One of Australia's most iconic Natural Wonders, Uluru is actually one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.
Popping up out of the desert, Uluru is a huge sandstone rock, measuring 1142 feet high and 5.8 Miles around the base. Previously known as Ayers Rock, the area features Rock caves, natural springs and waterholes. It was managed by Australian National Parks until 1985, when ownership was transferred back to the Aboriginal people of the area. It is now jointly managed by the Anangu Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people who are the traditional owners, and National Parks.
Sacred Site
To the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people, Uluru is a living sacred site. They connect with the living spirits and 60000 years of cultural tradition and the area has over 40 sacred sites, with Uluru holding great meaning in the Dreaming stories passed down through the generations. The Aboriginal owners ask that people do not climb on Uluru.
Previously it was the usual thing to do, to visit Ayers Rock and climb it. Now the traditional owners ask that tourists respect the site and do not climb the Rock. Unfortunately, it is still climbed by around 30% of visitors to the park. Worse still the tourists underestimate the hours it takes to climb, and many use the top as a toilet, and discarded soiled clothing is removed almost daily by the Park rangers.
To me, it is obvious that climbing should be banned, and penalties imposed on those that disregard the rules, but everyone has there own opinion. Some people have no respect for the ancient culture and dreaming stories of the Yankunytjatjara and Pitjantjatjara people.
Would you climb Uluru?
The photographs above are from google labelled for free use and publication
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