WHAT NOT TO DO AT ULURU
7 things you shouldn't do while in the heart of the Australian outback
Everything you’ll read online is always about the top things you absolutely must do at Uluru, but what you won’t find is all the things not to do at Uluru. I get it – I too have a detailed guide about what to do at Uluru but Uluru is not just an iconic tourist destination in the red centre of Australia… Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa are sacred sites deeply connected to Aṉangu customs and culture. They were formed and shaped by the creation ancestors of the Aṉangu. Their travels left marks in the land and made laws to keep and live by.
By going to Uluru it is important to understand and remember that you are a visitor on their ancestral territory and to respect the Aṉangu, the stories of creation, the Tjukurpa (traditional laws), and the environment. Respect the enduring culture and all requests made to protect it. Palya.
So here is what not to do at Uluru.
What is Tjukurpa
In this guide about what not to do at Uluru, I will often refer to Tjukurpa. This is foundational to Aṉangu culture and their ways of life. Tjukurpa has many meanings – it is the traditional laws, it is the religious philosophy, it links Aṉangu to the environment and their ancestors. Tjukurpa stories describe the beginning of time when Ancestral Beings first created the world, in the landscape of Uluṟu. These stories share lessons about the land and rules for appropriate behaviour for the Aṉangu.
1. Don't Climb Uluru
Climbing Uluṟu used to be considered an “iconic thing for all Aussies” to do… but it never was for the Aṉangu, the traditional owners of the land. Under Tjukurpa (traditional law) it is not permitted.
I was stunned to learn that the climb was only closed indefinitely at the end of 2019. STUNNED. I pictured the era of people climbing Uluru was like when people describe going to Woodstock… something from many years ago. I thought it was from a time before we had a meaningful understanding of Indigenous cultural values, not still in 2019.
The closure finally came after years of educational efforts and campaigning by the Aṉangu in effort to protect the sacred site. Not only was it to protect the land, but their traditional laws also state that it is the responsibility of the Aṉangu to look after the people who visit. It was an extremely challenging hike and there were numerous deaths and medical emergencies.
Today, the only hiking you can do at Uluṟu is the 10KM flat Base Walk around the rock. While you are on the walk, take note of the disappointing white ‘scar’ on the rock and think about what you can to to listen to the wishes of the traditional owners of this land and tread lightly.
2. Don't Call it Ayers Rock
You may know Uluṟu as Ayers Rock, but that is not it’s traditional name. In 1873 William Gosse was exploring the outback and thought he was the first person to discover it… little did he know this land has belonged to the Pitjantjatjara and people since time immemorial. He “named” it after the then Chief Secretary of South Australia, Sir Henry Ayers. Such a suck up. In 1993 the dual name Ayers Rock / Uluṟu was officially adopted, recognizing Uluṟu as a title and in 2002 the order was switch to put the ancestral name in first position. Today it is still officially called Uluṟu / Ayers Rock but I think we can all agree that it doesn’t feel right to be calling it by the colonial name.
Yes, the nearby airport is called Ayers Rock Airport (AYQ) and the town of Yulara is basically the town of the Ayers Rock Resort but there is meaningful efforts made to support the Aṉangu community with engagements and partnerships, funding, and respect for the enduring culture. In the park they will always use the original names: Uluru and Kata Tjuṯa.
Once you visit Uluṟu you will come to understand how deeply spiritual and sacred this place is. You will learn some of the stories of creation, see the evidence of history inscribed right on the walls, and feel the connection to the Aṉangu culture. After this, I can’t imaging ever referring to it as Ayers Rock again.
3. Don't take photos of the sacred sites
Uluṟu is an incredibly important site of creation for the Aṉangu. You can see the stories of creation from the beginning of time when Ancestral Beings first created the world and the landscape of Uluṟu.
Some sections of Uluṟu are considered sensitive sites sacred to Aṉangu men or women. The rock details and features are equivalent to sacred scripture and describe culturally important information and must be viewed in their original location, and cannot be photographed or filmed. The cultural knowledge is earned and it comes with great cultural responsibility.
These sacred protected sites are dotted around the perimeter of Uluru, but in particular the North-East face is considered especially sensitive and is covered with rock formations that hold chapters of creation stories that should only be learned in person. There are signs all around the base walk to indicate where photo and video is off-limits.
Fear not, you will still have many, many opportunities for photo and video, so don’t let this stop you from visiting Uluru or doing the full base walk. Just be aware of when it is welcome or not.
4. Don't share or re-tell creation stories
Uluṟu is an incredibly important site of creation for the Aṉangu. You can see the stories of creation from the beginning of time when Ancestral Beings first created the world in the landscape of Uluṟu. Their ancestors are still there and you can learn about some of these stories of creation, but these are only things you can experience and learn about while present, at the place of great history and importance. Under Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) the cultural stories cannot be replicated or re-told.
If you want to know the story of creation depicted in the image above I recommend taking a walk on the Kuniya Walk (towards the Mutitjulu Watering Hole). This is a living landscape of one of the most important stories of creation at Uluṟu. Here, you will come to understand how the dramatic and beautiful stories of creation can be seen on the surface of Uluṟu today. A physical presence of the spirit of the ancestors who have been there since time immemorial.
5. Don't seek out sacred teachings you are not entitled to know
Various sections of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa are considered sensitive sites sacred to Aṉangu men or women. The rock details and features are equivalent to sacred scripture and describe culturally important information. It should be viewed in it’s original location. The cultural knowledge is earned and carefully passed on from generation to generation. Some areas of Tjukurpa are only passed to people who have inherited the right to the knowledge. This comes with great cultural responsibility.
At Kata Tjuṯa the stories of the ancestral beings are so sensitive that not even their names can be revealed. It is an incredibly important site for men’s work, and therefore, access to the cultural knowledge about Kata Tjuṯa is restricted to initiated men. The Tjukurpa of the many heads and gorges of Kata Tjuṯa is not to be shared with any visitors.
Fortunately visitors to the area can still explore the spectacular landscape on the Valley of the Winds hike, or the Walpa Gorge trail.
6. Don't swim in the waterholes
Mititjulu Waterhole
Kantju Gorge Waterhole
The Mutitjulu Waterhole is one of the few permanent water sources around Uluru, and is the most sacred waterhole in the area. It is a vital part of the sensitive ecosystem that lives in the dry, desert landscape around Uluru. Today the wildlife continue to rely on it for survival and any human disturbance (swimming or touching) to the already very low waterholes could have a serious impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
Along your walk to the Mutitjulu Waterhole you will be able to witness the dramatic story of creation play out before your eyes on the surface of the rock. On the walk to the Kantju Gorge you can also learn of the Mala. These are the stories of creation that have a physical presence on Uluru, telling of the ancestors who created the land, the animals, the vegetation, and all that surrounds you.
Once you are at the waterholes spend a moment there in silence. Listen to country. Take it all in. Listen to the birds sing as they swoop around. Listen for the water trickling. Feel the shade of the river red gum trees and the warm wind on your face. The waterholes have a strong presence to experience – without disrupting them.
7. Don't take anything from the land
The Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park receives a package nearly every single day containing rocks or sand taken from Uluru by visitors from around the world. Most often these parcels come with a ‘sorry letter’, claiming they were cursed with bad luck, or simply with a revelation of what they did – taking a part of the sacred site home with them – was wrong.
Although the Anangu don’t necessarily recognize there to be any specific curse for visitors who remove rocks and sand that belongs at Uluru, there are consequences for disobeying the laws of the land, including fines up to $5000.
Traditional owner Johnny Jingo says it best: “It’s fine to take a photo of this place and take that away… but leave the rocks”. 1 While visiting Uluṟu, take only beautiful photos and good memories!
It all comes down to respect
The good news is, that these rules of what not to do at Uluṟu all come down to the same thing – respect. Respect for the Aṉangu customs and culture and the values of the traditional owners of the land. None of this is about policing what you do, it is simply asking you to understand and follow the guidelines as a visitor on their traditional land.
THOSE 7 SIMPLE THINGS ARE WHAT NOT TO DO AT ULURU. Got it?
Happy trip planning!
From one traveller to another, I hope this guide was helpful for you as you make your plans and set out on your next adventure!
If you read through this guide and still have questions about the experience or have other questions… fear not because I can still help! I have a personalized trip planning and advice service available to all Everywhere Travel Club readers. I’d love to chat for an hour with you and help answer any questions you’re working through, share fun ideas, and help bring your big trip into reality! For more info about the one one-on-one call for advice check out the details of my Personalized Travel Planning Sesh.
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