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The Federal Government has advised that the Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory has been placed on the National Heritage List in recognition of the site's outstanding heritage value to Australia.

Watarrka is in the traditional lands of Anangu ngurraritja (Traditional Owners), who hold a deep connection to country and have cared for the Tjukurrpa (the Dreaming) for tens of thousands of years.

The site has been recognised for its remarkable living cultural landscape which is a physical manifestation of the Tjukurrpa and is protected by the songs, ceremonies, and culture of Anangu ngurraritja.

It continues to be a place where traditions, customs and beliefs are handed down from generation to generation.

Watarrka, four hours west of Alice Springs, has also been recognised for its abundance and diversity of Australian plants and animals, with water often available when other areas are dry.

It is home to more than 690 known native plant species, including the Swamp Lily, the water penny beetle, and the aquatic Pennywort which is only known to occur here. These species, which have affinities to animals present 18,000 years ago in a much wetter era, show the importance of Watarrka's local aquifers in sustaining permanent surface water.

An international tourist attraction, Watarrka is renowned for its dramatic landscape. This includes Kings Canyon, described as a living plant museum, and Mereenie Sandstone, with geometric patterns formed over 400 million years.

The park's inclusion on the National Heritage List gives greater recognition of its natural and cultural values and unique ecology, helping ensure these heritage values are better protected and managed.

Watarrka joins the Wurrwurrwuy stone arrangements, Wave Hill Walk Off Route, Hermannsburg Historic Precinct, Uluru-Kata Tjuta and Kakadu National Parks on the National Heritage List in the Northern Territory.

Announcing the move, Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek stated "Watarrka National Park is a deeply important place to Anangu ngurraritja who have cared for Country for tens of thousands of years.

"Known for its majestic ranges and diverse flora, Watarrka is one of the most visited parks in the Alice Springs region and supports rare and threatened plant species.

"By including Watarrka National Park on the National Heritage List, we are supporting Traditional Owners to protect and manage the park's natural and cultural values for future generations."

Image: Walking trail in the Watarrka National Park. Credit: Northern Territory Government.

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