Climbing Uluru

[mountnman]

I will be doing the larapinta trail in June/July, and I thought that whilst I'm in the red centre I may as well climb Uluru as well.

Now, I am aware that the traditional aboriginals prefer people not to climb it, however I intend to climb it while it is still legal.

The problem that I am having, is finding a tour operator that will operate a day tour from Alice Springs to Uluru with a climb. I can find several that do a base tour, and I found one that does the climb from Ayers Rock Resort.

Does anybody have any experience with a tour operator that operates the climb from Alice Springs? Or is my only option hiring a car and driving 6 hours each way myself?

[KANANGRABOYD]

I climbed it myself years ago (1995). I reckon there would be buses etc going from Alice to the Rock.
It's a great climb up the chains, amazing how big it is!. I did it so would be at the top at first light - amazing.

[tasadam]

I did it in 1988 and remember it fondly. But no recent info, sorry.

[photohiker]

Just book a tour to the rock. It's not like you need a guide or protection from the local Anangu people.

They may ask you not to climb, but they won't stop you.

[Hallu]

To me climbing this is just as disrespectful as shouting in a church.

[neilmny]

[quote="mountnman............The problem that I am having, is finding a tour operator that will operate a day tour from Alice Springs to Uluru with a climb. I can find several that do a base tour, and I found one that does the climb from Ayers Rock Resort......[/quote]

What you are up against is that Uluru is over 400km from Alice Springs, driving at night (which you would have to do) in the Territory is not wise in a car, to many bulls and cows sleeping on the nice warm road, together with roos (*&%$#! big red ones) emus etc.

Travel in daylight and stay overnight is the best option.

We camped there and climbed it in 1978.

[jimmeyer176]

I will also ask you not to climb Uluru...legal or not, it's selfish and disrespectful

[Eremophila]

The climb is often closed these days, due to forecast weather conditions (heat/wind) or for cultural reasons.

You certainly don't need a tour operator who "does" the climb, as it's an independent activity. But there's no guarantee the climb will be open while you are there.