Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
No journey to Uluru is complete without a visit to Kata Tjuta (the Olgas), a striking
group of domed rocks huddled together about 35km west of the Rock. There are 36
boulders shoulder to shoulder forming deep valleys and steep-sided gorges. Many visit-
ors find them even more captivating than their prominent neighbour. The tallest rock,
Mt
Olga
(546m, 1066m above sea level) is approximately 200m higher than Uluru. Kata
Tjuta means 'many heads' and is of great tjukurpa significance, particularly for men, so
stick to the tracks.
The 7.4km
Valley of the Winds
loop (two to four hours) is one of the most challen-
ging and rewarding bushwalks in the park. It winds through the gorges giving excellent
views of the surreal domes and traversing varied terrain. It's not particularly arduous, but
wear sturdy shoes, and take plenty of water. Starting this walk at first light often rewards
you with solitude, enabling you to appreciate the sounds of the wind and bird calls car-
ried up the valley.
The short signposted track beneath towering rock walls into pretty
Walpa Gorge
(2.6km return, 45 minutes) is especially beautiful in the afternoon, when sunlight floods
the gorge.
There's a picnic and sunset-viewing area with toilet facilities just off the access road a
few kilometres west of the base of Kata Tjuta. Like Uluru, Kata Tjuta is at its glorious,
blood-red best at sunset.
