Posted 10 Jul 2009

Authorities are considering implementing rules which would mean that holidaymakers and those taking a gap year in Australia are barred from climbing one of the country’s most iconic landmarks – Ayers Rock.

The Australian government has revealed that it is considering putting a ban on people climbing the 550 million-year-old rock as the popular tourist activity has continued to anger the Aboriginal community.

Considered to be sacred, the 1,141-foot rock is scaled every year by 100,000 visitors and visited by 350,000.

"Obviously you have to respect our religious attachment to the land, too, so we’re saying please do not climb Uluru – we’ve said it in all languages," explained Vince Forrester, a spokesman for the rock’s Aboriginal owners.

In other news that may be of interest to those taking a gap year In Australia, the family of the late Steve Irwin have introduced new red panda and Komodo dragon animal encounters experiences at Australia Zoo.

Category: Australasia