Valley of the Winds, Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Petermann , Northern Territory 0872

The Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is one of the most popular attractions in Australia, drawing in visitors who are keen to explore the natural and cultural history of the region.

Valley of the Winds, NT

Set in the Red Centre of the country and encompassing one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks, Uluru, it boasts numerous unusual geological features.

Though Uluru is the main attraction in the area, it’s well worth exploring Kata Tjuta (also known as the Olgas), which is a land of 36 steep sandstone monoliths that are dotted across the rugged and wild landscape.

To view these exceptional natural offerings, you can head to their designated viewing platforms, or you can take a number of walks that weave through the surroundings. The Valley of the Winds walk is one of the most popular, taking in Kata Tjuta and its nearby scenery in a seven kilometre walk.

This is just one of the two walks left in Kata Tjuta that remain open to the public. It carves a loop through the national park and encompasses two of the most spectacular lookout points, where you can gaze out across the impressive monoliths and the ancient scenery that surrounds them.

All in all, the walk takes around three hours and is generally easy-going. The first lookout you’ll take in is the Karu lookout, where you can look down on the domes of Kata Tjuta from above and peer out into the sacred Anangu men’s area. From there, the walk takes you to the Karingana lookout. The walk up here can be slightly challenging but, once you get to the top, you’ll be able to gaze out no a timeless landscape of domes and the surrounding creeks that carve ancient paths through the valley.

When to Walk the Valley of the Winds

Valley of the Winds Walk

If you want to avoid the crowds and explore the Valley of the Winds at your own pace, we recommend visiting in the early morning – this also means you’ll avoid the harsh heat of the Australian midday sun.

Along the way, you’ll get to experience the unique flora and fauna that call this part of Australia home and learn more about the cultural history of this fascinating region. Boasting a rich Aboriginal culture, the land here is imbued with timeless stories and ancient traditions that are just waiting to be discovered and explored. If you plan on visiting Uluru, make sure you set aside some time to head to Kata Tjuta and undertake the Valley of the Winds Walk.

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