What is the Valley of the Winds?

Winding through and between the incredible formations of Kata Tjuta you’ll find the Valley of the Winds. This incredible walking track is the perfect way to explore Kata Tjuta and experience the tranquillity of the Red Centre.

The Valley of the Winds walk will immerse you within the Kata Tjuta domes. It also features two lookouts over the unique Mars-like landscape that surrounds the formations. The walk takes approximately four hours to complete but is well worth the time.

Before heading out for any significant walk, be sure you are prepared for the journey ahead. Broad brimmed hats, SPF 50+ sunscreen, good walking shoes, clothes that cover your shoulders and lots and lots of water.

Walk across the rocky paths taking in the incredible place you have found yourself. An hour in you’ll find the first lookout. A short but slightly steep ascent over a few loose rocks will lead you there, and we promise that any misplaced foot is more than worth the view. This is also a great place to refill your water bottle, as this is the only place you can get drinking water in the Valley. The Karu lookout provides truly breathtaking views, you won’t believe you’re still on Earth!

Continuing from here head to the second lookout, Karingana. The track takes you down deep into the valley and across creek beds. This is the most difficult terrain in the whole walk and has many steps and some steep spots. Once you reach the lookout though, you’ll forget all the effort it took to get there. The world seems to open itself just for you, spilling into the lush landscape below. You’ll feel like you’re in a movie as you ascend to the lookout and the oasis opens out in front of you.

The Valley of the Winds walk will immerse you in the Kata Tjuta formations in a way you didn’t know was possible. The sheer size of the domes cannot be comprehended until you have visited them.

Keeping Safe

There are a few key things to consider before heading out on the walk. The Red Centres heat is extreme and to safely conduct this walk you need to leave early. We recommend heading out at sunrise. This has two benefits, firstly you’ll be done before the hottest part of the day, and second, you’ll get to see an unforgettable sunrise! Another consideration is track closures. If the temperature reaches above 26° the walk will be closed after 11 am. This is to ensure the safety of all walkers.

Kata Tjuta is a sacred site for the local Indigenous people and therefore a culturally sensitive are. They ask you to respect their requests to not take commercial photographs. You are welcomed to take photographs for your collections, but please reconsider posting them to social media.

According to Anangu culture, the rock formations hold knowledge that should only be learned in person, by people who have the cultural authority to do so.

The Valley of the Winds walk is a fantastic way to explore Kata Tjuta and enjoy this truly unique part of the world.

Related article: The Wild and Windy Scenes of Walpa Gorge

Cameron Ward

Managing Director at Sightseeing Tours Australia

Cameron Ward turned his travel passion into a thriving Australian tourism business. Before he co-founded his own business, Sightseeing Tours Australia, he was enjoying being a Melbourne tour guide. Even now, Cameron delights in helping visitors from all around the world get the most out of their incredible Australian trip. You’ll see Cameron leading tours or writing about his favourite Australian places where he shares his local insights.