Perspectives on the issue:
Uluru has 400,000 visitors a year of which 80% respect the request to not climb the rock. Some tour operators see this as a missed opportunity to make more money.
Aborigines see Uluru as a cultural heritage site that belongs to them and their ancestors.
Tourist industries want people to visit the rock and climb it whereas Aborigines want people not to walk on the rock because they see it as disrespectful. These opinions raise debate over who is right and what is at stake for climbing the rock. These matters remain unresolved and will continue to do so unless an option that suits both sides of the argument comes across.
Aborigines see Uluru as a cultural heritage site that belongs to them and their ancestors.
Tourist industries want people to visit the rock and climb it whereas Aborigines want people not to walk on the rock because they see it as disrespectful. These opinions raise debate over who is right and what is at stake for climbing the rock. These matters remain unresolved and will continue to do so unless an option that suits both sides of the argument comes across.
People Perspectives On Climbing Uluru:
Tourist perspective:
Examples of tourist written responses to whether people should be allowed to climb Uluru:
(for it)
"This is a secular country. Dictating access to a popular tourist destination based on religious beliefs is unacceptable," wrote Jim."By all means close the rock to climbers in adverse weather conditions, but to permanently close it would a denial of the rights of all Australians," wrote Mike.
"It is not as if anyone built it. It was always there. Climb on it if you want. It is like saying you can't swim in Sydney harbour or walk around the Grand Canyon," wrote Ron.
(against it)
"About time. We would be horrified if people were allowed to climb all over our churches or sacred sites," wrote Lilly.
"I think a ban would be great. We should all respect others' cultural and sacred areas," agreed Jenny.
"When I view it now, it is similar, in a spiritual sense, to a church or mosque. Walking around the base is the most respectful method of experiencing the monolith." says Paul
Tourism points of views are balanced as to whether we should climb it or not. If they have to pay for an entry fee they feel that they should be able to climb the rock
(for it)
"This is a secular country. Dictating access to a popular tourist destination based on religious beliefs is unacceptable," wrote Jim."By all means close the rock to climbers in adverse weather conditions, but to permanently close it would a denial of the rights of all Australians," wrote Mike.
"It is not as if anyone built it. It was always there. Climb on it if you want. It is like saying you can't swim in Sydney harbour or walk around the Grand Canyon," wrote Ron.
(against it)
"About time. We would be horrified if people were allowed to climb all over our churches or sacred sites," wrote Lilly.
"I think a ban would be great. We should all respect others' cultural and sacred areas," agreed Jenny.
"When I view it now, it is similar, in a spiritual sense, to a church or mosque. Walking around the base is the most respectful method of experiencing the monolith." says Paul
Tourism points of views are balanced as to whether we should climb it or not. If they have to pay for an entry fee they feel that they should be able to climb the rock
Aboriginal Perspective:
There are a few reasons why the traditional owners do not want people to climb Uluru. One of these is because the path that tourists take is the same as the route of the ancestral mala men when they first arrived at Uluru. Even the traditional owners do not climb the rock out of respect to the spiritual and cultural significance of the mala men. Because of the importance of the story the traditional owners do not want people climbing the rock either. Also Aborigines are under the aboriginal law to maintain and protect their sacred sites and stories so they can be passed down to generations to come. Anangu are concerned that their culture and traditions will be lost due to the damage caused by people climbing the rock. Anangu also have the responsibility to look after visitors to their country but this makes it difficult for them when tourists are in a sacred place.