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Climb Reviews... spectacular views

A small collection of reviews of the Climb collated from recent posts on Trip Advisor...
When we arrived at Uluru the climb was closed due to high winds at the summit. We were told that they close it at the drop of a hat and they reassess the wind every 2 hours. If you are going to climb Uluru then make that the first thing you do during your visit in case they close it. Uluru looks very steep and you wonder how you are going to get up but you do and when it gets really steep then there are chains to pull yourself up with. There were willing kids as young as 5 climbing up with their parents although I would recommend that you make sure your child “wants” to climb as there were a few parents who had to take their children back down again in the early stages of the climb. Once you reach the end of the chains, you think you are at the top but alas no. There is still so much that you can’t see. There is a lot of “up and down” climbing, sometimes using your hands to get you up and your bum to slide down. It’s so worth it and the view from the top is amazing. We spent about 30mins at the top congratulating ourselves on the effort and taking lots of photos. It took me exactly 60 mins to climb to the top and that included breaks to catch my breath, take photos and wait for those ahead. The climb down was about 55 mins.
issiebippits July 2019
With great respect to the indigenous owners and as fellow Australians, my husband and I climbed the rock as planned! It was a bucket list item and we do not regret it! Such a majestic feat!
The climb was closed first thing so we did the base walk which we enjoyed. Then late morning they opened the gates and a steady stream of people started the ascent! Wear good hiking shoes as it is a slippery climb.
Well... I keep myself somewhat fit but I’ll admit it was very very tough. Like really hard. I was actually surprised how difficult and treacherous the climb was!? The guide joked about the “80’s safety protocol!”
Anyway we made it the top! It took us all up round trip about 2h 15mins (with 1h 30m of that to get up)! Just stop and stare and breathe it all in. In the heart of this great land!
Spectacular views. Almost lunar Mars like landscape up there. Couldn’t believe the sheer size of the rock!
If you can, get there before October 2019 when they close the climb and stop sharing this wonderful piece of Australia! Such a shame. 
DebSym72 June 2019
Wow!! Impressive. Photos don’t do justice. The contrast between the red, blue and green is incredible and even better than imagined. The walks around and to the summit are beautiful. This was an amazing experience.
We hired a car to get around and weren’t involved in any tours directly relating to Uluru. Everyone we came across during our 4 day stay in Yulara and visiting Uluru, Kata Tjuta and Kings Canyon were lovely. I dare say because we did not do any tours directly at Uluru we were able to enjoy our experience visiting and climbing without judgement from anyone we met in the vicinity (both local and or on contract). We didn’t directly ask opinions, just interacted as we would with anyone.
We understand that people have different ideas about whether you should climb to the summit, we found that people not at all related to the area had the most to say both before and after our visit. We will never forget climbing to the summit. The views from the top were awesome, the whole experience was A…M…A…Z…I…N…G and unforgettable!
If you plan to visit and attempt the summit before closure in October I would suggest it is more likely to open in the afternoon than the morning. Ensure you have good shoes, water and a snack, therefore no need to rush the experience. I would avoid on a hot, windy or wet day as I can imagine it would be quite unsafe (and likely wisely not open anyway). A level of fitness is ideal and common sense to stay safe wouldn’t go astray. It took us 3 hours up and down with 30 minutes at the summit to take in the splendour. We didn’t rush. Again… wow!
nesswil1 June 2019
I visited the Rock in the 70’s and 80’s. Back then it was a simple and pleasant visit to a magnificent natural wonder. 
You got to camp nearby, speak with locals (including indigenous) without any controversy. You climbed the Rock and went onto your next adventure. 
Now
As we have disposable income your book accomodation at Ayers Rock Resort. I understand that This place is owned by one owner... it shows. Without any competition it’s just an “okay” experience. The food is like eating in a shopping centre food court, just okay, but not desired... and oh so EXPENSIVE!!!!
The accomodation is okay but if you had options you would take them. The service is very average. 
The experience of Ayers Rock is so different. Signs everywhere telling you what you can and cannot do. Security cameras at the point where you can climb. Tourist loitering at the closed gate waiting for it to open so they can climb the Rock. 
Sometimes waiting days .. Yes! People want to climb this 500million year old wonder. The Rock is politicised and it’s a great shame. 
The area is over commercial now and it’s a great shame. 
So much guilt, accusations, half truths it’s not what it was. 
But the Rock rises above all the rubbish surrounding it as if it holds us all in contempt.
F6297QOgarya May 2019

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