Uluru is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks.
Millions of visitors travel every year to see this spectacular site in person. A large portion of these travellers used to make the climb up to the top, getting to see the stunning landscape of the outback from above. However, climbing up Uluru is no longer an option.
When did it become illegal to climb Uluru?
In October 2019, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board of Management decided to close the climb. Even with this restriction, there are still plenty of ways to see Uluru in person. You can take in the incredible views by circling around the base, seeing it above in a helicopter or marvelling it from a lookout.
Respect the Traditional Owners
Uluru is a sacred site for the traditional owners of the land, the Anangu People. These indigenous people of Australia have been around for at least 60,000 years. Throughout that time, they have formed a deep connection with the towering monolith of Uluru.
The Anangu people see Uluru as a sacred site. It is recognised as a resting place for past spirits and ancestors, making it one of the most important cultural and historical sites in Australia. They continually use it as a place for traditional ceremonies and rites of passage, with the traditional owners looking after both Uluru and its surrounds.
The Anangu people have always stated how they wish tourists would not climb Uluru. It wasn’t that long ago that their wishes were finally respected and the climb up Uluru became banned. You wouldn’t climb a church or a stranger’s home, so why would you climb a sacred site?
Climbing Uluru destroyed the environment
Even despite the Anangu people’s wish, thousands of tourists continued to climb the rock every year. The constant climbing caused millions of footsteps to trek up the climbing path. This caused the area to slowly erode, changing the entire face of Uluru. The path that climbers previously followed is now considered a scar on Uluru.
If the erosion of sandstone wasn’t bad enough, climbers also used the rock as both a rubbish bin and a bathroom. They would throw trash on the rock during their climb. They would also use the sacred site as a toilet while hiking. When rainfall would come, the water washed away the secretion and waste, sweeping it all into the nearby river and watering holes. This would poison the waters and kill many plants and animals.
The environmental destruction didn’t stop there, but those were sadly some of the most prominent impacts.
Uluru is dangerous to climb
If the idea of the above factors have not deterred you, then perhaps the threat of your life might? Although it may look like a smooth and easy climb, there had been countless injuries and 38 deaths since the 1950s.
Why is it unsafe to climb Uluru? The first reason is because of its height. Though there was a chain that would lead climbers along the hiking path, the surface was still often slippery. When hiking 348 metres high, nobody wants to think about losing their footing.
The hiking route had also been closed frequently due to strong winds and the storms that would roll through. With all of these factors, a chain to hold on to doesn’t do a whole lot for safety.
Visiting Uluru
Even though you can’t climb Uluru, there are plenty of walks and lookouts that you can visit to marvel at its beauty.
The Uluru base walk is the most comprehensive hike as it leads you around the entire base of the rock. The 10 kilometre loop shows you all sides of the impressive monolith. You will pass through woodlands, waterways, native grasses and more.
There are a couple of things to consider while doing this walk. There is a section of Uluru where visitors are asked to not take photos. That is because this section of the rock is considered sacred, and it is important to respect the Traditional owners of the land. Another thing to keep in mind is that some parts of the track may be closed during the afternoon in the summer. This is because it can get quite hot outside and hikers are at higher risk of heatstroke.
Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia
Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.