Uluru / Kata Tjuta Region - Valley of the Winds

The Olgas, or Kata Tjuta, a mysterious collection of inselbergs (island mountains) provide many opportunities to walk through and absorb the atmosphere. Many people are even more impressed and inspired by the Olgas than by Uluru.

Like Uluru, the monoliths respond to shifting light and weather conditions by changing colour from deep mauve to smouldering red. The tallest, Mt Olga, is almost 600 metres high, more than 350 metres taller than Uluru.

Some of these domes are so sacred to the Aboriginal Anangu people that they can't be accessed by non-indigenous people. Aboriginal lore dictates Kata Tjuta is a sacred men's site, and has only two places where non-initiated men can enter. Fortunately there are still enough beautiful walks: the most popular being the Valley of the Winds, Lookout Walk and Olga Gorge.

The Valley of the Winds walk makes a beautiful three-hour round trip into the heart of the domes. It is recommended that you do this at sunrise or sunset, when the changing light brings out a breathtaking array of colours. There are many ways to enjoy the landscape, and you can go on your own expedition or tour with a knowledgeable guide.

Tours depart regularly from Alice Springs and a resort at Uluru. Some tours will take you camping in the area, complete with a champagne breakfast to watch the sunrise over this sureally beautiful land. If that's not enough, try a hearty Australian dinner as the sun sets!

Articles

Ancient landforms

Ancient landforms

Kata Tjuta's domes began as sediment in a shallow inland sea. Forced upwards under pressure, the landscape developed fissures that have been eroded over millions of years to form the domes that are among Central Australia's most unusual landforms.


Bird's eye view

Bird's eye view

An unforgettable way to experience Uluru is a flight in a light aircraft or helicopter for a bird's eye view of the monolith and surrounding plains. The experience varies with the season or time of day, but the memories can last a lifetime.


Bountiful birds

Bountiful birds

Kata Tjuta is a haven for birds that have adapted to life in the harsh, arid conditions. The magnificent wedge-tailed eagle, brown and peregrine falcons, Australian kestrel, black-breasted kite and the woodswallow are among the birds that can be seen. 


Creation significance

Creation significance

Uluru holds a significant place in the Anangu people's creation stories and laws, known as Tjukurpa. Many stories relate to how ancestral beings formed the rock. Aboriginal guides share these ancient tales with visitors on tours around Uluru's base.


Desert explorers

Desert explorers

Visitors can experience the outback from the backs of camels, once the main way of getting around in the outback. Camel tours at Uluru capture the essence of camel-back exploration with a choice of escorted rides across the desert sands.


Scenic rides

Scenic rides

Aside from a walking tour, one of the best ways to enjoy Uluru is a motorcycle tour. About a dozen companies offer scenic rides or rent out bikes. Sunrise and sunset are prime times to be out touring, as the rock changes colour with the light.


See Uluru and Kata Tjuta

See Uluru and Kata Tjuta

Although less famous than its neighbour Uluru, Kata Tjuta holds its own as an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Sightseeing and walking tours offer opportunities for great photography. The spectacular sunsets rival those of Uluru.


Spiritual significance

Spiritual significance

As sites sacred to the local Anangu Aboriginal people, the forms of Kata Tjuta - which means many heads - incorporate the actions, artefacts and bodies of ancestral heroes celebrated in the Tjukurpa creation stories, laws and culture of the Anangu.  more


Uluru's true meaning

Uluru's true meaning

Walks around Uluru with Aboriginal guides offer a spiritual interpretation and an understanding of its history. Visitors can retrace the path the Liru ancestors made to Uluru and see scars left on the rock from battling Kuniya thousands of years ago.  more


Visit legendary Uluru

Visit legendary Uluru

A ruddy sandstone monolith, Uluru, lies five hours south-west of Alice Springs, an irresistible challenge to adventure-seekers. It rears 348 metres above the land and hides many secrets.  more


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