In the fall of 2017, the board of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park voted unanimously to ban the climbing of Uluru—it’s about time.
For the uninitiated, Uluru is a large sandstone rock formation in Australia’s Northern Territory. Standing next to it feels like you’re in the colossal outfield of some cosmic ball game. With nothing but rusted sand and brush around it for miles, it juts out of the earth, a huge, forgotten plaything of giants. It’s monolithic. Its presence is a near-anomaly.
The ban, which is set to be imposed in October 2019, might disappoint tourists, but it shouldn’t. Frankly, it’s high time that climbing this UNESCO world heritage site was banned—here’s why, and what to do instead!
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Uluru, which is also known as Ayers Rock, is sacred Aboriginal ground. You probably wouldn’t sing at the top your lungs in Notre Dame Cathedral—this is pretty much that with more selfies. The local Anangu people believe that Uluru was left behind by the ancestral beings who created the land itself. They believe that the spirits of these beings still live there, and it’s the Anangu’s sacred duty to look after the site.
Imagine trying to do your job with a bunch of backpackers walking all over your metaphorical desk. Now, imagine that desk is a church, mosque, or temple. (Or 10,000 signed Beyonce posters—whatever metaphor drives it home.) Part of the privilege of travel is to witness new cultures in their pure form, and climbing Ayers Rock is literally stomping all over Aboriginal spirituality. Boo, no. Ban: 1, Climb: 0.
It’s Freakin’ Dangerous
As if respecting the locals isn’t enough motivation, climbing Uluru is also dangerous. There are warnings everywhere around the site, declaring that the ascent is perilous. Ayers Rock is 340 metres high. If you factor in Australia’s blistering heat or high winds, you’re looking at a possibly deadly climb.
Just back in 2010, a 54-year-old man died, collapsing near the base of the rock. Beyond that, 35 other people have perished in the attempt since 1958. There are very literally other hills to climb—it’s about time people forcibly sat this one out.
According to locals, disturbing the site is also bad for your karma. Tourists who have taken rocks from the site are said to be cursed with misfortune. Park rangers get packages sending back stolen “sorry rocks” or twigs nearly every day. So, do you feel lucky?
No Climbing, No Problem
Some think the ban will affect tourism, BUT there’s still plenty of things to see and do in the area that make for an amazing visit!
You can hike all the way around it, taking in the magnificence of the landscape from the safety of the ground. There’s also an on-site museum, which shares the legends and the history of this natural wonder. (Keep an eye out for beautiful Aboriginal art in the gift shop!) Another great hike is the nearby Valley of the Winds—something we already wrote about in our Australian travel guide. It’s about TIME the Olgas got their time to shine!
Shutting down the climbing of Uluru is a local victory and a sign of more understanding times. It ensures that the integrity of this sacred site will be preserved for the Aboriginal locals and future visitors alike.
The best view isn’t from the top of anyway—it’s the breathtaking sight of the sun rising or setting over this ethereal, natural wonder.
What do you think of when you read the word “Australia”? Boomerangs, vegemite, and kangaroos? Hugh Jackman and Crocodile Dundee? There are plenty of cultural touchstones we associate with the land down under—the sixth largest nation in the world.
Still, Australia has far more to offer than koalas and didgeridoos. One of the best things about living there is chasing the unknown: off-the-beaten-track locales, hotspots that locals love, and secluded spaces that shout “adventure!”
Leading Out has compiled an extensive list of places we’ve personally visited and gathered from our friends scattered across the country. In this four part blog series, we’ll introduce you to 23 of Australia’s best and little-known destinations—places travel guides wish they knew about!
Your next roadtrip is waiting, just scroll down!
1. Snorkel with Whale Sharks on Ningaloo Reef This fringing reef is a stone’s throw away from the shores of Exmouth, Turquoise, and Coral Bay. It’s Australia’s only large coral reef accessible with nothing more than a snorkel and fins.
As you enter the shallow, tranquil waters you are likely to encounter a gentle giant, the world’s largest fish, the WHALE SHARK. The Coral Coast is one of a few places on the planet where whale shark migration patterns are predicted, as they seek mass amounts of plankton. It’s an Australian must!
When To Go
April – July; specifically May and June
Location
North West Australia, about 1,200km north of Perth
Top Operator
Ningaloo Whaleshark-n-Dive
08 9949 1116
www.ningaloowhalesharkndive.com.au/
2. Dive Navy Pier in Exmouth
While you’re in the Coral Coast, why not see all that the Ningaloo Reef and its abundant aquatic life has to offer at Navy Pier? Whether you’re an experienced diver or it’s your first time, this shallow dive site provides opportunities for everyone.
Expect to see more marine life in a single dive than most people will see in a lifetime: angelfish, sharks, sea turtles, and much more! Navy Pier at Point Murat consistently ranks in the world’s top 10 shore dives, and is not to be missed! Important note: Navy Pier is actually on American soil and you’ll need a passport to access the pier itself.
When To Go
March – July; only accessible at low tide
Location North West Australia, about 1,200km north of Perth
Top Operator Three Islands Whale Shark Dive
08 9949 1994
http://www.whalesharkdive.com
3. Share the Beach with a Kangaroo in Lucky Bay, Esperance
Postcards have led us to believe that kangaroos spend most of their time lounging on the beach, but the reality is they rarely venture onto seaside sand—unless of course, that sand is located on one of the country’s most beautiful beaches!
When the crowds leave Lucky Bay, kangaroos emerge from the bush to lay in the sand. Why? Perhaps to witness one of Western Australia’s secret gems in Cape Le Grand National Park, or work on their tan. This common occurrence is a chance to spend your evenings with the furry locals. Even if you don’t spot a ‘roo, you’ll be happy just to have spent some time with the amazing view.
When To Go November – March; temperatures are in the mid-20s (Celsius).
Location Lucky Bay, Cape Le Grand National Park, Western Australia
4. Pay Attention to the Ugly Duckling at Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Here at Leading Out we like to think everyone can recognize the famous Ayer’s Rock—also known as Uluru—but how many know about Kata Tjuta, its impressive sibling? For years, Uluru has stolen the show, and now we think it’s time to pay attention to an equally impressive rock formation about 60km away.
Similar in colour and composition, Kata Tjuta—also called The Olgas—offers a breathtaking hike called Valley of The Winds. Take a sunrise walk to catch the many colours as the light washes over the landmark. As you hike, you may be lucky enough to spot a camel, rock wallaby, echidna, or dingo. This is the Red Center, so take your time exploring, and bring your camera!
When To Go April or May; less heat and flies
September and October; desert flowers are in bloom
Location Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Petermann, Northern Territory 5. Spot a Koala in Otway National Park
For thousands of immigrants, Cape Otway was the first sight of land after leaving their maiden country. For you, Cape Otway will offer you your first glimpse of one of Australia’s most iconic animals—the koala.
Hours of hiking and driving around the country have taught us that koalas aren’t dripping from every tree. In order to spot one of these cuddly creatures, we recommend taking The Great Ocean Road, specifically halfway down Otway Lighthouse Road. Keep your eyes on the treetops—once you spot your first koala, you’ll quickly become an expert at pointing out entire colonies!
When To Go Anytime
Location Otway Lighthouse Road, Cape Otway National Park, Victoria
6. See Dozens of Kangaroos at The Dutchman It’s basically a rule: you can’t leave Australia without checking “see a kangaroo” off your to-do list! No need to worry, we know a place! The Dutchman’s Stern Conservation Park in the Flinders Ranges sees them springing around everywhere.
Upon parking your car and taking a deep breath of fresh air, you will quickly begin to spot these timid marsupials in the grass and on the hills. Hike around, and while you’re here, enjoy the rest of the Flinders Ranges like Wilpena Pound, rock paintings at Yourambulla Caves, a drink at the North Star Hotel/Pub, and wrap it up at Rawnsley Park Station.
Note: we recommend you don’t drive through the park at night (unless you are craving kangaroo steak and a new front end of your vehicle).
When To Go Anytime
Location
Dutchman’s Stern Conservation Park, Flinders Ranges, South Australia
With that, we’ve reached the end of this week’s instalment. We hope you’ve got some new adventure fuel in the tank, and tons of fresh ideas for your next vacation. Click back here next week for part two of four in the series, and more great things to do in Oz!
This fringing reef is a stone’s throw away from the shores of Exmouth, Turquoise, and Coral Bay. It’s Australia’s only large coral reef accessible with nothing more than a snorkel and fins.
