The local indigenous Aboriginal community request that visitors respect the sacred status of Ayers Rock by not climbing the rock, with signs posted to this effect. In 1983 the former Prime Minister of Australia, Bob Hawke, promised to respect the request from the community that climbing Ayers Rock be prohibited, but broke his promise when title was handed to the traditional owners in 1985 because access for tourists to climb Ayers Rock was made a condition before they could receive the title.

Ayers Rock climb crosses an important dreaming track, which has been a cause of sadness and distress among traditional owners. Nevertheless, they are unable to prohibit climbing, and climbing Ayers Rock is a popular attraction for a large fraction of the many tourists who visit it each year. A rope handhold makes the climb easier, but it is still quite a long and steep climb and many intended climbers give up partway up.

Depending on the time of day and the atmospheric conditions, the rock can dramatically change color, anything from blue to violet to glowing red! Many avid photographers set up for days and record the many changing colors of Ayers Rock

Some kilometres north of Ayers Rock is the resort community of Yulara, which provides traditional creature comforts (air-conditioning, hotels, restaurants and bars, swimming pools & stores) while maintaining the ambience of the Australian Outback.

Close by are the Olgas (Kata Tjuta) and the Valley of the Winds.

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