40 years on: Celebrating the handback of Uluṟu and a new era of Aboriginal Tourism
26 October 2025 marks a profound national milestone – 40 years since the Australian Government returned the title deeds of Uluṟu–Kata Tjuṯa National Park to its Traditional Owners, the Aṉangu People.
The 1985 handback was not just a legal shift. It was a cultural and spiritual affirmation of connection to Country, the recognition of Traditional Ownership, and a new beginning for Aboriginal-led tourism – built on respect, storytelling and deep time knowledge. It sparked a national conversation about custodianship and paved the way for other landmark returns of land across Australia.
