We LOVED our adventure through the Red Centre back in August 2016. A bucket list journey that took us to the spiritual heart of our country and gave us goose bumps as we enjoyed the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park . Seeing Uluru for the first time was breathtaking and our article “To Climb or Not to Climb?” is one that still brings a tear to my eye…
I was fascinated today to follow the news and the following announcement – the reasons behind WHY stemmed back to a decision that was made back in 2010…a very interesting statement:
“Today in an historic decision, the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board of Management decided they will close the climb to the top of Uluru on 26 October 2019.
The Board is made up of a majority of traditional owners of the park. In 2010 the Board released its management plan indicating it would close the climb if three conditions were met:
– That the Board in consultation with the tourism industry, is satisfied that adequate new visitor experiences have been successfully established, or
– The proportion of visitors climbing falls below 20 per cent, or
– The cultural and natural experiences on offer are the critical factors when visitors make their decisions to visit the park.
Today the Board has decided these three criteria have been met. Parks Australia both respects and supports the wishes of the park’s traditional owners.
The date of 26 October is significant to the park’s traditional owners, as it was the date in 1985 the park was handed back to them.
In 2010 the Board committed to giving the tourism industry at least 18 months’ notice to adjust any itineraries or marketing strategies. With their decision to close on 26 October 2019, people can continue to climb if they choose and it is safe to do so, for the next two years if they wish.
Ashlee & Kate Face Timing Grandma at Yulara
Thoughts??
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I think that the rock has enough impact just looking at it or walking near it. I don’t think not being able to climb will really impact on the tourist trade. Most people respect the wishes of the traditional landowners and not clim it anyway.
Your right Kathy , I was there recently, didn’t feel the need to climb it, my partner did , but he didn’t , just there seeing this , and sitting down the bottom, and just touching, was breath taking to me, something I’ll never forget, in saying that though, we are heading back there next year, he wants to climb , before it stops, I’ll just ride a push bike around it
its a bloody rock
We were there in 2013 & did not climb Uluru out of respect & it was the wishes of the Aboriginal people. We did the 11or so kms around it & that was simply spectacular!! Many did climb it & and saw many struggling to do it!! Especially the decent…on their bums 😂
Significant numbers of tourist have already declared that if they are unable to climb the rock they will not visit. There will be no reason to pay their park fee as it’s a BIG rock which can be viewed from distant viewing points. Maybe they’ll need to expand their perimeter!
I climbed it on my 40th birthday… i walked around it, flew over it and had a harley ride around it. Im not sorry i climbed it. The rock is there for all to enjoy… soon we wont be allowed to swim in rivers and beaches too. Very sad… dont know where the compromise is. But im glad i ticked it off my bucket list!
Im Torn on the climb or no climb. But My concern is that historically they have allowed it to attract tourism and money too the community. Visitor numbers and climbers has dropped over the years and they have advertised the closure to only attract tourism. Why not just close it now or 10yrs ago when they started talking about it. It all doesnt fit for me.
As much as it was great to see and get to Uluru, I found all the other formations like Kings Canyon much more awesome…..and you can climb them!!
PS. It was always a given that the indigenous peoples would find a reason to close the rock. The walk is closed now for any reason.
There are two reasons I will not climb the rock. Firstly I believe every part of Australia belongs to every Australian and no-one has the right to deny me the privilege of climbing it. Secondly, my bloody knees are killing me.
the Rock is there for ALL to enjoy, and there is no real reason to Ban climbing it.
Especially as others have said there will be no reason to go in if you can’t.
I will make sure I get there next year as it has been my dream for many years. And even in doing so I will respect everyone and their opinions!
PS: Mount Warning near Tweed looks like being the next place to be off limits as the local tribes want climbing, ‘that sacred spiritual place’ too.
I went to Uluru this year with the intention of climbing the rock before I wasn’t allowed to, but in the 4 months of travel before we got thereI changed my mind. I think of how I would feel when people show disrespect for our man made monuments, Anzac cenotaphs or other important places. I didn’t post these comments to try and sway other people’s opinions, everyone can make up there own minds. In John Williamson’s words, “I feel no urge to climb”.
been there twice, spectacular place. flew out from sydney…uluru and kata tjuta combined make it the best long weekend trip in australia, no risk. didn’t climb, no urge and no wish to dis the traditional owners. the sunrise viewing trip is stunning and the valley of the winds walk at KJ special. magical place all-round. No need to climb.
Travel overseas and dont respect the local rules or wishes – straight to jail . What do you think would happen to somebody urinating or worse at Eifell Tower , Statue of liberty, the Wailing Wall, St Peters Bascillica or a Muslim Shrine .Bring on the closure and show some real pride and respect with our own traditional owners !
The reason why its closed is because of the United nations under the world heritage listing and other UN listings are to close as well!!