Aboriginal people do not climb the rock, which is the traditional route taken by the ancestral mala, the tiny rufous hare wallaby whose law prevails in this area. When tourists climb, they do it against the wishes of the tribal people although reluctant permission to do so exists. But seeing people climbing, and sometimes dying in the attempt, is heavy business for them, says Uluru-Kata Tjuta park manager, Brooke Watson, and in the next three years the possibility of permanently closing the rock to climbers will be considered. It is a burden, and they feel responsible. If someone dies on that trail, and people do, those people suffer.
People regularly faint and have to be taken down on stretchers.
This year eight people have been rescued. There are other ways to enjoy it, said Helen Newsham, who surprised herself by deciding not to climb. The Age Company Ltd 2001. Any unauthorised use, copying or mirroring is prohibited.