Kata Tjuta The Olgas

Kata Tjuta is a Pitjantjatjara Aboriginal word meaning ‘many heads’. This incredible site is only 58km by road from Uluru and is part of the same national park. It’s visually arresting and along with Uluru represents an image and a spirit of place that is the soul of Australia. The collection of 36 domed boulders forms deep valleys and steep gorges.

Kata Tjuta is 495km by road from Alice Springs, or about a 5 hour drive. Commercial bus companies offer Alice Springs to Uluru transfers, or you can join a small group coach or 4WD tour. Direct flights to Ayers Rock Airport are available from some Australian capital cities. Uluru to Kata Tjuta is 58km by road.

Kata Tjuta is accessible by a sealed road in a 2WD vehicle. There are a number of walks to choose from, ranging from 30 minutes to 4 hours return.

Only 58km from Kata Tjuta is Uluru (Ayers Rock), situated in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. The world’s largest sandstone monolith is one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.

Uluru is one of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks and is often referred to as the heart of the ‘Red Centre’.

The Australian seasons of autumn, winter and spring are the most popular time to visit Kata Tjuta as the temperatures are moderate. Temperatures in summer can average a maximum of 35 degrees Celsius in the day so you’ll need to take plenty of water.

Make sure you see the domes at dawn and dusk. The morning sun lights them in an array of changing colour. At dusk, Kata Tjuta puts on another light show as the sunlight fades.

There is no camping allowed in the Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park itself, but there are a number of locations nearby where you can camp.

Camping is available at Ayers Rock Resort campground, which is a 10 minute drive from the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park.

Walks
There are many walks at Kata Tjuta including the 7.4km Valley of the Winds loop and the 2.6km Walpa Gorge walk.

The alternative name for Kata Tjuta, ‘The Olgas’, comes from the tallest peak, Mt. Olga. The domes are very steep and mostly you will be able to walk amongst the domes and enjoy what nature has to offer.

Valley of the Winds walk
This is the major walk around the Olgas and people rate it highly. It’s a total of about 7.4km but quite steep in parts and takes about 4 hours. A reasonable fitness level is required to do this walk.

On the way you’ll see rare plants that thrive in microclimates amongst the rocks and also a grove of spearwood. Traditional owners used to make spears from this, eat its flowers and use its gum. There are two lookouts and the views are breathtaking. One of the nicest things about this walk is the solitude; you’ll be able to really take in the spirit of this amazing place.

Walpa Gorge walk
If you want a shorter and easier walk than the Valley of the Winds, the Walpa Gorge walk is a great alternative. The walk is very beautiful and is only 2.6km return and takes approximately 1 hour.

Uluru Kata Tjuta Cultural Centre
Gain an understanding of the spiritual significance of the Kata Tjuta to traditional owners and see how the land furnished them with food, fuel, weapons and medicines. Learn how women and children collected bush foods like desert raisins, bush plums and native figs, and how men used spear throwers to hunt goanna and red kangaroos.

Take a scenic flight

There are both aeroplane and helicopter scenic flights that operate from around Uluru. These give a magnificent perspective of both Kata Tjuta and Uluru.

Mount Conner Lookout

Stop at the Mount Conner Lookout area, which is 156km from Kata Tjuta. Mount Conner is a spectacular flat-topped sandstone mountain that’s 300m high. Mt Conner is closed to the public for hiking and camping, but a stop at the lookout is well worth it.

Kings Canyon

If you’re staying longer in the Red Centre, a stop at Kings Canyon is highly recommended. Take the turnoff to Luritja road to get to Kings Canyon. There are hiking and camping options in the Kings Canyon area.