The Cross on Memory Mountain
Memory Mountain reflects the faith, culture and creativity of the local Aboriginal people.
The Vision
The Indigenous-led vision to construct a 20-metre Cross on the summit of Memory Mountain reflects the faith, culture and creativity of the local Aboriginal people. The vision dreamed by their elders to build this Cross, ignited a passion within the local people to share their land, their culture and traditions and their creativity with the world.
The Cross on Memory Mountain will be officially launched during the 2023 Indigenous Easter celebrations. Families will come from communities near and far to join to festivities and see the lights on the Cross turned on for the first time on Good Friday evening.
In 2009, the local elders shared their vision with Ken Duncan and asked for assistance to bring it to fruition. Catching their passion, Ken could see how their dream could translate into an iconic, world class tourism destination. Beyond the Cross, Ken saw opportunities for meaningful Indigenous employment, that would create long-term financial sustainability for the local communities. After a lengthy bureaucratic process, permission was granted through Central Land Council to construct the Cross on Memory Mountain. And so it began!
The Cross Today
In late 2022 construction was completed. The Cross is constructed of Corten steel, so it blends into the natural environment and will stand 20 metres tall at the summit of Memory Mountain.
Every aspect of planning and construction is carried out in consultation with the local Indigenous people, and with environmental protection at the forefront of all decision-making. The access pathway to the summit of the mountain is made of steel grates attached to poles core-drilled into the mountainside. It has been designed to be sensitive to the aesthetics of the mountain, to minimise erosion, and to protect native flora. In late
Memory Mountain Limited supports this project which is 100% that of the local Indigenous people – their heart, their faith, their plan.
A New Outback Tourism Icon
This iconic symbol of the faith, culture and traditions of the Indigenous peoples of central Australia is set to become a major new Outback tourism icon. The Cross on Memory Mountain will draw visitors from across Australia and around the world who wish to have an authentic encounter with local Indigenous people. Tourism and ancillary businesses will bring employment opportunities, sustainable enterprises and financial independence for the local communities. It will bring connection and understanding, relationship, reconciliation and economic benefit.
The walking track to the summit of Memory Mountain is steep, but safe. It is classified as a Grade 4 walk and while we refer to it as a climb, no actual climbing is involved. However, you do need to be fairly fit to walk all the way to the top. If you are not fairly fit, for a small additional cost you can be driven up to the summit and back down again.
You’ll find information on all the things you will be able to see and do at memory Mountain on our Tours & Events page.
Facilities for tourists are minimal at present, but plans are underway to provide quality amenities and infrastructure that will significantly enhance the visitor experience. Eventually there will be camping facilities with space for tents and caravans and even glamping facilities.
