By: Alex
Uluru Rock (Uluru), a famous attraction in Australia's Northern Territory and commonly known as the Big Red Rock, gained significant fame to some extent due to the Japanese novel and film "If Only It Were True" (known locally as "Crying Out Love, In the Center of the World"). However, after sunset on October 25th Australian time, Uluru Rock will be permanently closed to humans, prohibiting access to this sacred site revered by the local Anangu Indigenous people, in respect of their faith, cultural traditions.
▲ Australia's famous attraction Uluru Rock will be permanently closed. (Photo by traveloneblockback @IG)
According to research, the Anangu people have lived in the Uluru area for over ten thousand years. In their eyes, the giant rock represents their ancestors. Additionally, as the rock is located right at the center of the Australian continent, the Anangu believe this massive stone is the soul and heart of Australia — sacred and inviolable.
▲ The Indigenous Anangu people regard Uluru Rock as a sacred site. (Photo by meelsonweels @IG)
Furthermore, because the rock is steep and smooth, climbing it is also a rather dangerous activity. According to data, from 1950 to the present, a total of 37 tourists have died while climbing Uluru Rock. The most recent incident occurred last July, when a 76-year-old Japanese tourist lost his life. After the ban is enforced, unauthorized entry onto the rock could result in fines of up to 10,000 Australian dollars (approximately HK$53,000).
▲ Australia — shortly after announcing the closure of Uluru Rock, it immediately attracted a wave of tourists for a “final climb.” (Photo by geomorphological_landscapes @IG)
Uluru Rock is the Indigenous name; its official name is Ayers Rock, and it is the world’s second-largest monolith. It stands 348 meters high, has a circumference of 9.4 kilometers, and is composed of sandstone. It is said that there is an additional 1,600 meters of rock mass buried underground. It is believed that due to varying degrees of mineral oxidation within the rock, Uluru Rock displays different colors in different seasons and weather conditions, and even changes with the light at different times of the day.
▲ (Photo by skytg24 @IG)
▲ (Photo by ntaustralia @IG)
▲ (Photo by geomorphological_landscapes @IG)
▲ (Photo by australiangreens @IG)
▲ (Photo by edwina_b @IG)
▲ (Photo by edwina_b @IG)
Source: Australian News Network