Australia: Alcohol Ban to Affect Tourists at Uluru

No Comments | August 29th, 2007 | Trackback

A ban on alcohol on Aboriginal land in the Northern Territory will affect travelers visiting such iconic sites as Uluru (Ayers Rock) when it goes into effect Sept. 14. The ban being imposed by the federal government is an effort to reduce alcohol-related child abuse in Aboriginal communities. Thousands of visitors gather each day to watch the sun set over Uluru, and a tradition has developed to enjoy a “sundowner,” a cold beer, while watching the spectacle. With the alcohol ban, visitors will be able to transport alcohol through Aboriginal land, but will not be able to consume it or dispose of it there. The ban does not apply to the nearby Ayers Rock Resort. In other news, Sydney is hosting the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum Sept. 2-9. The meeting is likely to create road closures and disrupt bus and train schedules in the central business district and create additional congestion.