As I already mentioned I did the climb of the rock in 1991, as also many others have done, as I can see from your posts. I am now wondering whether or not it is still possible to do the climb or if they closed it due to safety reasons. Hope yes, and that I did not misread it somewhere ! I am coming back this august !!

Hi Fabio,
You may climb Uluru (Ayers Rock) if you wish (subject to weather conditions); but the Aboriginal owners of that area much prefer that you don't.

It's a sacred site for them and, I suppose, they feel much the same as we would if people climbed all over our Church, Mosque, Temple, or Synagogue.

The rangers close it to climbers if it's too hot/cold/wet or windy for safety reasons. Sometimes, as when I was there last March, it's only closed for 3 or 4 hours (wind then) but if people are on a tight schedule,they do need to understand it might not be possible to do the climb within that timeframe. As you'll be in the area for a few days, this aspect probably won't worry you as much as the day trippers. BTW, I was surprised at how windy it was very early in the morning - and cold, too. August will be colder in the mornings and, possibly, quite windy.

Regrettably, death & accidents to climbers are a fact, so the rangers need to minimise risks to climbers as much as possible.

thank you !

My mind goes back to that nov 1991.
I started the climb with cloudy sky. I reached the top and it was fantastic. After a while it started raining !!!
I remember how dangerous it was to descend the slippery and wet rock by just hanging very strongly to the chain with both my hands, step by step down, facing the rock and my feet so that I could not see below !!
I, as many others, did not have proper trekking shoes but just sport shoes and it was really very slippery.
I was one of the last to complete the descend and the ranger just closed it immediately!!

It was very impressive and fantastic !
By the other side I felt much better once down on ground again and I could say that I found one of the very few rainy days at Ayers Rock !

Fabio,
I made my climb in August. We started at 7A (about the time the gate opens). It was COLD. Gloves help. It was also windy. I had a sweater on, but wish I also had a wind jacket. Good luck.

caligirl56

Dinky rocks! When I first wrote about him everyone on the site thought he was a figment of my imagination.

Neil Cammack actually found an ABC interview. The only problem was the interviewer talked to much and Dinky only had a short time to sing and play! Maybe Neil can repost that link

AndrewDavid

When are Dinky's performances? We won't be stopping there from the night, simply going past on our journey from King's Canyon to Alice Springs. I guess we probably won't hear him sing then... Am I right?

We emailed ahead of time and Dinky did a special early morning mini-performance for us.

Also, I highly recommend Uluru. We missed the Sounds of Silence dinner because my son was ill, but we dic have a memorable experience in the clinic.

How can I join some Uluru guided base and walk tours when I drive there by my own?

Fabio:
Try this link: http://www.ananguwaai.com.au/anangu_tours

I didn't do their tour, because I didn't know about it, but I will next time because I think Aboriginal guides would add another dimension & insight.

Can't reember if it's been mentioned - but do visit the Cultural Centre when you get to Uluru. Allow a couple of hours ... lots of interactive stuff that kids (young & old) wll like, and a great introduction/refresher/resource before seeing the rest of Uluru area.