Ban on climbing Uluru to finally take effect

It's the most iconic natural land form in Australia and this week a controversial chapter of Uluru's long history will close. Two years after it was first announced, and many more since it was first requested, a climbing ban will come into effect.

Uluru, also known as Ayres Rock, pictured in afternoon light, in the Northern Territory. Source: AAP

Hundreds of thousands of people flock to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park every year to take in the grandeur of a world heritage-listed icon.

The final climber will descend from the monolith on Friday, with the route officially closed to visitors from Saturday October 26th.

Since the climbing ban was announced two years ago, there has been a rush of tourists eager to climb the rock.

Uluru is a sacred place to many people.

Former Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park Board Chair, Donald Fraser, says the closure of the climb is something Anangu traditional owners have long fought for.

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