I'm just reading the book and unlike in the film, there's nothing about her being prevented from taking camels into Ayers Rock National Park. I wonder if they were banned from filming at the Rock and made up that bit of the story? So far the film seems to be mostly faithful to the book, as much as any movies are.
shareThis is merely a guess as I haven't read the book or seen the film, but being an Aussie I can tell you that Uluru (formerly Ayers Rock) is pretty busy with tourists these days. There's coaches, people and a hotel development nearby. My guess is when they were filming, they wanted to stay away from crowds or noise associated with people to add to the ambience of a silent world that she was trekking.
shareI found this pic from the film. That's Mia Wasikowska, and it looks like Ayers Rock to me.
http://imgbox.com/9p1ruUdf
I can confirm that's the rock (now known as Uluru) and Mia, so I guess they did either publicity stills of her near the rock or there was some filming around the rock - that would answer that.
shareHere's a much better shot of the rock in the film.
http://m-wasikowska.org/gallery/displayimage.php?pid=22334&fullsiz e=1
That's a very nice photo from the film. Love the red desert! It's actually taken a LONG LONG way away from the rock itself. The rock looks so small there. My guess is they are at least 2 or 3 miles away from it.
shareI doubt they had any such rule. Australia is portrayed as being very backwards towards animal welfare, and I assume they were backwards towards respecting religious beliefs at that time as well. Surprised you didn't notice how misguided the protagonist was towards animals, oh well, keep worrying about a lump of rock!
shareYou're way off with your presumptive thoughts re animal welfare in this film and in Australia in general. Before making accusations, I suggest you look at some Aussie movies that feature animals like The Man From Snowy River, and Phar Lap. We are not a backward nation when it comes to the welfare of animals. We have to major corporate bodies looking after their interests, The RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) and the Animal Welfare League. There's animal hospitals that cater to wildlife specifically, especially those caught up in our annual bushfires and flood emergencies.
I'm not going to comment on political matters between aboriginal elders and the Australian government at that time re 'religious beliefs' at the rock. Sorry for typos as I'm at work and forgot my reading glasses!
You could do a bit of research before spouting off about things you know nothing of.
At the time Robin made the trek (1977) the National Park Service gave fairly free access to Uluru, except to sacred areas.
By the time the movie was made Uluru and the surrounding land had been given back to the local Aboriginal people who substantially reduced access. it is quite likely they would not allow access close to the rock. The photos look like they could easily be 10km away.
War is Gods way of teaching Americans geography!