Right to Climb

Ayers Rock Geodetic Station Back in April we forked out some hard earned cash to digitise a copy of a file held at the National Archives of Australia titled:  Ayers Rock - Geodetic Station . NAA promised they would let me know when it was available. Checking the NAA website today I noted that the file was available for download. I guess that letter is in the mail (electronic correspondence received about 2 hours after we started writing this post). Nevertheless, it's been money well spent as there are some fantastic photos in there showing the condition of the old cairn and the construction of the new, along with associated records including a guidebook for Ayers Rock. Follow the link above and search on " Ayers Rock - Geodetic Station"  to download a copy of the file. We have requested the associated sub item titled " Ayers Rock - Geodetic Station - [Geodetic - Memorial Plaque drawing x 2]"  also be opened. We have transcribed the note in the file by Sur...

History of the Ayers Rock Summit Marker: a pictorial record. Summit marker with Bronze directional plaque, circa 1970? ( photo credit ) The stone pedestal that marks the summit of Ayers Rock at 865m [1] , with its distinctive bronze directional plaque features in many visitor photos. For most visitors it marks the end of the climb and start of the return trip. The pedestal originally housed a log book where visitors once recorded their names and thoughts. Unfortunately this logbook has been removed by Parks Australia whose on going mission has been to discourage climbing as much as possible, contrary to the concept of what National Parks are about and the wishes of many tourists. The current poor condition of the bronze plaque with missing map of Australia and missing coat of arms (see below), is testament to Parks Australia’s neglect of this important historical, cultural and scientific artefact. We hope that the plaque may be restored to its original glory so that future...