Denmark's King Frederik and Queen Mary have ended the first leg of their Australian visit with a sunrise trek to a famous Uluru watering hole. The royal couple woke before dawn on Sunday to walk to Muṯitjulu Waterhole in Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park with traditional owners. The culturally significant site is one of the few permanent water sources around the sandstone monolith and a regular attraction for visiting dignitaries. It welcomed the late Princess Diana and then Prince Charles, now King, during their 1983 British royal tour, as well as the Dalai Lama in 2015. Frederick and Mary touched down in the red centre on Saturday for a six-day state tour, their first trip to Australia since ascending to the throne. The monarchs made their way into the cultural centre under grey skies for a guided tour and ceremonial dance called Inma that connects traditional custodians, the Aṉangu, to their ancestors. Queen Mary said it was great to be home while snapping pictures at Uluru's sunset viewing site. "We've been so much looking forward to the visit and to start the visit here in the centre of Australia is quite some thing," she said. "And to experience Uluru for the first time and to meet with the Aṉangu people and hear a little bit about their spiritual and cultural connection to the lands... it's been a really great start to what will be an exciting visit here."
Breaking News
Danish royals Queen Mary and King Frederik begin Australia visit with Uluru trek
Related articles
More public updates from 19News.au.How Many Free Kerbside Car Parks Does Brisbane Really Need?
better used for housing, cycling infrastructure and safer public spaces. A growing debate is underway in Brisbane over whether the city should continue dedicating large amounts...
Woman Dies After Being Hit by Ute on Pacific Motorway Near Beenleigh
A woman has died after being struck by a Holden Rodeo on the northbound lanes of the Pacific Motorway near Beenleigh, between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. According to the Queen...
Stranded School Students Rescued from National Park as Deluge Hits South-East Queensland
Mount Barney National Park after rising floodwaters cut off access during a school camp. Almost 50 students and teachers from North Lakes State College were rescued after becomi...
Toowoomba Firefighting Tankers Grounded by CASA Certification Delays
Specialised firefighting tanker aircraft based in Toowoomba have been unable to begin operations because of delays in obtaining certification from the Civil Aviation Safety Auth...