Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The Anangu are the custodians of Uluru and take responsibility for the safety of
visitors. Any injuries or deaths that occur are a source of distress and sadness to
them. For similar reasons of public safety, Parks Australia would prefer that people
didn't climb. It's a very steep ascent, not to be taken lightly, and each year there
are several air rescues, mostly from people suffering heart attacks. Furthermore,
Parks Australia must constantly monitor the climb and close it on days where the
temperature is forecast to reach 36°C or strong winds are expected.
So if the Anangu don't want people to climb and Parks Australia would prefer to
see it closed, why does it remain open? The answer is tourism. The tourism in-
dustry believes visitor numbers would drop significantly − at least initially − if the
climb was closed, particularly from visitors thinking there is nothing else to do at
Uluru.
The debate has grown louder in recent years and a commitment has been made
to close the climb for good, but only when there are adequate new visitor experien-
ces in place or when the proportion of visitors climbing falls below 20%. Until then,
it remains a personal decision and a question of respect. Before deciding, visit the
Cultural Centre and perhaps take an Anangu guided tour. You might just change
your mind.
Cultural Tours
o
Uluru Aboriginal Tours
INDIGENOUS
( 0447 878 851;
www.uluruaboriginaltours.com.au
; guided tours starting from $45 per person)
Owned and operated by Anangu from the Mutitjulu community, this company offers a
range of trips to give you an insight into the significance of the Rock through the eyes of
the traditional owners. Tours operate and depart from the Cultural Centre, as well as from
Yulara Ayers Rock Resort (through AAT Kings) and from Alice Springs (through Adven-
ture Tours Australia).
There are a range of tours including the New Dawn Rising tour, which includes bush
skills demonstrations, like spear throwing, a hot buffet breakfast around a campfire, and
unparallelled insights into traditional lore and legend from your local guide. There are
also guided strolls down the Liru and Kuniya Walks, and more tours on offer depending
on the season. Phone or email for the latest offerings of self-drive tours and packages.
Desert Tracks
CULTURAL TOURS
( 0439 500 419;
www.deserttracks.com.au
;
adult/child $249/199)
This Pitjantjatjara-run
company offers a full-day 4WD journey into the remote Pitjantjatjara Lands to meet the
