\u201cWhen I was in grade four, I remember opening a book and it was like, \u2018Right, Australian history here we go,\u201d explains David \u2018Thommo\u2019 Thomson \u2013 an Australian ex-tour leader with 15 years of experience. \u201cThe books all said the same thing: \u2018The Aborigines had been here for many years, but in 1770, Captain James Cook with his Endeavour, sailed to the east coast of Australia \u2026 yadda, yadda, yadda\u2019. And that\u2019s it. The history starts from when the boats got here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Thommo, who now works as Brand Leader for Adventure Tours Australia (ATA), is talking about Uluru from his desk at Intrepid HQ. More specifically, he\u2019s talking about why it\u2019s important for Australians and international travellers alike to visit Uluru.<\/p>\n
He\u2019s an animated bloke, and you\u2019d be hard pressed to find a guy who gives more of a damn about his country, and the cultures and history that have led it up to this point, than Thommo.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe outback is part of the Australian identity. And Aboriginal history is part of the Australian identity too.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Born, raised and currently living in Melbourne, the 42-year-old led tours at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for five years, so it\u2019s a topic he\u2019s rather passionate about. \u201cThe cultures have been swept under the carpet and shrouded in European history,\u201d he says boldly.\u201cThe outback is part of the Australian identity. And Aboriginal history is part of the Australian identity too. So visiting Uluru and meeting the traditional owners is a pretty powerful experience \u2013 and one I think every Australian should have.\u201d<\/p>\n
Related: Visit Uluru with Adventure Tours Australia<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n
The laws of the land<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The Anangu people have resided at Uluru and the surrounding lands for nearly 30,000 years. Over this time, they formed \u2018Tjukurpa\u2019 \u2013 their law and creation stories \u2013 which are used to make sense of the natural, spiritual and physical worlds to this day.<\/p>\n
These stories all contain a strong moral, such as the story of Lungata the Bluetongue Lizard, which reinforces the idea that one should always share. Not a bad one to tell the kids, if you ask us.<\/p>\n
“…a perfect starting point for Australians, and visitors to Australia, is to simply visit Uluru.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The Anangu culture recognises that maturity doesn\u2019t necessarily come with age. In any given situation, you\u2019ve got to prove that you know 100% of what’s required, not just 70% (like for an Australian driving license) – because if you treat a plant, a fresh kill or another source of sustenance the wrong way, you won\u2019t survive. \u201cYou\u2019ve got to get it all right,\u201d says Thommo. \u201cI think modern societies could learn a lot from that, and a perfect starting point for Australians, and visitors to Australia, is to simply visit Uluru.\u201d<\/p>\n
The provider of life <\/strong><\/h3>\n
Situated in the middle of the undulating, semi-arid sand dunes and protruding at a height of 348m, Uluru\u2019s significance is borne from the fact that the rock was (and remains) a source of nourishment for the Anangu people and other neighboring indigenous groups.<\/p>\n
\u201c30,000 years of trial and error meant the Aborigines became pretty handy with knowing what\u2019s what with regards to native plant and wildlife\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
When it rains at Uluru, water gathers on top of the rock and funnels down the side to its base, into very concentrated regions. It permeates the soft red sand and ensures a constant supply of water, unless there\u2019s a severe drought. \u201cBecause there\u2019s water, you have life.Then you\u2019ve got the plants and the bushtucker \u2013 all there at the rock,\u201d explains Thommo. \u201cOn top of that, this life attracts animals. So not only is it an iconic landmark – it\u2019s a giver of life\u201d<\/p>\n