Uluru climbing ban ends disrespect of sacred rock

Photo credit: Corey Leopold

Friday was the last day tourists could climb Uluru in Australia as the ban came into action at 4pm local time.

The monolith, also known as Ayers Rock, is a sacred place for the indigenous Anangu people. They have been fighting to get tourists off the site for a really long time.

The board of the national park made the unanimous decision to end the climb two years ago. Besides the spiritual significance, there were also environmental and safety concerns, as the walk can be challenging.

Earlier this month, a 12-year-old girl fell about 20 meters while climbing the rock and suffered injuries.

According to the latest data, 300,000 people visited Uluru in 2015, of whom 16.2% climbed the rock. That means roughly 135 a day.

Alfie Tobutt climbed the rock when he was 15, but now regrets doing it. Listen to what he had to say.

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