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Uluru: Australia's controversial rock star

Uluru, Ayers Rock, or simply the Rock. Whatever people choose to call it, there’s no denying it is the natural icon of Australia.

Which is perhaps why it’s understandable that after travelling crazy distances to get there, tourists are gagging to climb it. I know I was.

But the point is, you shouldn’t. End of.

World Heritage-listed Uluru is sacred to its Aboriginal owners, the Anangu. They ask visitors not to climb it because the walking route itself is believed to be a Dreamtime track of huge significance, a pathway used by their spiritual ancestors.

As a result, the Anangu also feel responsible for the 35 or so people who have died while attempting the climb.

“But who cares,” you cry. “It’s not like climbing the Rock is illegal.”

Well for starters, it’s not against Australian law but it is against the Anangu law, which is why they don’t climb it themselves.

And it’s not against federal law because the Aussie government effectively screwed over the traditional owners to cash in on valuable tourist dollars.

Yes, the Anangu own the land. They were given it back in 1985, but they were forced to lease Uluru back to the government for 99 years.

Plus, despite a promise to the contrary by then Aussie prime minister Bob Hawke, climbing the Rock was not banned.

However, whether or not the climb is legal should be irrelevant. A big part of travelling anywhere should be a healthy respect for local culture (within reason of course).

Ignorance is no excuse. Maybe you’re unaware before reaching the Red Centre, but once there, there’s no avoiding the situation.

Pleas not to climb can be found in the visitor centre, in most guide books and even on a big sign at the start of the climb. If you can read, you know you’re not meant to climb. In my view, if you climb the rock you’re a small-minded idiot.

But the reality is the climb remains open. The choice is yours and it’s a simple one. If you’re desperate to tick another must-do off your list, then you will do the climb whatever anyone says (as tens of thousands do every year).

However, if the word “respect” mean anything to you, then you won’t.