Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)
Northern Territory
Kata Tjuta, found within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, consists of a cluster 36 dome shaped monoliths, and like Uluru, are most impressive at sunrise and sunset. Kata Tjuta covers an area of 21.68 km², and are composed of conglomerate, a sedimentary rock consisting of cobbles and boulders of varying rock types, including granite and basalt, cemented by a matrix of sandstone.
Kata Tjuta means many heads and is of great Tjukurpa (the foundation of Anangu culture) significance, so please do not climb on the rocks.
You will find Kata Tjuta about 30kms West of Uluru, and the road is bitumised all the way so you do not require a 4WD vehicle. There are also tours that operate out of the Voyagers Ayers Rock Resort.
Kata Tjuta Walks
Valley of the Winds
The Valley of the Winds Walk is a spectacular 7.4km walk. It is rated as a moderate walk, allow yourself about 3 hours. Ensure you have plenty of water and sun protection before you set off. If it looks like its going to be a hot day, get there early, as this walk is closed from Karu Lookout at 11.00am if the forecast temperature is 36° or greater.
There are 2 lookouts on the Valley of the Winds walk. The 1st one is the Kara Lookout and it is 1.1km from the carpark. The 2nd lookout is called the Karingana Lookout, and this lookout is challenging but worthwhile. From the Karingana Lookout, the trail becomes much easier as you are walking along flatter ground.
Walpa Gorge
The Walpa Gorge walk is a 2.6km return journey, approximately 1 hour. You follow the trail under the towering rock walls into the Walpa Gorge, and it is particularly spectacular in the afternoon when the sunlight floods the gorge.