A group of Aborigines in the Northern Territory has failed to win compensation over the construction of the tourist township at Yulara, near Ularu.
In a test case, the Yankunytjatjara people wanted compensation for the extinguishment of their native title rights when the town was built.
But federal Court Justice Ronald Sackville has dismissed the application.
He says the group hasn't proved continual observance of traditional laws and customs in the area.
The case, launched nine years ago, is the first compensation case of its kind heard by the Federal Court.