Tourists risk a ban on an iconic attraction in the Australian outback because of its ‘sacred’ nature

Tourists could be banned from entering an iconic outback attraction under a proposed plan designed to help preserve its “cultural significance” for traditional landowners.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, Australia’s largest salt lake, is a predominantly dry lake in northern South Australia, which dramatically comes alive with wildlife when it spectacularly floods every ten years or so and in the over the course of a century, it is filled to the brim only four times on average. But with the heavy rain, thousands of visitors flock to the National Park, all eager to catch a glimpse of the animals that flock to the 77-kilometer-wide lake.

While swimming, driving and boating are already banned, the proposed Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park management plan – released on Friday by the state Department of Environment and Water – hopes to restrict any recreational access to the lake bottom.

If approved, visitors will not be allowed to enter on foot without permission from the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation, which co-manages the national park.

Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre ‘sacred’ to traditional landowners

For the Arabana people, the lake is considered “sacred” and “dangerous to visit without the guidance of the cultural authority,” the government agency said.

“People are still encouraged to enjoy the park and view the spectacular lakebed from designated visitor areas or from the air,” said Jason Irving, director of National Parks Programs at the National Parks and Wildlife Service. “The request for visitors not to enter a sacred cultural site is made out of recognition and respect for Arabana culture, and to ensure the safety of visitors.”

Arabana Aboriginal Corporation chairman Bronwyn Dodd said preserving the lake “is also preserving our culture”.

“We are proud to share this part of our country, but we urge you to respect our Ularaka (stories), knowledge and culture and not enter the lake,” she said. “We have a responsibility to take care of the lake and the lake in turn takes care of us.”

The proposed ban is causing some backlash

The new plan has sparked some backlash from those visiting the remote area, with Lake Eyre Yacht Club commodore Bob Backway telling the ABC that restricting recreational activities on Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre “effectively privatized the national park”.

“We respect the physical evidence of Arabana culture and we have strict rules in our club that we only watch, investigate, study and photograph, but return any relics we find there,” the local said.

According to the Ministry of Environment and Water, the proposal would allow some exemptions for “commercial film or photography or commercial touring permits” on a case-by-case basis.

Bronwyn Dodd told the publication that tourists driving or boating on the lake are not only damaging it but also “deeply hurting” the elderly.

“It hurts them to see our country being hurt and disrespected in such a way,” she said. “They have tried to get involved over the years and help protect and preserve that, but it certainly hurts deeply when we see people disrespecting such a culturally important place for us.”

The public can provide feedback on the proposed Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre National Park management plan until July 19.

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