Kata Tjuta - Valley of the Winds/Walpa Gorge Walk
Kata Tjuta, also know as the Olgas, means "many heads" in the local language. It consists of an impressive collection of 36 domes caused by weathering and erosion, with the highest dome rising 546m above the plain, 1066m above sea level, and 198m higher than Uluru. It is a less talked about place compared to Uluru.
VALLEY OF THE WINDS WALK
Valley of the Winds walk was a highlight of Kata Tjuta National Park as it winds through the gigantic domes which made me feel very small among them.
It was a more difficult walk in the area as it has steep ascends and descends. Reasonable fitness is required to complete the loop walk, but it's not too difficult. My parents, who were in their 60's, haven't done much bushwalks, were able to complete the whole loop walk without any problems.
It was a short and relatively easy walk, about 1.1km, to Karu lookout from the carpark. There was a sign next to this lookout to indicate whether the rest of the track was open or not. The track beyond this lookout will be closed from 11:00am when the forecast or actual temperature is 36 degrees Celsius or above.
We continued the walk downhill to a resting area where you can decide to turn left or right. We turned right and did the loop walk in the anticlockwise direction. Whichever direction you choose, there are drinking water stations not too far from the turn off to make sure you have enough water to keep yourself hydrated.
It was roughly another 1.6km to Karingana lookout. The track winds through massive domes.
After the steep ascend up to Karingana lookout we got rewarded by this breath taking view through the domes, probably the most stunning lookout of the walk.
We took a quick snack break there and bumped into this cheeky little grey-headed honeyeater. Every time I tried to take a photo of it, it will jump away just in time as I click my camera. There were many random photos of just rocks because of it.
We then took the steep descend down where the rest of the walk was relatively flat and exposed. Instead of walking in between the domes, we walked along side it.
This was a very interesting walk with incredible atmosphere and views. Good hiking shoes are recommended for this walk as the track is rocky.
Full circuit total distance: 7.5km
Climb: 507m
Go to the link below for information and map for this walk.
https://www.beyondtracks.com/walks/uluru-kata-tjuta-national-park/valley-of-the-winds-walk/
WALPA GORGE WALK
This is an easier and shorter rocky walk through the middle of the gorge. Walpa, means windy, named for the winds passing through the gorge.
The track ended with a grove of spearwood trees.
Total distance: 2.6km
Climb: 235m
Go to the link below for information and map for this walk.
https://www.beyondtracks.com/walks/uluru-kata-tjuta-national-park/walpa-gorge-walk/
SUNRISE AT KATA TJUTA DUNE VIEWING AREA
The sky was cloudy on the day. We stopped at Kata Tjuta Dune viewing area at sunrise before we headed towards the Valley of the Winds walk. Very crowded spot so going earlier would be recommended. You can see Uluru in the distance on one side and Kata Tjuta in closer in front of us.
It was a more difficult walk in the area as it has steep ascends and descends. Reasonable fitness is required to complete the loop walk, but it's not too difficult. My parents, who were in their 60's, haven't done much bushwalks, were able to complete the whole loop walk without any problems.
It was a short and relatively easy walk, about 1.1km, to Karu lookout from the carpark. There was a sign next to this lookout to indicate whether the rest of the track was open or not. The track beyond this lookout will be closed from 11:00am when the forecast or actual temperature is 36 degrees Celsius or above.
We continued the walk downhill to a resting area where you can decide to turn left or right. We turned right and did the loop walk in the anticlockwise direction. Whichever direction you choose, there are drinking water stations not too far from the turn off to make sure you have enough water to keep yourself hydrated.
It was roughly another 1.6km to Karingana lookout. The track winds through massive domes.
After the steep ascend up to Karingana lookout we got rewarded by this breath taking view through the domes, probably the most stunning lookout of the walk.
We took a quick snack break there and bumped into this cheeky little grey-headed honeyeater. Every time I tried to take a photo of it, it will jump away just in time as I click my camera. There were many random photos of just rocks because of it.
We then took the steep descend down where the rest of the walk was relatively flat and exposed. Instead of walking in between the domes, we walked along side it.
This was a very interesting walk with incredible atmosphere and views. Good hiking shoes are recommended for this walk as the track is rocky.
Full circuit total distance: 7.5km
Climb: 507m
Difficulty: Moderate
Go to the link below for information and map for this walk.
https://www.beyondtracks.com/walks/uluru-kata-tjuta-national-park/valley-of-the-winds-walk/
WALPA GORGE WALK
This is an easier and shorter rocky walk through the middle of the gorge. Walpa, means windy, named for the winds passing through the gorge.
Total distance: 2.6km
Climb: 235m
Difficulty: Easy
Go to the link below for information and map for this walk.
https://www.beyondtracks.com/walks/uluru-kata-tjuta-national-park/walpa-gorge-walk/
SUNRISE AT KATA TJUTA DUNE VIEWING AREA
The sky was cloudy on the day. We stopped at Kata Tjuta Dune viewing area at sunrise before we headed towards the Valley of the Winds walk. Very crowded spot so going earlier would be recommended. You can see Uluru in the distance on one side and Kata Tjuta in closer in front of us.
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