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Kata Tjuta ( also known as the Valley of the Winds ) is located in Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park in the southern interior of the Northern Territory , approximately 1,960 kilometers from Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory . Kata Tjuta, as the local Aboriginal name means " Place of Many Heads , " a fitting description of the area's extraordinary rock formations.
Kata Tjuta and Uluru, known as the " Red Heart of Australia " , together form the Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park. The entire national park was selected as a World Natural and Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1987 .
Kata Tjuta covers an area of about 40 square kilometers. It is a megalith composed of 36 dome stones of different sizes and heights. The highest point is 1,066 meters above sea level and 546 meters from the ground . In the language of the local Aboriginal people, Kata Tjuta means " the land of many heads " , which is the best portrayal of the unique and extraordinary rock shape here.
The main hiking routes to visit Kata Tjuta are the Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge , which are a 7.4 km loop route and a 2.6 km round trip canyon route respectively.
Suitable for all seasons, the best time to travel is from April to October
The hike around Ogas, called the Valley of the Winds, is said to take you deep into Stonehenge, where you might encounter wild kangaroos. The hike through the Valley of the Winds takes 4-5 hours, and the many domes along the way are breathtaking.
Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park Tickets: Adults: AUD 25 , Children ( 5-15 years old): AUD 12.5 , Family ( 2 adults and 2 children): AUD 65 , can be entered and exited repeatedly within three days
December-February : 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
March : 5:30 AM - 8:30 PM
April : 5:30 AM - 8:00 PM
May : 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM
June- July : 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM
August : 6:00 AM - 7:30 PM
September : 5:30 AM - 7:30 PM
October : 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM
November : 5:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas, is a sacred site for the Anangu people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. The formation of these rock domes is the result of geological processes spanning millions of years. Kata Tjuta is considered a spiritual and cultural landmark and is part of the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Kata Tjuta is located in the Northern Territory, Australia, about 25 kilometers west of Uluru. The best way to reach Kata Tjuta is by car, with rental options available in the nearby town of Yulara. You can also take a tour or shuttle bus from Uluru to Kata Tjuta.
Kata Tjuta is open every day, 24 hours, but the best time to visit is at sunrise or sunset, when the light enhances the beauty of the rock formations. The area is busiest from May to September, during the cooler months. Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for avoiding the heat and crowds.
Entry to Kata Tjuta is included in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park entry fee, which costs around AUD 38 for a 3-day pass. Tickets can be purchased online or at the entrance station to the park.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for general entry, but booking ahead for tours or special activities is recommended, especially during peak seasons.
Plan for around 3 to 4 hours to fully explore Kata Tjuta, including a visit to the Cultural Centre, the Walpa Gorge walk, and the Valley of the Winds hike. If you wish to take part in a guided tour, you may need additional time.
Yes, guided tours are available in English and other languages through the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. You can book these tours in advance or through local tour operators. Audio guides are also available at the Cultural Centre.
Start with a visit to the Cultural Centre to learn about the cultural and environmental significance of Kata Tjuta. Then, take the short Walpa Gorge walk. For more extensive exploration, hike the Valley of the Winds trail, which offers the best views and a rewarding challenge.
There are no night visits or light shows at Kata Tjuta, but the site is open 24 hours, and visiting at sunrise or sunset offers the best photographic opportunities. Special Aboriginal cultural tours are also available during the day.
Kata Tjuta can be quite busy during peak tourist season (April to October), especially around sunrise and sunset. Early mornings on weekdays tend to be quieter and offer the best experience.
The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park has rest areas, toilets, and water refill stations. The Cultural Centre provides educational exhibits and a gift shop, as well as a café for refreshments.
The Walpa Gorge walk is accessible for most visitors, but the Valley of the Winds trail can be challenging due to its uneven terrain. The Cultural Centre and some viewing areas are fully accessible to those with mobility challenges.
Both cash and cards are accepted at the Cultural Centre and entrance station. Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Google Pay are also typically available.
The Cultural Centre has a café offering light snacks and drinks. For more dining options, you can visit the nearby resort area in Yulara, which features a range of restaurants and cafés.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the Cultural Centre café, as well as in nearby restaurants in Yulara, which cater to a variety of dietary needs, including halal options.
Yes, there are souvenir shops at the Cultural Centre, selling local Aboriginal art, crafts, jewelry, and books about the area’s history and culture.
After visiting Kata Tjuta, the best transportation options are car rentals, taxis, or shuttle services from Yulara. You can continue your journey to other landmarks like Uluru or explore more of the Red Centre by road.
