Climb It While You Can

Parks Australia recently released a management plan for the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the next decade. It is open to public comment for the next two months.

In reference to the Uluru climb, the plan states: "For visitor safety, cultural and environmental reasons, the director and the board will work towards closure of the climb." Health and safety issues are cited as a constant and difficult challenge: 36 people are known to have died while attempting the climb, and park rangers often have to rescue those who have underestimated its steep and arduous nature.

Parks Australia research states that 98 per cent of visitors would still come to the park if the climb were permanently closed.

I almost fell off Ayers Rocks a few years ago. The climb certainly wasn't arduous, but it was slippery in places. And, of course, outside of the chain that stretches up the steepest part, there are no guardrails or paths. You are pretty much on your own. The views from the top are amazing: The Olgas and the expanse of the Red Center.