Uluru is best known as the giant red rock located in the heart of the Australian Red Centre. For thousands of years, Uluru has been sacred to the Anangu people, the Traditional Owners of the land. However, Uluru was not initially protected under Tjukurpa, which is Anangu law and culture, so people were allowed to climb it despite its status as a sacred site. Not only was climbing culturally forbidden, but it also caused significant damage to the site.

The history of how climbing began and ended

Climbing on Uluru began in the late 1930s. In 1964, a chain was installed for safety reasons. Uluru, along with the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, was returned to the Anangu people in 1985. Although the Traditional Owners did not approve of climbing Uluru, they allowed it in the meantime.

In the 1990s, signs were placed around the base of Uluru, near the start of the climb, asking visitors not to climb on behalf of the Anangu people. As visitors began to learn more about Anangu culture, the number of climbers decreased.

Following discussions and plans to close the climb, the Board of Management agreed to permanently close the climb on October 26, 2019. Today, the park is managed under Tjukurpa and Australian law, with a focus on preserving Anangu law and culture.

Things to do when visiting Uluru

Uluru is a magnificent sight, and the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park offers plenty of activities.

  • Walk around Uluru

The Uluru base walk is a popular track that allows visitors to get up close to the rock and learn about its stories. The walk is 10 kilometres long and takes most people about three to four hours to complete. It’s important to complete the walk before 11 AM due to the extreme heat.

We recommend joining a tour to hear the stories as you walk around Uluru.

  • Visit the Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre

The Cultural Centre is one of the best places to learn more about Uluru and the Anangu people through a range of displays. You can also learn about the local animals and plants. The centre is free to enter, and you can purchase local artwork and souvenirs.

  • See Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta is another stunning site within the national park and is often overshadowed by Uluru. Kata Tjuta consists of 36 large red domes, with some reaching heights of up to 546 meters! You can explore one of the walking tracks here to see the domes up close.

Even though climbing Uluru has been closed for several years now, it is done out of respect for Anangu culture. Travellers still have plenty of things to see and do in the national park, with the opportunity to learn more about the Traditional Owners.