Here's Why Climbing Uluṟu Is Banned

Visitors have been banned from climbing Uluṟu since October 2019 – and with good reason. We delve into the specific reasons why.

The Anangu Traditional Owners have long called for visitors to stop climbing Uluṟu. And up until the ban, hundreds of thousands of tourists scaled Uluru every year, against the expressed wishes of the Anangu people.

This played a part in the decision of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park board to unanimously ban the climb. But if you’re still wondering why exactly it’s no longer possible to climb the sacred rock, keep on reading for the breakdown below.

Uluru isn’t yours to climb

The Anangu Traditional Owners consider Uluṟu an intensely spiritual place, an area where their Tjukurpa (creation stories), which govern their ceremonies, art and rules for living, converge.

Uluṟu is said to be spiritually significant because it was a traditional route of the ancestral Mala men. The cultural significance has been globally acknowledged, with UNESCO deeming Uluru a World Heritage area due to its cultural and natural values.

The sun sets over one of the great natural wonders of the world, Uluru towers above the surrounding landscape. (Image: Tourism NT/Che Chorley) — Uluru is not only a spectacular natural formation, but it’s also a deeply spiritual place. You can feel a powerful presence the moment you first set eyes on it. (Image: Tourism NT/Che Chorley)

Climbing Uluru caused erosion

The Central Australian desert may seem outback tough, but the semi-arid ecosystem is actually quite fragile, as can be seen by the erosion along the historic climbing route, known as the Scar of Uluru. The wearing away of the sandstone is a serious issue that causes damage this rare and invaluable site.

Mala Walk at Uluru — The surface of Uluru is very textured and surprisingly fragile. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

The Uluru climb impacted the environment

As well as causing erosion, walkers caused a major issue when they had nowhere to ‘go’. There are no toilet facilities on top of Uluru, so when nature inevitably calls, the climbers used the sacred site as a loo.

And when the rains eventually came, that waste flushed straight into the waterholes below, tainting the water that threatened flora and fauna rely on.

Adding to the levels of disrespect and pollution, climbers would frequently leave their rubbish behind too.

Uluru waterfalls — Rain on Uluru causes waterfalls and anything on top to run into the waterholes. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

It was dangerous to climb Uluru

348 metres might not seem high in terms of mountains, but Uluru has reportedly claimed 38 lives in recorded history.

Unfit tourists often underestimated the task, and the chain along the climbing route was inadequate for the steep and sometimes slippery surface. The 95-storey climb was often closed due to wind, storms, and over the hot summer months (or temperatures above 36°C).

When a person dies on a traditional site, it is said to cause great sadness to the Anangu people.

There are endless alternatives to climbing Uluru

There are so many things to do at Uluru that don’t involve climbing it. You can cruise past it on a camel , or even on the back of a Harley Davidson .
Uluru Camel Tours

Cruise around Uluru atop a camel. (Image: Tourism NT/ Plenty of Dust)You can enjoy it with champagne in hand or dine on a sand dune in its presence at the intimate Tali Wiru experience or the bigger crowds of the Sounds of Silence . You have to do at least one of these alfresco dining options on your first trip (try and time it with the waning crescent moon phase to have a spectacular star-watching session).

Tali Wiru Uluru dining — Take in a 360-degree view of the desert when you dine at Tali Wiru.

You can ride a bicycle around its base and there’s also a wide range of guided walks (for example, to Mutitjulu Waterhole) where you can see rock art up close with someone who can tell you the story of the land.

You can see it sunrise or sunset as the backdrop to the incredible Field of Light by Bruce Munro.

Field of Lights at sunrise at Uluru — See Bruce Munro’s Field of Light on a tour with AAT Kings. (Image: Katie Carlin)

Heck, you can even skydive over Uluru if you’re looking for an adrenaline challenge.

Most importantly, you can choose activities that meaningfully engage in local Aboriginal culture. For example, you could visit the Gallery of Central Australia (GOCA) to see works by Anangu artists , visit the non-for-profit Walkatjara Art or book on to a tour with Maruku Arts .

Inside the Gallery of Central Australia — The Gallery of Central Australia exists to support the Indigenous artists of the Central Desert region of Australia. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

To immerse yourself in the culture of Uluru, you can book an Indigenous-led tour with SEIT , which will take visitors on a day trip onto Patji Aboriginal Lands, where you’ll learn about the landscape, the spiritual significance of the rock, and the personal history of the Uluru family.

Want more inspiration for visiting Uluru? check out our Uluru guide for recommendations on what to do, where to stay, and more.

Summer transforms the Northern Territory into a lush paradise of colour and life, as a visit during the ‘low-season’ reveals secrets the locals willingly share.

Waterlilies bloom, floodplains are alive with birdlife, waterfalls are gushing, and everywhere the green is dazzling. Summer in the Top End and the Red Centre is a kaleidoscope of unexpected wonders that delight and surprise visitors. Of course, the locals know only too well that the Northern Territory low season is often the best time to see and experience this amazing part of Australia.

Here are some of the reasons why savvy travellers – avoiding the crowds – are discovering a new dimension to the Territory. Remember that you’ll need a Parks Pass to visit national parks.

1. Take a dip in the Florence Falls waterhole

Wander through savanna woodland and monsoon forest to discover the perfect place to cool off – the waterhole at the base of spectacular Florence Falls in the magnificent Litchfield National Park , just 90 minutes’ drive from Darwin. The falls flow year-round but are most spectacular during the summer. Camping is available nearby but bookings are essential and must be made online before you visit.

Surrounded by lush forest, a woman cools off in Florence Falls, just one of many incredible things to do in the Northern Territory. — Cool off beneath the cascading waters of Florence Falls. (Image: Joshua Griffin)

2. Wind down at Buley Rock Hole

Another popular local swimming spot in Litchfield National Park is Buley Rock Hole , open year-round. This is a great place to wind down after exploring everything the park has to offer, including towering termite mounds. Wade through the rock pools, soak up the scenic bush or just lie back and relax as the cool water rolls over you.

Buley Rockhole, Litchfield National Park — Let the cool water wash over you. (Image: Tourism Australia)

3. Tour the Tiwi Islands

The Tiwi Islands , a scenic 80km flight from Darwin across the narrow Clarence and Dundas Straits, reveal a different side to the Territory, with their own distinctive culture. Take a day tour with Tiwi by Design to visit Bathurst Island and learn about creation stories, the Mission days, World War II history and the islanders’ obsession with AFL!

Take a ‘behind-the-scenes’ tour of Tiwi Design’s screen-printing workshop and pick up a great souvenir in the form of art. Choose from contemporary or traditional Tiwi designs and a wide range of work including carvings, paintings, pottery, printmaking, bark paintings and tunga (bark baskets).

A creative moment shared inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing space. — Take a peek inside Tiwi Design’s screen-printing studio. (Image: Tourism NT)

4. Dine in Darwin

Foodies are spoilt for choice in multi-cultural Darwin. Try Sri Lankan flavours at Ella by Minoli, where Masterchef contestant Minoli De Silva creates delectable dishes, or head to Charlie’s of Darwin for gin-tasting, cocktails and more. Bowls of fragrant laksa, excellent coffee, fresh vegetables and authentic crafts are all part of a weekend visit to Darwin’s Parap Markets , Rapid Creek Markets and the Nightcliff Markets .

Prefer to catch your own dinner? Book a Top End fishing charter to bag a barramundi – and from October register for the annual Million Dollar Fish competition. Hooking one of the tagged barra released each year in waterways across the Territory could win you up to $1 million.

A bowl of Laksa. — Eat your way through multicultural Darwin. (Image: Tourism NT)

5. Up close with Uluṟu

The magnificent monolith Uluṟu is even more magical when the summer rains fall. When it rains on The Rock, the locals come out to watch – consider yourself lucky if that happens when you visit. Waterfalls cascading off the sides of Uluṟu is a sight that relatively few tourists see.

There’s so much to do at Uluṟu, from guided walks to learn the stories of the Aṉangu people and the ancient landscape they live in to scenic flights for a bird’s-eye view or a leisurely walk around the base of Uluṟu. Book ahead to spend the evening wandering through the Field of Light installation by Bruce Munro.

A closer look at Uluru and uncover its ancient stories, sacred sites, and striking natural beauty – one of the most iconic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Discover the details that make Uluṟu truly sacred. (Image: Tourism NT)

6. Drive the Red Centre Way

From Alice Springs, take an epic road trip along the Red Centre Way, taking in Uluru and Watarrka National Park, home to the magnificent Kings Canyon. Allow at least a week to drive through the red heart of Australia by 4WD, a little longer on the sealed road by 2WD vehicle, travelling through ochre deserts, palm-lined valleys and dramatic gorges. Stop off at waterholes for a refreshing dip along the way.

Kings Canyon offers hiking options for all levels of fitness, from the three-hour Rim Walk atop soaring sandstone walls to the gentler Kings Creek Walk. Either way, you’ll have breathtaking views.

SEIT Outback Australia is a small group touring specialist offering exciting, adventurous, exclusive and specialised iconic, pioneering and cultural touring in the Red Centre of Australia, giving you the time to learn, absorb and relax in the heart of Australia.<br /><br />This innovative tour company focuses on providing clients with the ultimate interpretive touring experiences with a range of products and customised touring itineraries for small groups and bespoke private charters.<br /><br />The company bases its philosophies from the key words of Spirit, Emotion, Intellect and Task (SEIT). — Drive through Australia’s heart. (Image: Outback Australia Tours)

7. Take a walk at Kata Tjuṯa

Head out early to tackle the Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuṯa . This natural wonder, also known as The Olgas, is a labyrinth of soaring ochre domes that glow golden at sunrise and sunset (the walk may be closed during the middle of the day as temperatures rise).

Walking trails range from easy to longer, more difficult tracks. At the Kata Tjuṯa dune viewing area, take in the panoramic view of the domes. The longest of the trails is the Valley of the Winds Walk, a 7.4km circuit that winds between the domes and through creek beds. It’s moderately difficult and steep in places, but offers stunning views – and occasional encounters with kangaroos.

The Valley of the Winds Walk at Kata Tjuta is one of the most awe-inspiring things to do in the Northern Territory, especially at sunrise when the domes glow golden. — Step into the golden light of Kata Tjuṯa. (Image: Tourism NT)

8. Explore Tjoritja/West MacDonnell Ranges

Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park lies 135km west of Alice Springs, with many fascinating natural features to beguile visitors. The ‘West Macs’ formations include chasms, gorges and waterholes – take your swimsuit for a dip at Ormiston Gorge waterhole, open year-round. The Ormiston Pound Walk is a three to four-hour circuit that leaves from the visitor centre and loops back along the gorge via the main waterhole. Other places of interest in the park include Simpsons Gap , Standley Chasm , Ellery Creek Big Hole and Glen Helen .

Soaking in the serenity of Ormiston Gorge, these two travellers enjoy one of the most scenic things to do in the Northern Territory. — Take the plunge at Ormiston Gorge waterhole. (Image: Joshua Griffin Litchfield)

Start planning the NT road trip of a lifetime at northernterritory.com

Here’s why climbing Uluṟu is banned