Comments on: Would you hike Uluru?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:32:00 +0000

Xmas eve I watched the sunset on Uluru, then I climbed it, at dawn on xmas morning. It is one of the most unforgettable xmases of my life, and one of the most unforgettable travel moments. The base walk was also moving, but the climb will be one of the highlights of my travels forever.

I understand there are cultural issues surrounding the area, and if I was going to stomp around the area I didn’t see it as much worse actually climbing the rock. I am sensitive to other cultures but did not feel that it would be something that would be on my conscience if I climbed Uluru. I agree with Pleski on this one.

Those that stomped around the base but didn’t climb Uluru/Ayres Rock can sit on their high horse on a technicality, but I will never forget that climb, the feeling of getting to the top, or the view from the top for miles across the outback as far as the eye could see.

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 23:32:00 +0000

By: Apolloin

Apolloin — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 00:27:54 +0000

Climbing mountains because they’re there is the essence of why humans have always climbed mountains. Got to get to the top, got to see what’s on the other side. If our ancestors hadn’t climbed the Alps and had tried walking around them, we’d still be wearing goat skins and living in crude tents. As far as open minded and accepting the cultures of others goes, why should that not apply equally to Aboriginal and Australian culture?Everest is sacred to the Nepalese, but you don’t see them trying to arrange a ban on climbing – they simply demand that climbers respect the mountain.

Why is Ayers Rock any different?

By: Webar

Webar — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 14:11:58 +0000

When I visited in 2002, I talked to an Aboriginal Australian about climbing beforehand. He said that it was dangerous, but that if I wanted to, I should. He also told me that the biggest concern for the Aborigines was not the holiness of the site, but that it made them sad when white people fell off the rock and hurt themselves.

Whites were the only ones telling me that Uluru was a sacred aboriginal site. Incidentally, these were the same people selling genuine Uluru sacred souvenirs.

As far as Eva’s St Peter’s analogy goes, the Catholic Church sells tickets to the Vatican and other religious sites. You can climb up into the towers at Notre Dame and wander around on the roof. Nobody is standing outside telling you that its disrespectful to sit in the pews, walk on the carpeting, or admire the architecture. And most people have the good sense not to urinate on the floor, finger the tapestry or steal the candles without being told.

If people have bad manners or act dangerously in public spaces, well, that’s another issue.

By: Florian Schommertz

Florian Schommertz — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:46:32 +0000

I wouldn’t.

I remember the sign “please do not consume any food behind this point, it’s considered holy by the Maori people” (or similiar) – on the New Zealand North Island.

That’s right at the light house at Cape Reinga. And 90% of tourists had their lunch there, many right behind the sign. I was ashamed.

By: Mark

Mark — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 13:17:21 +0000

The way Ayers Rock changes colour throughout the day and finally glows red at sunset is an amazing experience

By: Carlo Alcos

Carlo Alcos — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 14:29:33 +0000

Latest developments: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10655601

By: Pleski

Pleski — Mon, 03 May 2010 12:08:15 +0000

I climbed it and it was one of the most exhilirating experiences of my life. It belongs to everyone, and should be experienced by everyone. To only allow some aged indigenous men access is simply age, sex and racial discrimination.

I will climb it again, without hesitation.

By: XtremXpert

XtremXpert — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 17:15:37 +0000

Wouldn’t climb it. If the locals don’t want that, than is better that way.

By: niamh

niamh — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 22:59:19 +0000

Artemis, interesting comment.
I’d share your opinions on talking to people in the area. To be honest, before I went there I hadn’t understood that the whole area is sacred, I thought it was ‘just’ Uluru itself. But we went on a tour given by Anangu Tours and Elsie was quite clear that she wouldn’t want people climbing the rock, but also too polite to explain all of the politics.
And like Matt, walking around it is such a pure experience, I couldn’t imagine why anyone would want to jump all over it. We need to remember that we only visit a place and local people live there forever and we should respect their views.
Which would you prefer – to tick off another item on the backpackers’ ‘ I climbed that’ list or sit and have a conversation with someone who really loves the place?