Why shouldn't you climb uluru?

Answer 1

The main reason why people should not climb Uluru is that it is now recognised that it is disrespectful to the indigenous people of Australia. While it is a spectacular thing to stand atop Uluru and gaze out over the featureless plains, the Anangu people of Central Australia request, respectfully, that you do not climb Uluru. The landform is of spiritual significance to them. Even among their own people, only the aboriginal elders are permitted to climb the rock, and even then, only for certain ceremonies.

On a more practical note, many tourists are not fit enough to make the entire climb. The surface can be slippery in places, and the first part of the climb is very steep, and will test even fit young people.

Answer 2

The indigenous Anangu people of Central Australia request, respectfully, that people do not climb or walk over Uluru. The landform is of spiritual significance to them, and the route set apart for the climb is a sacred path taken only by aboriginal elders on special ceremonial occasions. It is believed to be the path taken by the ancestral spirits in the Dreaming.

Answer 3

Climbing Uluru is culturally insensitive to the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land, who consider the rock a sacred site. Climbing also erodes the rock surface and poses safety risks. It is advised to respect the wishes of the indigenous community and experience Uluru through other means such as walking tracks around the base.

Answer 4

When I was there it was explained that restrictions on climbing the rock were in fact a health and safety issue rather than anything to do with Aboriginal sentiment.