Ayres Rock question.

[brodon]

Many TV channels here in the U.S. carry features and documentarys about Australia, and I watch most everything I can about this unique country. I would love to be able to visit and tour by motorcycle someday.

My question is; is it true that climbing Ayres Rock is "discouraged" because it offends the aboriginals? That's what a recent TV program suggested.

[Jules]

Yes that is correct. It all depends on how "politically correct" or 'culturally sensitive" you wish to be - depends on your perspective I guess. I have climbed the rock and it is quite a hike, far higher and more steep than it looks - and well worth it for the view!

[croc]

I too have climbed the Rock and agree it is well worth it. Sometimes the Rangers close it because of weather conditions that make it too difficult or if there has been a fatality (usually heart attack) which was the case when we stayed at Uluru Resort nearby. It is VERY steep and a chain handhold is required half way up. You do not to slip but worth the risk.

Next stop for us was Kings Creek Station and the Kings Canyon Rim Walk.......spectacular. Highly recommended. Met an elderly woman at the resort who's husband had had a massive stroke on the climb up to the rim and had died sitting next to her. Two in a row.......the outback seems to be a natural selection process for the thousands of greys travelling through it, or just coincidence.

If you want to see stunning country look at the web sites for Flinders Rangers as well. Happy to provide places to stay if required offline.

[ferrix]

 is it true that climbing Ayres Rock is "discouraged" because it offends the aboriginals?

It's true. Some other things that are discouraged these days include calling them aboriginals, or calling the rock Ayers Rock for that matter - politically correct name is Uluru! However you want to call it, climbing the rock is an *awful* lot of work and the climate unforgiving - it's no accident so many people drop dead in the process. Personally I feel any excuse to stay away from it is a good excuse.

[IanW]

I went there and bought a tee shirt that read "I did not climb Ayres rock".
Ian

[Davo]

Well thats because you live at the centre of the universe at Mudgee  

Ian did you do the Toy & Poker Run in December out of Oly's Mudgee Kawasaki  ? I was there on Kawa's 1400GTR

[atypical1]

It is certainly worth the climb as the view is amazing. I also like the Olga's.

It has been many years (1985) since I was last there but it is one of my most memorable expeirnces of living there and would love to take my family back there someday.


James