Ayers Rock climb to remain open - (for the next few years at least)

I think a lot of people believe that the top of the chain IS the top. I remember the first climb I did, we left some friends with younger children at the top of the chain.

We expected a short walk to the top.... not the next hour or so!

I don't think I'll bother to climb again, but have great doubts about whether the 'local' indegenous people had the no climb beliefs a couple of decades ago. Maybe some encouragement has lead them to this rethink.

Then again, maybe they didn't have the confidence to express themselves years ago?

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The alleged defecation by the alleged tourists would have to do that after dark wouldn't they. With the number of people climbing at any given time and the openness of the place where would one hide to do that act?

Anyway great to see Minister Garrett use some common sense like he did for the Traveston Dam.

I read the news report on line and thought it was reported as though people were choosing to climb the rock just to go to the toilet. Not the easiest choice if you needed to go! Perhaps the Park management should put a toilet and signage near the gate to the climb saying the climb may take you xx hours return; please visit the toilet before you start. I have seen similar at the start of long walks.

My thoughts on the mooted future closure were that some determined people would still make the climb, without the safety of the chain, and possibly under cover of darkness or in adverse weather conditions, greatly increasing the chances of bad of fatal falls.

Motherhen

There are a number of conflicting interests in this matter.

The area of Uluru containing the climb is not sacred to the aborigines but they do conduct ceremonies there from time-to-time and the climb is closed to tourists at that time. The local aborigines grieve greatly when a tourist dies or is injured on the rock.

Significant problem occurs to the environment as a result of defecation and littering on the rock.

Considerable cost is expended to manage the climb and to rescue tourists in difficulties.

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park board of management are torn between the management and environmental difficulties, their own ethics, and the possibility of losing tourist dollars if the climb is closed. For the moment at least, the fiscal consideration has won. But the word I have from some in the know is that the climb will be closed within 3 years.

Hi All
Ask some of the locals in Alice Springs of what happens in the streets, shops and banks. My sister lives in Alice Springs and these places do not shut shop permanently because the local indigenous people defecate in these places when there are toilets outside.

It all may be a big smoke screen. The tourist dollar may make then change their mind in the end, as most of the tourist that travel there want to include a climb in their visit.

I am not saying that this has never happens on the Rock, but considering the thousands of people that climb it each year, the times that this might happen would surely be very minimal.

Another simple matter could also to give people that climb the rock, a large plastic bag and paper, and use it the same way when walking your dog.

My 2 cents worth.

Cheers

Stephen

I really don't care if tourists climb or not and I don't care if the climb is kept open or closed.

But I really find it hard to believe than any significant number of tourists would elect to not visit Uluru simply because they were not able to climb it. There is so much more to experience and enjoy simply by walking around the circumference of the formation and participating in ranger-guided tours.

I'm of the opinion that many people when asked if they would not visit if the walk was closed would say that they would not, yet in reality they still would. They say "no" in order to manipulate the poll but not with conviction. This is a well established behaviour in relation to polls and petitions.

The climb is often closed for one reason or another but I'm sure people don't pack-up and leave even if disappointed.

A very simple way for the board of management to test the situation is to close the climb for a period and observe the effect on tourist income. If it drops unacceptably, reopen it.

Hi all.

I'm not going to climb it when we pass through in September this year. But i still wan't to see it. Not being able to climb it should not stop tourists still passing through.
Just my opinion.

Lyndsey

Going there (amongst other visits) in the middle of the year.
My wife would not want to got there if she can't climb it. Would bypass and go spend our money elsewhere.

I cant understand why so many visit Uluru apparently only to climb it. I have
watched a busload of asian folk fight each other to gain an edge on the chain..
not very dignified. As a result those in charge closed it immediately, too windy,
they said. That brought about a howling & moaning you would not believe . If
that sort of thing happens regularly it is hardly strange that authorities will move
to close it permanently. Be advised, if you have this on your "must do" list, do it
soon, as it will surely close in the not too distant future. The circumference walk
is a fabulous experience, exceeded only by the Valley of the Winds walk nearby.
I doubt the indiginous angle will be the true deciding issue on closure, more
likely the aggressive attitude of visitors, & the disgusting toilet habits , combined
with the recurring death of climbers. Tourism wont die because of closure,
maybe a lull for awhile. I dont believe the climb is the real reason most visit the
area. ...........oldbaz.

My biggest concern with closing the walk up the rock, is that Uluru itself is NOT a sacred site. Yes their are sacred sites around the rock which must be protected and respected, however the actual rock has never been sacred. Now will this mean that in the future that we may be told we cannot walk on a beach because a certain party doesn't like it?
Surely in this day and age we can work around the rubbish/toilet problem.
How many people crap on top of the harbour bridge?
As was suggested years ago, declare ALL sites that are regarded a sacred and every measure will be taken to protect those sites. Every where else will be available for all to enjoy.

Cheers Tony.