Red hued rocks, ochre paths and pops of desert vegetation and Kata Tjuta Mount Olga rounded sand domes sheer glorious Australian outback is a mere 45 minutes from ULURU, Northern Territory.
- KATA TJUTA DOMES, rounded domes, over 36 massive red tinted weathered rocks invites hikers to trek the Valley of Winds circuit (7.4 km). Captivating landscape, get the camera ready.
- Waipa Gorge is a great family option. The 2.6 km easy walk.
- Kata Tjuta dune viewing area, a roadside lookout approximately halfway between Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Enjoy panoramic views from this mobility friendly viewing platform. A popular sunset viewing platform.
- Surreal sense of timelessness as you meander through deep crevices surrounded by massive peaks and domes. Breath-taking views.
WAIPU GORGE WALK – KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Distance: 2.6 km
Grade: Easy walk, firm red sand path
Sheer rock walls, lots of photo stops, colossal rock domes feel ancient and timeless.
VALLEY OF THE WIND WALK – KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA, NORTHERN TERRITORY
Distance: 7.4 km
Grade: Several sections, two lookouts, the first lookout (lookout name Kara) is easy to moderate walk. From the first lookout to the second lookout there are a number of steps. The walk can be closed from 9.00 am if heat is considered a danger. Total time taken is 4 – 5 hours.
VALLEY OF WINDS WALK – SHORT CIRCUIT OPTIONS
Valley of the winds is way better but note that there are three versions of the walk, the first lookout return, the second lookout return and the full circuit so you should check which version you get.
Kata Tjuta Mount Olga, also known as the Olgas, is a 45 minutes drive from Uluru. Kata Tjuta is made up of 36 giant domes spread over more than 20 km. Sand and mud fell to the bottom and covered the seabed, including these fans.
The weight of the new seabed turned the fans into rock. The sandy fan became sandstone (Uluru) while the rocky fan became conglomerate rock (Kata Tjuta)… READ MORE in…
Geology of Uluru & Kata Tjuta Mount Olga (Northern Territory National Park brochure) found in Travel Pack Section
Kata Tjuta & Uluru Tours and Adventures – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
HOW TO GET TO KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA, NORTHERN TERRITORY
- ULURU HOP ON & HOP OFF BUS circuit includes Kata Tjuta Mount Olga
- Private / rental vehicles – sealed roads and a large carpark at the beginning of the Kata Tjuta walks
- Guided tours, check ULURU & KATA TJUTA are both in the itinerary
- There are no taxis or other public transport.
KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA LOCATION
IS KATA TJUTA BIGGER THAN ULURU?
Kata Tjuta is much larger than Uluru. Kata Tjuta consists of 36 very large rock domes over 20 kms. The domes reach the height of 546 metres. ‘Kata Tjuta’ is a Pitjantjatjara term that means ‘many heads’. For Anangu, Kata Tjuta is an extremely important site for men’s work.
Tours to Experience Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) – BOOK HERE
WHAT CAN YOU DO NEARBY NITMILUK NATIONAL PARK?
- Explore Katherine with its Heritage Museum and galleries. Learn about the cultural and spiritual significance of the gorge for its traditional owners, the Jawoyn and Dagomen people.
- Go birding and observe the tropical plumage of blue-winged kookaburra, black-tailed treecreeper. Walk slowly and look down and up.
- Visit the historic gold rush settlement of Pine Creek, a quiet rural settlement with a great backstory.
- Enjoy exploring Edith Falls, Visit Leliyn (Edith Falls) in Nitmiluk National Park . Snap your own selfie as plunge into the beautiful pools, surrounded by the red tinted escarpment. To get there, follow the Stuart Highway north from Katherine for 40km then take another sealed road for 20km.
- Explore Cutta Cutta Caves Nature Park, 30 km from Katherine is home to over 170 species of birds, including the vulnerable hooded parrot.
- Soak in nature’s treat, the natural hot springs located in the Elsey National Park.
HEALTH AND SAFETY TIPS WHEN VISITING THE RED CENTRE, ULURU & KATA TJUTA MOUNT OLGA
Uluru Weather Forecast | Today’s Local Weather Forecast check the weather forecast, summer temperatures are deadly
The best time to visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is between May and September when the days are dry and warm, but not scorching. Summer trips are possible however soaring daytime temperatures in excess of 40+ c will lead to walks being closed from 9.00 am due to heat stress danger.
Outback Tours & Adventures – RESERVE NOW, PAY LATER
- Flies and the Northern Territory. Carry a mosquito head net with you. Carry spares for yourself and the kids.
- Start as early in the morning as possible. Plan to spend the afternoon at the pool relaxing before the sunset moments
- Freeze water in the hotel / accommodation fridge and carry lots and lots of water.
- Make sure you are well-protected against the sun. You should wear long-sleeved cotton shirts, a sun hat, and sunglasses and don’t forget sunscreen SPF 50+.
- Sturdy closed footwear as you might have to negotiate loose rocky terrain.
Conditions and access to parks in the Northern Territory (NT) can change at short notice.Extreme weather conditions can be experienced in the region. When you plan your trip and before you leave home, you should check:
- IS THE PARK OPEN, CHECK HERE
- The road conditions on the Road Report website
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