Anniversary of the Uluru Climb’s Permanent Closure

Date: 26 October 2019

What changed on this date

The Uluru climb closed permanently from 26 October 2019. The closure gave effect to the decision of the Uluru–Kata Tjuta National Park Board of Management and honoured Anangu requests that visitors respect the cultural significance of the place.

This date marks the closure taking effect. It is separate from the Board’s earlier announcement and from the last day on which climbing was permitted. Parks Australia identifies 26 October as the commencement of the permanent closure.

Respecting Anangu authority

Uluru is a living cultural landscape, not simply a visitor attraction. Anangu have long explained that climbing conflicts with their responsibilities and understandings of the place. The closure recognised that respectful visiting needs to begin with the wishes of Traditional Owners.

The date was also the anniversary of the 1985 handback of Uluru–Kata Tjuta. The two events share a day and month but represent different milestones: the return of title in 1985, and the end of climbing in 2019. Keeping both entries allows their relationship to be explained without combining their histories.

Learning through respectful visiting

The anniversary offers a positive story about cultural authority, persistence and change. It invites visitors, schools and workplaces to consider why access to a place does not automatically include permission to undertake every activity there.

A useful learning activity is to read Anangu explanations provided through the national park and consider the difference between viewing Country as a destination and recognising responsibilities to it. Learning should emphasise the cultural experiences and understandings visitors can gain through respectful engagement. It should also recognise that Anangu knowledge and custodianship existed long before any tourism policy, board resolution or legal handback.

Sources and further reading

• Uluru climb closure — Parks Australia
• Uluru climb to close in 2019 — Parks Australia
• Acknowledging the handback of Uluru–Kata Tjuta — Indigenous.gov.au

Our related products and resources

We do not currently offer products or learning resources specifically for this date. The reading links above are provided for background and further learning. Suitable items from our range will be added here as they become available.