Danish royals visit sacred Uluru waterhole in tour highlighting First Nations culture

Denmark’s King Frederik X and Queen Mary began the second day of their Australian state visit with a sunrise walk to the Muṯitjulu Waterhole at Uluru, in a programme that foregrounded Anangu cultural guidance and the site’s deep spiritual significance.

The royal couple rose before dawn to walk the Kuniya track to Muṯitjulu Waterhole, described as one of the few permanent sources of water at the rock. Queen Mary said the visit was “magical”, saying: “We’ve had a great walk around, it’s magical.”

Traditional owner and artist Valerie Brumby was among Anangu guides who accompanied the royals, sharing tjukuṟpa — the cultural stories and law of the area. Ms Brumby said: “This morning we got up early and we took them for the sunrise walk… We took them through to the waterhole… It felt really good and I feel really happy to share.”

According to Denmark’s Royal House, the state visit runs from 14–19 March and aims to strengthen Australia–Denmark relations “across cultural, economic, and foreign policy areas”, with collaboration on “the green transition and economic security” a central focus. The Royal House programme states the visit includes a formal welcome at the Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park Cultural Centre, with Senior Anangu greeting the royals with traditional dance (inma), and a sunrise visit to Muṯitjulu Waterhole because “the site and surrounding landscape hold deep cultural and spiritual significance for Aṉangu people”.

Parks Australia’s Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park information describes Muṯitjulu Waterhole as “one of the few permanent water sources around Uluṟu” and notes it is “a special place where Uluṟu’s Traditional Owners regularly take VIPs”.

The visit also included time with Indigenous trainees at the Kulata Academy Café, part of the National Indigenous Training Academy, highlighting employment pathways in tourism and hospitality.

With Uluru jointly managed and central to Anangu cultural life, the royal itinerary underscores the expectation that visiting dignitaries engage through traditional owners and cultural protocols, rather than treating the landscape as a backdrop. For many Australians, the images from Muṯitjulu Waterhole are a reminder that the country’s most recognisable landmark remains, first and foremost, a living cultural landscape.