Uluru (also known as Ayers Rock): a giant sandstone monolith famous throughout the world. For foreigners, it’s almost impossible not to conjure up the image of Uluru as soon as you hear the word ‘Australia’. Climbing Uluru is seen as a rite of passage for any intrepid visitor to the country, a ‘true Australian Outback experience’ which is the pinnacle of many tourists’ trip to the country.

Can I Climb Uluru?

The first recorded climb of Uluru was in 1936. Since then, there have been 37 recorded fatalities which has only served to increase the media coverage and popularity of the climb. 

Currently, climbing Uluru is not prohibited, though it is strongly discouraged. This is because the route of the climb is associated with important Mala ceremonies and is therefore of great cultural significance to the traditional Aboriginal owners (the Pitjantjatjara Anangu people). The Anangu ask visitors to their land to respect their culture and traditional law by not climbing Uluru. Unfortunately, this does little to deter tourists from making the journey.

As of 26th October 2019, which marks the 34th anniversary of Uluru being handed-back to the Anangu, the climb will be permanently closed. This has resulted in extra swathes of visitors heading to the area in order to check it off their bucket list before they will no longer have the choice.

Should I Climb Uluru?

There are plenty of articles and blogs that give visitors to Australia’s Red Centre reasons and justifications to climb Uluru, but here are 10 very good reasons why you should not climb Uluru and what you can do instead to get the real Red Centre experience!

1. It is culturally insensitive

For those of us with a properly oriented moral compass, this is the most compelling reason. It’s simple: you are on someone else’s land so you should respect their wishes. The Anangu people allow visitors to admire their sacred landscape, but kindly request that you don’t climb it. So don’t. 

2. It’s too busy!

I (somewhat naively) presumed that because climbing Uluru is strongly discouraged, there wouldn’t be many people actually doing it. Wrong! I was amazed by the colossal swarm of tourists making their way up and down the handrail in single file. This alone was enough to put me off.

3. You miss out on opportunities to learn about the Aboriginal heritage of the area

Instead of climbing up Uluru, try walking around Uluru. There are information boards along the 3 hour base walk that explain the cultural significance of Uluru. The Dreamtime stories are fascinating.

4. There are better places for hiking

If you enjoy hiking and scrambling – Uluru is not the climb for you. The long slog is easily beaten by other routes in the area such as the King’s Canyon rim walk and sections of the stunning Larapinta Trail. 

5. You don’t get to see Uluru!

Although I chose not to climb Uluru myself, I heard from many who did that the views from the top were underwhelming. The best views of Uluru and the surrounding area are from the bottom! Check out the viewing points (such as the Sunset and Sunrise areas) and the Uluru base walk instead.

6. You miss out on the amazing flora and fauna of the area

The vegetation-free sandstone of Uluru is devoid of life. If you are interested in bird watching or animal spotting (I wasn’t until I came to Australia and saw my first Australian King Parrot!), try one of the gorge walks around Kata Tjuta (also known as ‘the Olgas’).

7. People get hurt

The hike up Uluru is really damn steep! In the short time we were at the base, I witnessed three separate people fall over while descending. Every year there are tourists who require rescuing and there are countless injuries from slips and trips.

8. It is easy to underestimate

Even though it was only 23 degrees (C) when we were visiting, it felt an awful lot hotter due to the thinned ozone layer over Australia, which lets in more UV radiation. Although the climb is steep and sustained, I saw many people attempting it in flip-flops and a worryingly large number going up without water. Don’t be that idiot.

9. If you are looking to summit bag: Uluru is by no means the tallest mountain in Australia!

Mount Kosciuszko is Australia’s tallest mountain, at 2,228m high. If you are interested in summit-bagging and you can get to New South Wales, I highly recommend this climb! Uluru isn’t even the tallest mountain in the Northern Territory. 257km away is Mount Zeil, a challenging ascent and the tallest peak in the NT.

10. Climbing Uluru is not a true Outback or Red Centre experience

Don’t be fooled by the photos. If you want to experience the Red Centre authentically, get away from the tourist magnet hot-spots! Rent a 4WD and explore the Red Centre yourself, or sign up to one of the tour groups and do it with a guide and fellow travellers. Check out my article on overlanding in Outback Adventure for inspiration!

My Experience At Uluru

Before we went to Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, I was unsure as to whether I wanted to climb Uluru or not. I had heard that it is frowned upon by the Aboriginal owners, but I had also heard it’s an amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience. As we were driving into the national park and catching our first glimpses of the gigantic crimson plateau, I couldn’t help but survey the rock with the eyes of a summit-bagger and think “I want to climb this”. However, when we got to the base, the swarming crowds of under-equipped and carefree tourists quickly dissuaded me. But most importantly, I realised just how culturally significant Uluru is to its owners and how strongly they feel about its violation.

Whether you are looking for an authentic Red Centre experience, wanting to gain insights into Aboriginal culture or are just pining for some great Instagram pictures: there are far better options available to you which allow you to be respectful, to learn, and most importantly, to have fun!