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.

The Northern Territory is made for road trips, and this one hits all the highlights.

Craggy mountain ranges, inviting waterholes, ochre soil: the landscape of the Northern Territory is asking to be explored by road and foot. There are many iconic road trips to choose from here, but none so all-encompassing than the roughly 3000 kilometres of sealed road that make up Explorer’s Way.

Spend 14 days (or more, to really make the most of it) driving this route from Adelaide, hitting the NT near the small settlement of Kulgera before later finishing in Darwin. Along the way, you’ll find nearly all the territory’s most iconic sights.

Discover some of the top highlights that make Explorer’s Way one of Australia’s most incredible road trips.

1. Alice Springs

echidna at Alice Springs Desert Park — See the locals at Alice Springs Desert Park. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Recently hitting the big screen again with the story of The Kanagroo Sanctuary , there’s a lot to surprise you in Alice Springs.

Three distinct desert habitats – desert rivers, sand country and woodland – are recreated over 1300 hectares at Alice Springs Desert Park . Time your visit for a presentation or a free bird show.

Later, turn your attention to the skies above, taking a dive into local astronomy at Earth Sanctuary . You’ll find a range of experiences, from a 90-minute toe-dip into the stars through to an overnight adventure.

Alice Springs packs a surprising punch with its tasty dining options, including pub grub and unique brews at Alice Springs Brewing Co , tapas and pizza at Epilogue Lounge and tasty cafe fare at the quirky Page 27 .

2. Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park

woman standing at Ormiston Gorge — Dive into Ormiston Gorge. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom and Jesso)

Beginning 15 minutes from Alice Springs and stretching across 161 kilometres, Tjoritja/West MacDonnell National Park is packed with striking ancient landscapes and inviting water holes.

Visit Standley Chasm – traditionally known as Angkerle Atwatye, meaning ‘Gap of Water’ – to take in its bold red and orange hues, and to observe the diverse bird species, lizards and wallabies that call it home.

Cool off in one of several picturesque natural swimming holes, like Ellery Creek Big Hole and Ormiston Gorge.

3. Uluru & Kata Tjuta

three women looking at Kata Tjuta at sunset — Explore Kata Tjuta. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT)

Visiting the Cultural Heart of Australia is something everybody should experience. There are so many side trips in the Red Centre you could easily spend a week here, but to get the most out of a short time, park the car then get out on foot.

Take the 10-kilometre Base Walk around the entirety of Uluru or join a free, ranger-guided Mala Walk along part of the base, learning about Tjukurpa (creation stories) and geology as you go.

For a change of pace, wait until nightfall and wander through the iconic Field of Light display by celebrated artist Bruce Munro, or see the Wintjiri Wiru lightshow that shares the ancient Mala story using drones, lasers and projections.

4. Tennant Creek

pson looking at Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles) northern territory — See the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Dom And Jesso)

Tennant Creek was Australia’s third-largest gold mining town in the 1930s, and visitors can discover that history at Battery Hill Mining Centre – and even try their own hand at gold fossicking.

For a completely different side of history, pop into Nyinkka Nyunyu Art & Culture Centre , which preserves and shares Warumungu culture through art, performance, a museum and more.

Just outside town, find the ancient granite boulders of Karlu Karlu (Devils Marbles). A site integral to important stories held by the Warumungu, Kaytetye, Warlpiri and Alyawarra peoples, the boulders appear to almost have dropped out of the sky and seemingly continue to defy gravity.

5. Mataranka

aerial of people swimming in bitter springs northern territory — Dive into Bitter Springs. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Ben Savage)

A town made famous by the novel We of the Never Never by Jeannie Gunn (and a movie of the same name), Mataranka is also known for its sandy-bottomed thermal pool, Bitter Springs , within Elsey National Park. Follow a 500-metre loop track around these spring-fed pools that stay a toasty 34°C year-round, before choosing your favourite spot to dive into. Enjoy the local birdlife while you relax.

Elsewhere in the park, find historical sites, several scenic walks and Roper River, which is perfect for boating and fishing.

6. Nitmiluk National Park

Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise — Join a sunset cruise with Nabilil Dreaming. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Lachlan Gardiner)

Nitmiluk National Park is sandstone country, with 13 stunning gorges and plenty of waterfalls waiting to be explored.

One of the most beautiful spots can be found along the 62-kilometre Jatbula Trail, a five-to-six day bushwalk that follows an ancient Jawoyn songline from Nitmiluk Gorge to Leliyn (Edith Falls). Numbers are restricted and book out quickly, so be sure to plan well ahead. Not up for the hike? Drive right up to the falls and enjoy a dip without the challenge.

Elsewhere, explore Nitmiluk (Katherine) Gorge. Paddle a kayak through the river running through the canyon, or save your energy on a Nabilil Dreaming Sunset Dinner Cruise , discovering the stories and ways of the Jawoyn people while enjoying a candlelit dinner as the cliffs around you shift colour and glow with the changing daylight.

Continue your cultural journey at local art centres like Godinymayin Yijard Rivers Art & Culture Centre or Mimi Aboriginal Art & Craft .

7. Litchfield National Park

cathedral termite mounds in Litchfield national park — Be awed by giant cathedral termite mounds. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ As We Wander)

Just over an hour’s drive from Darwin lies the beautiful Litchfield National Park. It’s famous for stunning waterfalls and swimming holes, including Buley Rockhole, Wangi Falls, Florence Falls and Tjaynera Falls.

Here you’ll also find hundreds of giant – and magnetic – cathedral termite mounds that are truly a sight to see. Ageing up to 100 years old, you won’t find mounds like these outside the northern parts of Australia. Stroll along the accessible boardwalk to see them up close.

8. Darwin

darwin street art — Darwin art is streets ahead. (Credit: Tourism & Events NT/ Mark Fitzpatrick)

This list wouldn’t be complete without the territory’s capital city: Darwin. Situate yourself upon arrival with a stroll through the main streets, admiring the many art murals by local, interstate and international artists. They’re all remnants of the annual Darwin Street Art Festival , one of Australia’s longest running street art festivals.

Stop to recharge along Darwin’s Waterfront Precinct , an area of delectable restaurants, public swimming pools and free events. And, of course, it would be wrong to leave the city without enjoying a bowl of laksa at Mindil Beach Sunset Market as the sun goes down.

Learn more and start planning your Explorer’s Way road trip at northernterritory.com/drive.

Here’s why climbing Uluṟu is banned