Kata Tjuta or otherwise known as ‘The Olgas’ are large dome shaped rock formations located 50 kilometres west of the more well known Uluru. It provides an incredible hike for outdoor lovers, one in which you feel like you are truly walking on mars!
Where is it?
Kata-Tjuta is located in Australia’s Northern Territory, otherwise known as the ‘Red Centre’. As this name suggests it is pretty much smack bang in the MIDDLE of Australia. The area is remote and surrounded by desert landscape. As someone who has lived in Sydney most of my life (with the exception of my work abroad experience in London) I felt like I was in another world and not even in the same country! Anyone who has visited absolutely raves about what a magical and spiritual experience it is just to be there.
History and culture?
Now a natural and cultural landmark, Kata Tjuta (which translates to ‘many heads’) has been sacred to the Anangu people for more than 20 000 years. It has a unique spiritual importance to our Indigenous people, especially the men, and is now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How to get there?
The Carpark where the walking trail begins, is located a 40 minute drive from Ayers Rock Resort (passing by Uluru on the way).
If you don’t have a car to self drive, you can book onto a small group tour leaving from Ayers Rock resort. Some of these are timed so that you can get a view of Kata Tjuta at Sunrise or Sunset plus complete the walk, which would be a great idea. You can explore or book these HERE. It lights up in magnificent shades of gold at sunrise and sunset, which would be fabulous for the keen photographers out there.
What time of day/year?
Same recommendation in terms of months and seasons that I would give for Uluru: between May and September is prime time, but you could do this at any time of year.
However, if you are travelling during the Australian summer (December-February) it can get up to 36, even 40 degrees celsius, so I would recommend starting NO LATER THAN 9am. This is the same recommendation for the Rim Walk at Kings Canyon, one of the other major draw cards in Central Australia. The Hiking track here is actually closed once the temperature hits 36 degrees!
What to take with you…
- Broad brim hat
- SUNBLOCK
- Hiking boots and good quality socks
- Tripod + Camera
- backpack with plenty of WATER
- Snacks/light packed lunch
- Jacket (as the name suggests it can get a bit windy).
Track details…
The loop circuit totals 7.4 kilometres and is suggested to take 3-4 hours. I think you could comfortably make that even with numerous photo stops. My friend Charlotte and I spent a little while taking photos at different locations along the way and also took a small rest break with our packed lunch. Even with these stops we completed the circuit in less than 3.5 hours.
I recommend tackling the loop in an Anti-Clockwise direction, which makes the second half easier. I prefer to do the steeper, rocky stuff first and get it out the way. I also prefer the views when heading in this direction. Once you walk a short way down the path from the car park you will come to point with two options (left or right). Both take you around the full Loop Circuit (Valley of the Winds) but I recommend you start by turning right. You will end up back at this point at the end of your walk.
The walk is a Grade 4 (in Australia we use a 5 point grading system for hiking trails), which means they recommend people have hiking experience. Despite this, I think it is a little easier than the classification. If you are of moderate fitness you will be fine. Some parts are a little steep and rocky, but nothing unmanageable for most people.
Options for different lookouts/shorter walks
a) Walpa Gorge (2.6 km return)
This walk is basically a natural creek that runs between the two tallest domes. If you are lucky you can catch a glimpse of little wallabies hopping around (small native animals that are part of the Kangaroo family).
b) Karu Lookout (2.2 km return)
This runs from the main car park to the first lookout. There are some loose rocks over the track for your feet to negotiate, so as advised above, sturdy footwear is a must.
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If you feel that you not physically able to complete the whole track these may be a good option to get up close to these impressive boulders, but it does miss out on the most epic views from the second lookout….see below:
I loved every minute of the walk and found that everywhere I turned presented me with scenic vistas and an array of desert colours unlike any I had ever seen before. The same can be said for my French friend who was travelling with me. It was like we were walking on a completely different planet. Do yourself a favour and book that trip out to Central Australia where culture and adventure awaits 🙂
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