<strong>No more climbing:</strong> Uluru, the iconic Australian rock, will no longer be open to climbers as of October 2019.
No more climbing: Uluru, the iconic Australian rock, will no longer be open to climbers as of October 2019.
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<strong>Iconic landmark: </strong>Uluru is one of Australia's famed landmarks -- in 2015, 300,000 people visited the site formerly known by its colonial name of Ayers Rock.
Iconic landmark: Uluru is one of Australia's famed landmarks -- in 2015, 300,000 people visited the site formerly known by its colonial name of Ayers Rock.
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<strong>Contentious debate: </strong>The rock is sacred to the local Anangu community and the debate over whether or not people should climb it has been ongoing for some time.
Uluru —
Contentious debate: The rock is sacred to the local Anangu community and the debate over whether or not people should climb it has been ongoing for some time.
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<strong>Unanimous decision: </strong>Following a unanimous decision by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board in the Northern Territory, climbing Uluru will be forbidden. Visitors can still enjoy the park's surroundings.
Uluru —
Unanimous decision: Following a unanimous decision by the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board in the Northern Territory, climbing Uluru will be forbidden. Visitors can still enjoy the park's surroundings.
TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Dangerous climb</strong>: In recent years, the number of people ascending Uluru has declined -- perhaps in part due to safety concerns.
Dangerous climb: In recent years, the number of people ascending Uluru has declined -- perhaps in part due to safety concerns.
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<strong>Tough conditions</strong>: The climb is notoriously challenging due to intense conditions and high temperatures.
Tough conditions: The climb is notoriously challenging due to intense conditions and high temperatures.
TORSTEN BLACKWOOD/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
<strong>Significant anniversary</strong>: The date of the ban will coincide with the 34th anniversary of Uluru returning to its original owners: October 26, 2019.
Significant anniversary: The date of the ban will coincide with the 34th anniversary of Uluru returning to its original owners: October 26, 2019.
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<strong>Alternative options</strong>: Instead of climbing Uluru, tourists can respect the Anangu people's wishes and enjoy the area surrounding the rock instead.
Uluru —
Alternative options: Instead of climbing Uluru, tourists can respect the Anangu people's wishes and enjoy the area surrounding the rock instead.
Mark Kolbe/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
<strong>Not Disneyland: </strong>"It is an extremely important place, not a playground or theme park like Disneyland. We've been thinking about this for a very long time," says Sammy Wilson, chairman of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board and a senior traditional owner and leader.
Not Disneyland: "It is an extremely important place, not a playground or theme park like Disneyland. We've been thinking about this for a very long time," says Sammy Wilson, chairman of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board and a senior traditional owner and leader.
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<strong>Tourism encouraged:</strong> "We are not stopping tourism, just this activity," says Wilson. Uluru has had some famous visitors over the years -- the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited in 2014.
Uluru —
Tourism encouraged: "We are not stopping tourism, just this activity," says Wilson. Uluru has had some famous visitors over the years -- the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge visited in 2014.
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