A Journey to the Heart: Affecting Engagement at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Interpretive signage in Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a National Park reflects a hierarchical valuation of places, often prioritizing colonial/settler and natural heritage narratives over Indigenous perspectives. This study reveals that such signage may alienate contemporary communities by adopting a detached, scientific tone that distances visitors from lived cultural experiences. Through textual analysis, the research demonstrates how affective engagement—emotional connection to country and history—can be both constrained or fostered depending on interpretive strategies. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive storytelling in protected areas to bridge the gap between Indigenous heritage and public interpretation.

Clarke, A., & Waterton, E. (2015). A Journey to the Heart: Affecting Engagement at Ulu r u-Kata Tju t a National Park. Landscape Research, 40(8), 971–992. https://doi.org/10.1080/01426397.2014.989965