Uluṟu climb closure

The Uluṟu climb closed permanently from 26 October 2019.

Uluṟu has been sacred to Aṉangu for tens of thousands of years, and climbing Uluṟu was not generally permitted under Tjukurpa (Aṉangu law and Culture).

Visitors began climbing Uluṟu in the late 1930s, and to keep people safe, the first section of the climb chain was installed in 1964.

In 1985 Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park was handed back to the Traditional Owners, Aṉangu, in an event known as Handback. The question of closing the climb was raised, and Aṉangu spokesman Kunmanara Lester said that while Aṉangu didn’t like people climbing Uluṟu it would be allowed for now.

In the 1990s signs were put up at the base of the climb which asked visitors on behalf of Aṉangu, Please Don’t Climb. As visitors learned more about Aṉangu Culture and their wishes, the number of visitors climbing Uluṟu began to drop.

In 2010, the release of the Park’s Management Plan signalled the intention to work towards closing the climb. In November 2017, the Board of Management agreed that the criteria which included the number of visitors climbing falling below 20%, voted unanimously to close the climb from 26 October 2019, the 34th anniversary of Handback. This significant decision demonstrates Tjukurpa and Australian law working together in joint management. Our vision is that the park is a place where Aṉangu law and Culture is kept strong for future generations.

Visitors are advised that climbing Uluṟu is a breach of the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, and penalties will be issued to visitors attempting to do so.

“The land has law and Culture. We welcome tourists here. Closing the climb is not something to feel upset about but a cause for celebration. Let’s come together; let’s close it together.”

— Former Chairman of the Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa Board of Management Sammy Wilson