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$10m for Rock walk, spin-off unclear

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By ERWIN CHLANDA

The NT Government is providing a $10m loan to an interstate company for a walk in the Uluru National Park while other publicly funded tourism related projects in The Centre are on hold or merely planned.

The conditions of the loan are not readily available. We have asked for them and will report them when and if details are provided by the government.

Brendan Heenan, caravan park owner and a 40-year veteran in tourism, says any promotion of the ailing industry is good as it is still recovering from the "terrible" years of 2023 and 2024 when national media coverage of crime in Central Australia.

This caused a 50% drop in the drive market and similar declines in other areas. Many people didn't stop in town for more than fuel.

Tourism Central Australia CEO Danial Rochford says loans are available to others as well and described the Rock project as going to be "a world-renowned experience right here in Central Australia, and it will see a massive boost to our visitor economy."

Unlike Alice Springs, there are cheap flights to Ayers Rock Resort which makes the benefit of the project to the rest of the Centre questionable.

Mr Heenan says the Ayers Rock Resort, owned by the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, is subsidising flights to Yulara and any profits do not stay in The Centre.

No estimate of the "Uluru-Kata Tjuta Signature Walk" spin-off to Alice Springs are available, says Mr Rochford.

Announcing the walk, set to launch the 2026 walking season, Environment Minister and Member for Braitling Joshua Burgoyne, said it will "offer guests an unforgettable five days and four nights of outback indulgence along a 54km trail.

"Each day will end with refreshments, a meal under the stars, and a good night’s sleep in environmentally sustainable accommodation."

Mr Burgoyne said the project is being led by the award-winning Australian Walking Company, "renowned for its premium guided walks through some of Australia’s most iconic landscapes."

Treasurer and Member for Namatjira Bill Yan said this marks the first major investment in a tourism tour product in over a decade.

Mr Heenan says visitors coming for the Rock walk may return for the Larapinta Trail, also serviced by company, according to its website.

Many people are doing the Larapinta Trail in sections, over several years.

The government should reinstate the $12m Alice to Glen Helen mountain bike trail project, blocked by the Central Land Council. That would require re-opening the iconic Glen Helen lodge.

IMAGE: Australian Walking Company.