Here's why climbing Uluṟu is banned

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Comments (25)
  • Karen Hyam says:

    Put it simply, it’s a sacred place. For once show the aboriginal people well deserved respect for their beliefs. Help to heal.

  • Paul F. McCourt says:

    I think Uluru SHOULD be Protected from tourists climbing all over it! Like they say, it is being abused and used as a toilet and contaminating the water supply. And doing so, is also a desecration to something so Precious. I am not religious!! I just Respect it for what it is, and I don’t like it being abused by people who think its “just a rock.” There’s more to it.

  • Paul F. McCourt says:

    Still standing by what I said, below, I think the ONLY reason to climb Uluru would be under Invitation of an Aboriginal Elder and in the Company of a Geologist. The purpose would not be for the mindless “Oooh! What a Lovely View!!” reason, although the View IS a Bonus, it would be for a Geological look at the Monolith to examine its make up, and other things of Interrest that the general public don’t even know about. To hear from the Elders the Story of Uluru. There is obviously a LOT to take in, but not in the mindless tourist reasons. We must also keep in mind that it is a very Dangerous place to climb. Not only high, but slippery, and perhaps also crumbly.

  • Rooster says:

    I was lucky to have dinner with an elder in the mid 90s. He told me how he had landed on Uluru in a helicopter. He said the “real” traditional owners (the older men) had no problem with people climbing but to stay away from sacred areas. I quizzed him about and he was adamant. I’ll go with his opinion.

  • Jeff says:

    What a load of BS, I have photo’s of Aboriginal People on top of the Rock, Didn’t seem to bother them.

  • charlotte.booker says:

    it is a pretty place and I think we should help it heal

  • charlotte.booker says:

    i said for everone that want to heal uluru, stop walking on ULURU! it is spirtaul place it like climbing a church.

  • Kylie Mather says:

    I took my kids there it was 40 odd degrees. They wondered why they couldn’t swim in the scared waterhole like the indigenous kids could. Try explaining that to impressionable innocent kids

  • Vicki says:

    We were lucky enough to do the champagne sunset then next morning we went alone to watch the sunrise, and yes, it was very emotional, and was as moving as any of the great cathedrals around the world we have visited. Please respect.

  • Doug Matthews says:

    Yes keep people from climbing Uluru
    Just so many nice walks around the base.
    I spent some time there many years ago and enjoyed the sunrise and sunsets.
    Respect it and the people whom are the traditional owners.

  • Mary says:

    This is long overdue. Respecting the sacredness of Uluru can only enhance the experience. Giving respect to the history and value to indigenous peoples there is only right and the way forward. Walking on Uluru was not in keeping with the special reason it attracts so many visitors from near and far anyway.

  • Mary says:

    It’s their rock, not ours.

  • Diane Kirkland says:

    It’s about time this should have been done many years ago. I have been there and chose not to climb instead took a guided tour around the rock much more interesting .

  • Cheryl Cameron says:

    Well said

  • Gareth Thomas says:

    I completely agree with the ban of scaling Uluru. To my shame, I did climb it back in 1987, and was unaware of its significance to the Anungu people. It was an aboriginal elder at the information centre who alerted me to the sacredness of Uluru after I had climbed Uluru. I recall apologising and have told that story whenever the opportunity arises in conversation. I intend going to see Uluru again and taking the guided walk that I have been told is highly enlightening.

  • Ian says:

    Hoorah! I climbed Uluru about 40 years ago and ever since I have sincerely regretted doing so. I am so glad that this is to be prohibited.

  • Jeff says:

    It’s about time they put a stop to climbing the Rock. I had to years ago as a Tour Guide so I could tell potential climbers what to expect but I never wanted to out of respect. Will ultimately save a few Japanese tourists that underestimate the climb in the heat because they don’t drink water like they should. There’s quite often stories of another helicopter rescue of a stranded or deceased Japanese tourist on the Rock. The base walk is spectacular especially after some rain so tourists should stick to this. Does this mean the Kata Tjuta walks could be banned as well? This is an excellent substitute and more exciting alternative to climbing the Rock and the Valley of the Winds walk will also stay in your memory for many years. Stunning!!!

  • Angus M Robinson says:

    In line with vast majority of responsible ecotourism and geotourism operators, I fully support the views expressed in this article. Sadly those few geological enthusiasts who are resisting the ban on climbing Uluru under the current arrangements are sadly out of touch with the views and aspirations of responsible tourism and overseas tourists generally. Whilst these people argue that earlier generations of the traditional owners supported the Rock climb, we must instead take account of the views of the current owners who after all are able to make a more unhindered decision not encumbered by the oppression that their ancestors endured from non-indigenous intersts in earlier years.

    Personally I have no time for those uniformed domestic tourists who seem to think that they have every right to trample over the views and senstivities of traditional land owners.

    In short, Park Management has taken a decision overwhelmingly in the best interests of both tradional owners and the upholding the reputation of responsible geotourism

  • Walter Swensen says:

    I have the last few years wanted to visit Alice Springs, Uluru and The Olgas. Climbing Uluru was also one of my wishes, but after reading the 5 comments why not to, I really understand that it is a good desition not to climb it as it will not be possible after 26/10-2019.

  • David Lucas says:

    I aggree with the ban my wife and I went years ago. Enjoy the view as the sun sets or walk around the base with a guide.

  • Mark says:

    I visited Uluru in 98 didn’t climb the Rock out of respect would never be allowed in NZ. Great article.

  • Lindsay Blair says:

    I totally agree on the ban to stop tourist climbing Uluru should have closed years ago. I have friends that just back from there and they say there is plenty to do without climbing the rock.

  • Liz Fry says:

    Uluru is a magical place to our first nation people & has strong pull to all Australians who visit. Why can’t people respect it for what it is.

  • Judi says:

    This was very enlighting and I will be looking forward to doing some interesting things at Uluru. Thank you.

  • Cappuccino says:

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