Hi All,

Just a short note to let everyone know that due to a massive bush fire that has just occurred at Ayres Rock the Longitude 131 resort has been severely impacted to the point of destruction. They are advising that they will be rebuilding the resort and hope to have it finished by March next year.

Cheers

Paul_S

Just heard from a friend who works at the rock.....everything .... all types of accom. are affected by smoke damage & are closed as the mutch used around all buildings is spinapex & it has all caught alight. No press are allowed in to cover the event so very little is known on the 'outside world' all bar 1 staff member had their cars destroyed as well.

Thanks for the information - can you keep us informed as things come out?

Thanks,
Monica

This statement from their website:
October 24, 2003

MEDIA STATEMENT

LUXURY SAFARI CAMP DESTROYED BY FIRE

A bushfire has destroyed the luxury safari camp Longitude 131? at Uluru. Guests and staff were evacuated just after noon today as a large fire front approached the property. No injuries were sustained.

According to Voyages Hotels & Resorts CEO Grant Hunt, all guests and staff were safely evacuated and taken to nearby Ayers Rock Resort.

Emergency services personnel battled the bushfire which was fanned by strong winds. Despite their efforts twelve of the fifteen luxury tents were destroyed.

"All guests and staff were evacuated according to our disaster response plan," said Mr Hunt. "No one was harmed and they have been checked into Sails in the Desert Hotel at Ayers Rock Resort."

"Staff are assisting guests who have lost their possessions in the fire and counsellors are also on hand to attend to guests' needs," he said.

Voyages Hotels & Resorts, together with management of Ayers Rock Resort are now working with emergency services personnel.

Public wishing to contact Ayers Rock Resort and check on family or friends may do so by ringing a dedicated phone line:

+61 8 8957 7431

Guests who have booked to stay at Longitude 131? are being contacted by Voyages staff and will be offered alternative accommodation at the five star Sails in the Desert Hotel.

According to Mr Hunt, plans are already underway to rebuild the award winning safari-style camp which cost $9.4 million to build and was launched to world-wide acclaim in June 2002.

For more information please contact:
Damien Hanger
0403 609 379
**

Anyone know of the extent of the damage to the area? Bit wierd as I was at the Rock afew weeks ago!

The fire has done a lot of damage in the area surrounding the Yulara resort town. Most of the native landscaping has been wiped out.

One of our guys here was sent to help fight the fire and he said it was an awesum fight to save the resort town. Most of the resorts have suffered smoke damage to some extent.

G'day,
I just returned from Yulara.
Was there when the first fire broke out and it sure was quite a sight.
Here a news report:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/newsitems/s976307.htm

As far as Longitude 131 is concerned it sure is a hige loss, estimated at AU$ 4 Mill but it makes me wonder who in his right mind would be forking out AU$ 1500 per night to have a 'Camping Experience' - just my 2 cents worth.
As far as the rest of Yulara is concerned I'm sure that it will be fully operational again in no time.

Mike.

Hello,

yes, there were 12 units destroyed, and the worst part is that they believe it was arson.

Three people hospitalized with minor cuts and burns.

Melodie
Certified Aussie Specialist