Uluru listed as World Heritage Site

 Uluru is also known as Ayers Rock. It is a large sandstone rock formation in the southern part of the Northern Territory in central Australia. It lies 335 km southwest of the nearest large town the Alice Springs. Uluru is sacred to the Anangu the Aboriginal people of the area. Uluru is home to a plethora of springs, waterholes, rock caves and ancient paintings. Uluru is listed as a World Heritage Site.

The development of tourism infrastructure to the base of Uluru began in 1950. Sooner it produced adverse environmental impacts. Then it was decided in the early 1970’s to remove all accommodation related tourist facilities and re-establish them outside the park. In 1975, a reservation of 104 square kilometers of land was approved for the development of tourist facility. The Yulara airport promoted more tourists to this area. In late 1984 the Yulara resort was opened for the tourist. Now the Yulara resort was renamed as Ayers Rock Resort.

Since the park was listed as a World Heritage Site, the annual visitor numbers rose to over 400,000 visitors by the year 2000. Increased tourism provides regional and national economic benefits.

Admission to the park costs $25 per person and provides a three day pass. Passes are checked by park rangers.

Climbing Uluru is a popular attraction for visitors. A chain handhold extended in 1976 makes the hour long climb easier. It is a steep hike to the top where it is quite windy. Climbing Uluru is generally closed to the public when high winds are recorded at the top. 

The local Anangu do not climb Uluru because of its great spiritual significance. The visitor guide says “the climb is not prohibited”.  It is preferable to avoid climbing Uluru as a mark of respecting the law and culture. The Anangu also request that visitors do not photograph certain sections of Uluru for reasons related to traditional beliefs. 

Keywords – local Anangu, Uluru, Climbing Uluru, Ayers Rock Resort, World Heritage Site.

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