Longitude 131 Ayers Rock

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, classified as world heritage by UNESCO, contains remarkable geological formations, which dominate vast semi-arid, wild stretches of the Australian Outback. A sacred site for Pitjantjara and Yankunytjatjara aborigines, the imposing Uluru monolith, also known as Ayers Rock, has become one of the Australian continent’s symbols ever since its discovery by westerners in 1873. The numerous paintings decorating the stones are vestiges of ancestral beliefs, bearing witness to the former presence of aboriginal peoples on the site and representing a unique cultural heritage. Although located in the heart of a desert region, a great many animal species have been able to adapt to the rigorous climate. Among other mammals, the park is home to large number of wild horses known as brumbles, wild dogs or dingos and kangaroos. In 1970, in order to preserve the site from environmental deterioration caused by an overabundance of tourism, the authorities decided to move the hotel and tourist installations to the edge of the park.

On the trail of Outback explorers

Two kilometers from the Ayers Rock hotel complex, fifteen white canvas tents have been pitched facing the sacred site of the Uluru rock whose shapes, according to aborigine tradition, were carved by the beings of “dreamtime.” The Longitude 131, a luxury eco-lodge, is the work of Australian architect Philip Cox and offers guests an uninterrupted view of the light show reflecting on the Ayers Rock monolith. For this new creation, Grant Hill, CEO of the Voyages Hotel and Resorts group explains, “We wanted something that would blend in with the landscape.” White domed roofs, large panels of suspended fabrics, and sober style furniture give the interiors a charming, discreet and elegant appearance. At night, a large bay window enables visitors to enjoy the star studded Outback sky. The names of the tents pay tribute to the region’s important pioneers including Rober O’Hara, Burke, William John Wills and Sir Sidney Kidman all of whom, according to G. Hunt “have been ignored for too long.” Many photographs from the period as well as utensils and objects used during this time of exploration commemorate the spirit of adventure that accompanied these expeditions. To retrace the steps of the Outback explorers, the hotel provides different excursions around the Uluru rock, enabling visitors to discover the traditions, languages and history of aborigine populations living on the site.

Four of the Outback pioneers honored at the Longitude 131 are still alive and were present for the opening of the hotel namely, Bill King, Peter Severin and Ian and Lyn Conway.