ULURU  (AYER’S ROCK)  (NT)
Rock Climb 

Return distance : 3.2 km; Time : 2 hours

Uluru (Ayer’s Rock) lies 440 kilometres south west of Alice Springs. This enormous 348 metre high red rock fascinates and inspires people from around the world and has great cultural significance for the Anangu traditional landowners. The Anangu people prefer visitors not to climb Uluru because it is a sacred site, so nowadays many visitors choose to do the walking trails around the rock instead. On the other hand many people can not resist the challenge of the climb. The photographs taken here are from a climb made many years ago (as will be clear from the quality), when the choice was less of an issue.

Uluru is the isolated remnant of an eroded mountain range. A feature is said to be the way it changes colour at sunset. At the time I thought this was a Kodak con: I took a whole sequence of photos at sunset: the outcome was a set of almost identical slides! Very spectaular though.

The walk up the rock is extremely strenuous, and over 35 people have actually died from the exertion. A few have even fallen off the rock. The climb starts by following up a chain, and literally pulling oneself up. This is hard work!

The climb is best made early in the morning before the heat of the day.

At the top of the chain there is a short steep climb to one side, perhaps accompanied by some feelings of insecurity.

The top of the rock has a landscape of its own. I expected a smooth rounded top, but there are hills and valleys and hollows where water has obviously collected.

The view from the top is awesome. The most striking feature rising up out of the plain are the nearby Olgas (Kata Tjuta).

There is a real sense of accomplishment in making it to the top. However, this is followed by some considerable stress in making the descent.

I was pleased to have succeeded in this climb.