Tourists 'jinxed' by Aborigine rock

Uluru used to be known as Ayers Rock

Tourists who have taken home pieces of rock from Uluru, Australia's most sacred Aboriginal site, may have got more than they bargained for.

Rangers at the Uluru National Park say they have been mailed thousands of rocks which their senders say have brought them bad luck.

"It's just a weird phenomenon," said park manager Brooke Watson. "They come from all over and they just keep coming every day."

Uluru - a huge red monolith in the heart of the Australian desert, previously known as Ayers Rock - is one of the country's best known natural monuments.

But it is also an important religious site for the Aborigines, and Australian law prohibits tourists from taking personal souvenirs home with them.

Whether out of remorse or misfortune, it seems that many of those picking up illegal pieces of rock cannot wait to get rid of them - regardless of the expense.

I haven't had anyone write and say, 'Since I returned the rock we won the lotto' or anything

Park manager Brooke Watson

Last year a German tourist mailed back a 7.5 kilogramme (16.5 pound) fragment.

"It must have cost them a fortune to send it," Mr Watson said.

Most of the rocks sent back to the park end up being destroyed, as a result of Australia's strict quarantine laws.

But when they can, park rangers and local Aborigines hold ceremonies to put some of the pieces back on Uluru.

There is little evidence, though, that these ceremonies lead to a reversal of fortunes.

"I haven't had anyone write and say, 'Since I returned the rock we won the lotto' or anything," Mr Watson said.

Each year around 500,000 tourists visit Uluru, 420 kilometres (260 miles) from the outback town of Alice Springs.

Many tourists chose to climb the famous rock despite the objections of local Aborigines.