Anangu would prefer that the climbing stopped. The commentariat and media sensationalised that request.

However it is the damage from graffiti, vandalism, defacing, tagging that most were and are, worried about.

I've seen that everywhere and the lesser problems like stupidly nailing items of apparel over trees in pristine locations. I never post photos of damage because idiots go off and copycat. And they get to know the places of art and so on.

But even apart from that, visitors can 'love' a place to death.

Malcolm in Canberra probably still has final say, not Anangu.

I wonder what the law is about climbing trees in many national parks ? Swimming in pools and creeks in national parks ? Not allowed ? Fair enough. Then why allow any yob to climb Uluru, take a dump up there, and chuck his rubbish wherever he likes ?

Walk around it, at a distance of a kilometre or so, if you feel you have to, but have enough respect to leave it alone.

Joe

Loudmouth,

The approach is to discourage and the climbing will be forgotten over time. Problem with a hard approach is that rescue will be occupied with thrill seekers doing it out of hours and probably leaving their paint and scratched tags to prove same. Don't want to make a 'Welcome back Kotter' graffitied railcar out of the rock.

I shrug and carry extra bags for other people's rubbish. Long handled $5.95 pick-up tongs are available from car parts discount places. Useful around camps anyhow. There is a canvas carrier slung on the back of the vehicle. Our rule is to quietly clean a site and never to act as though we are setting any lessons or being judgemental. Later we might see kids from other camps thoughtfully using the bins.

As well, where possible we may use a shovel to tidy the multiple ash pits to one fireplace with something to encourage use. But of course some people do not understand and establish new fire sites wherever they go.

Authorities could do well by using gentle nudges, not the heavy-handed US Park Ranger authoritarianism, to encourage people to do the right thing.
It is more effective. A bit of cheap equipment and maintenance helps wonders.

Smart local councils should realise that where treated well (cheap to do), the youthful backpackers will likely be back soon as tourists with their family in tow.

I should have added that in many cases, it is actually the country town locals who are responsible for the vandalism and rubbish.

'Petrol head' yobbos with their booze and takeaway binges. Rubbish placed on the ground from a open car door. They also seem to be mainly responsible for the trashing of tourist facilities and for annoying tourists.

Which is why many of us advise campervan and other touring folk to avoid overnights at sites within 30mins drive of a town. And preferably to park out of easy sight from the road. Girls and elderly to find company, check on others staying over, a quick hello with cup of tea in hand and ask the question.

Dear Joe,

I believe that Uluru is considered a sacred site
by the Indigenous people so tourists visiting
the area should be made aware of that and only
guided tours be allowed and due respect shown.
I haven't been to the
top-end - yet, but it is on my to-do list. And
I hope that we shall be able to get the full
history of the place from an Indigenous perspective.

Have you visited the area?

Dear Foxy,

No, only to Alice Springs: not impressed. I went to high school in Darwin in the late fifties, when the population was 7-12,000 (it was growing very fast). I'm happy to leave Uluru to the people whose country it's in.

Love,

Joe