Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Kata Tjuṯa
A group of 36 red conglomerate domes, known as 'many heads.' The highest peak, at 546 metres, is taller than Uluṟu. The Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge trails lead deep into the rock formations.
Kata Tjuṯa means 'many heads' in the Anangu language. It lies about 30 km west of Uluṟu, or about 50 km by park road. It is made up of 36 dome-shaped conglomerate boulders covering 21 square kilometres. The highest, Mount Olga, rises 546 metres, almost 200 metres taller than Uluṟu. This is a sacred site for Anangu men. Visitors may only walk on designated trails. Even so, its scale and mystery often make it more striking than Uluṟu.
There are two main walks. Walpa Gorge (2.6 km return, about 1 hour) follows a canyon between two giant rocks, rising gently to a viewing platform at the end. The cliffs tower overhead and the wind whistles through. The Valley of the Winds (7.4 km loop, 3 to 4 hours) first reaches the Karu lookout (2.2 km return). It then crosses through the rock formations to Karingana lookout (5.4 km return). This is the highlight, with views from the rock gaps over the valley floor and the plains beyond. The second half of the loop is more barren, with steep slopes and loose gravel, so it needs a reasonable level of fitness. When temperatures exceed 36°C, the sections beyond Karu close after 11 am.
Beside the park road are the Dune Viewing lookout, where you can see the rock formations and Uluṟu in the distance at sunrise, and a sunset viewing area, where the 36 domes turn red one after another.
Getting there: It is about 50 minutes by car from Yulara. Most day tours combine the Valley of the Winds or Walpa Gorge with sunset at Uluṟu. Shuttles run infrequently, so driving is the most convenient option.
Tips: The Valley of the Winds has no shade, so carry at least 2 litres of water per person. Wear shoes with good grip. Stay on the path within the rock formations. It can be very windy, so tie down your hat. In summer, start from sunrise.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset (parts of Wind Valley close after 11:00 on hot days)
Nearby sights
- Walpa Gorge Walk
- Valley of the Winds Walk
- Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing Area
- Sounds of Silence Dinner
- Uluru Camel Tours
- Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort)
- Wintjiri Wiru
- Imalung Lookout