Uluru is a sacred sight for the aboriginal people.
Holidaymakers are flocking to Australia’s most famous landmark, Uluru (Ayres Rock) in a bid to climb the monolith before the proposed ban by the government is enforced.
Uluru is owned by the Aboriginal people who view the rock as a sacred site, tourists and travellers to Australia are met with signs at the spot asking them not to ascend the rock. However tour guides claim that tourists regularly ignore the signs and some have even been using the rock as a toilet.
More than 300,000 tourists visit Uluru every year and of these, just under 40% attempt the ascent. The climb can be very hazardous due to high winds and the heat and so far more than 30 people have died trying to reach the summit.
Australia’s environment minister Peter Garrett is a strong supporter of the ban and will be appealing to the Australian parliament to support him. In anticipation of this, many tourists have been flocking to the site to scale the great rock before any such ban comes into place.
Peter Garrett is a strong and outspoken champion of indigenous rights; when he was with the band Midnight Oil one of their most famous songs Beds are Burningwas written about the struggles faced by Aboriginal people. Of Uluru he states: “I have no desire to climb. I can see the signage at the base of the climb. It makes pretty clear the views of the aboriginal people.�
Harry Wilson, chairman of the Board of Management for Anangu agreed with Mr Garrett saying: “It’s disrespectful towards Anangu. If they read the sign and they know they shouldn’t climb, but they still climb, it’s disrespectful.�
However many Australians believe that climbing the rock is not only their right, but a challenge and a feat to be overcome.
It is hoped that a new viewing platform unveiled yesterday will deter climbers. The platform is 2 miles from the rock and comprises 7 miles of road and a mile of walking track and shady areas. The walkways are elevated, offering panoramic views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the distance.
Mr Wilson says he hoped that the new platform will entice people away from attempting to climb the rock. “It is slowly sinking in that we don’t want people to climb, “ he said. “The younger generation do come here and think about it, they are starting to learn a lot more and respect our culture better.�
If you are thinking of travelling to Australia, take a look at our flights to Australia and read our tips for the best places to visit in Australia.
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