Australia's Largest Lake to Ban Visitors from Entering on Foot Under Proposed Heritage Plan

Lake Eyre, Australia's largest lake and a major tourist attraction in South Australia's Far North, is set to ban visitors from entering the lake bed on foot under a proposed heritage management plan. The plan aims to protect the cultural significance of the lake for the Arabana people, the native title holders of the region who have lived there for millennia.

The proposed management plan would prohibit all recreational access to the lake bed, including swimming, driving, boating, and landing aircraft. These activities are already banned, but the new plan would also prevent visitors from setting foot on the lake bed without permission. The restrictions are out of respect for Arabana culture and lore, which considers it dangerous to visit the lake without the guidance of cultural authority.

Arabana Aboriginal Corporation chairwoman Brenda Underwood emphasized the importance of preserving the lake and their culture. "The preservation of the lake is also the preservation of our culture," she stated. The South Australian government is committed to its partnership with the Arabana people and recognizes their request for visitors not to enter the sacred cultural site.

Why this matters: The proposed ban on entering Lake Eyre on foot highlights the ongoing efforts to protect culturally significant sites and respect the traditions of Indigenous peoples in Australia. It underscores the delicate balance between tourism and cultural preservation, as well as the importance of collaboration between government authorities and traditional owners in managing these sacred places.

While some tour operators have expressed concerns about the impact on visitor experience, they are open to working with the Arabana Aboriginal Corporation to continue offering tours in a respectful way. The proposed management plan is currently open for public feedback until July 19. The South Australian government remains committed to partnering with the Arabana people to ensure the safety and respect of visitors to the region.

Key Takeaways

• Lake Eyre, Australia's largest lake, may ban visitor access to protect Arabana culture.
• Proposed plan prohibits recreational activities on the lake bed without Arabana permission.
• Arabana people consider the lake a sacred site, requiring cultural guidance to visit.
• Balancing tourism and cultural preservation is a key challenge for authorities and Arabana.
• Public feedback on the proposed management plan is open until July 19, 2024.