’s hat as he speaks softly in Yankunytjatjara his first language, "Palya – welcome to Ayers Rock, Aboriginal land. We want people to come and look at our culture and to learn, especially the kids."

For the next two hours our small group is taken on a very special guided walk at the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock). We are engrossed and lost in time as Cassidy demonstrates some of the amazing traditional skills that have enabled the Anangu to successfully live in this dramatic but harsh desert environment for thousands of years. We learn about making kiti, the world’s oldest glue, how to fix finely chipped quartz blades into wooden hafts or, with the aid of the distinctive leaf shaped spear thrower, watch as Cassidy hurls his spears with unerring accuracy at a single stick target. Through the skills of the accompanying interpreter we are given a small insight into the complex creation stories that form part of the Tjukurpa, the all encompassing law which binds all Anangu to their land.

Cassidy is one of a number of the Anangu men and women from the local community who are trained guides committed to sharing their country and culture with visitors.

Cassidy’s light coloured shirt with the Anangu Tours insignia proudly worn on each shoulder forms a startling contrast against the scarred red flanks of Uluru, the ancient rock that is both a sacred place and national icon. It is a good reflection on how this small group of traditional owners confronted annually by over 350,000 visitors have managed to seemlessly blend contemporary lifestyle with the proud traditions of the world’s oldest continuing culture.

Those fortunate enough to take part in one of the many experiences offered by the Anangu come away with an enhanced understanding of the power of place and culture which are the essence of this natural wonder.

Good travelling!

Joc Schmiechen

In the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara languages “Anangu” means “we people” and is the one word that describes us and distinguishes us from other Aboriginal communities.

Anangu Tours Pty Ltd commenced operations in 1995 and is entirely Aboriginal owned. It was established by its Aboriginal owners as a corporate vehicle for their direct participation and involvement in mainstream Australian tourism.

Anangu Tours aims to provide employment for local Anangu and profit for its Aboriginal community shareholders by providing Aboriginal cultural tours based on the traditions and skills of local Anangu and is currently one of the largest employers of Aboriginal people in the Central Desert region of Australia.

Anangu guides with satisfied visitors

Cassidy Uluru explains Tjukurpa

Mala walk

Exploring Uluru

:: LOCATION

Uluru is located 465 kilometres by road south west from Alice Springs. Anangu Tours operates out of Ayers Rock Resort and our tours include time at the Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre - a place of learning at the base of Uluru (Ayers Rock) that tells the story of the Anangu people, their relationship with the land, the joint management of the Park and the ancient spirit and culture of the Aboriginal way of life. The Cultural Centre facilities include interpretive displays, a restaurant, art galleries, cultural displays and souvenir sales.

:: ACTIVITIES

With Anangu Tours you are able to discover the real Uluru (Ayers Rock) through small group tours guided by local Aboriginal people.

Anangu guides tell creation stories thousands of generations old and demonstrate bush survival skills taught to them by their grandparents. All the guides have grown up in Central Australia and have an intricate understanding of the environment, flora, fauna and desert survival.

A special feature of all tours is the guides use of their own traditional language with interpretation into English provided by experienced interpreters. The use of authentic ancient language is quite an extraordinary experience.

Tours run seven days a week all year round with options for half day tours, charters and special activities for groups, conferences and incentives.

Tours use comfortable air - conditioned vehicles. The cultural walks are up to 2 kilometres in length providing many activities and opportunities for questions.