Controversial ascent may be banned. Image: Stefano Veneziani

Scaling Uluru in Australia’s Northern Territory may soon become a thing of the past, as climber numbers have dropped dramatically since 2010.

Two years ago only 38 percent of visitors trekked the impressive cultural icon, while a survey released in June this year has indicated that these figures had almost halved.

Parks Australia will reportedly cease offering the climb once numbers fall below 20 percent, according to News Limited.

The organisation has promised to consult the public and tourism operators before any decision is made to close the climb and plan to offer alternative activities for visitors to the area.

Uluru's traditional indigenous owners ask visitors not to climb the monolith for cultural, environmental and safety reasons.