To climb or not to climb? Conquering Ayers Rock

Back in 1972, at age 19, I spent quite a few weeks on an organised camping tour, travelling to the outback of NSW visiting places like Bourke and Lightning Ridge, to Queensland visiting the mines in Mt Isa, up to Katherine where we swam in waterholes surrounded by glowing moths and the groaning of crocodiles.

From there we travelled across to Darwin. I remember Fanny Bay and the marching red crabs. Going off to an Island above Darwin on an Army Duck to witness a real corroboree. Down through the centre, we travelled to Alice Springs and experienced Ayers Rock, the Olga’s and more.

Onto South Australia touring the underground homes, buying water for a wash at .50 cents a bucket and visiting Port Augusta then Adelaide. The final leg of the trip travelling across to Mildura in Victoria visiting the vineyards and home of Sunrise Rice, then back via Broken Hill to home, NSW. I cried when this trip was over. I never wanted it to end.

That is a trip that has stayed in my memories and is still clear to this day. An experience of a lifetime, that educated me more about my country than my school history lessons. Experiencing my country and its beauty first hand was awesome.

The most unforgettable moment of my journey was deep in the heart of Australia, in the ancestral land of the Central Australian outback. The natural beauty and peacefulness of this vast desert is incredible.

This magnificent natural beauty of what was called “Ayers Rock” left me with a memory lasting a lifetime. Something you can only appreciate from the experience.

On this morning while camping on the out skirts of Alice Springs, our tour group woke with great excitement. The Desert wake’s early out there, and it’s pretty nippy, some 3 – 4 degrees. As the sun rises waking up the desert and it’s beauty, so too does the temperature rise during the day often reaching 35 – 40 degrees.

After finishing our bushman’s breakfast, packing up our two man tents and campsite, we boarded our coach heading off to Ayers Rock (aka Uluru). Upon arrival, standing at the base of Ayers Rock, looking up to the top all I could do was take a deep breath.

The challenge for the day was to climb this magnificent rock – Ayers Rock. I wasn’t confident especially as I am a vertigo fan. I was about the youngest on our tour and most of the group were twice my age and more. I will always be grateful to the oldies of my group, for they were my encouragement to do this challenge.

The climb to the top was windy but not without risk, yet my journey was made easier while I continued to cling to the steel chain and ropes, following the white footprints all the way up and back down. I never strayed from the track. It was quite windy at the top and I remember feeling quite unsafe.

I am proud to say, ” I came, I saw and I conquered ” climbing to the top and back down to the bottom of Ayers Rock! …An incredible achievement for me! The local people are so lucky to have such a magnificent beauty in their backyard.

It’s an amazing view from the top of Ayers Rock. I experienced an incredible uplifting rush of emotion, standing on top of Australia! For my achievement I have a Certificate (A4 size), dated 23.4.1972 that I will value to my final days, which says, “CAME, SAW AND CONQUERED!” Issued by Ayers Rock, Central Australia, authorised by Norman Nicey. The Facts noted on the back of my Certificate about Ayers Rock say:

Ayers Rock is the largest monolith in the world towering 1,143 feet above the plains. Discovered by Gosse on July 17, 1873, it is situated approximately 280 miles southwest of Alice Springs. The climb to the summit is approximately 1 mile, the first 700 feet being the most severe part from the foot to the skyline. The Aboriginal name is “Uluru” and was once the ceremonial ground for tribes of the area.

The names (first names only) of the people in my group who autographed my Certificate were: Nancy, Christine, Paula, Geoff, Julia, Robert, Ernest, James, Tony, Sarah, Otelia, Hilderline and two others.

As the years have passed I have heard and read much controversy over whether we should or should not be climbing Ayers Rock now more frequently referred to as “Uluru”?

1985, the Anangu traditional owners were handed the title deeds to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and in return the Anangu leased the land back to the Commonwealth of Australia. The local area is now, jointly managed by the Director of National Parks and a Board which includes indigenous members.

2010, the then Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett approved a new 10-year management plan. This plan states for visitor safety, cultural and environment reasons the Director and the Board will work towards closure of the climb of Uluru. The Uluru climb has now adopted a place in the reconciliation challenges.

2013, many complex discussions have taken place about climbing Uluru that reflect the local Anangu people opposed to this activity. Anangu people have concern for the safety of people attempting the climb, as more than 40 people have died now from attempting to climb Uluru. However, there is still something missing from the explanation by the Anangu people, as to why they prefer Uluru not to be climbed and this is private to only them. Plus, we now know that Uluru is considered by the traditional people to be a sacred place.

Some local people would like the climb closed permanently. Others would like to develop the climbing route, increasing the safety standards and then re-open to the public as a tourist attraction to those willing to pay for the experience.

Many feel that the climb will eventually be closed and that this date is closer than we expect. It is up to the custodians and the management of Uluru to decide when it is the right time to close the climb.

To climb, or not to climb? At the moment it’s up to you.

Have you climbed Ayers Rock or would you like to?