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Kata Tjuta - The Olgas
in Northern Territory, Central Australia
A tourist selfdrive tourist guide and travel information
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The ancient desert
landscape of Australia’s Red Centre is home to
natural wonder and cultural landmark, Kata Tjuta/The
Olgas.
Estimated to be
over 500 million years old, the 32 weathered rock
domes that are Kata Tjuta sit 40 kilometres to
the west of Uluru/Ayers Rock. Kata
Tjuta/The Olgas represents nature on a monumental
scale, with the cluster’s tallest peak being 200m
higher than Uluru!
http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/
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Much like its geological
cousin, Kata Tjuta is most spectacular when viewed
at sunrise or sunset. If you’re after some serious
adventure, you can grasp how incredibly ancient
and remarkably imposing Kata Tjuta is by tackling
the moderately difficult Valley of the Winds Walk.
Trekkers are rewarded
for their efforts with breathtaking views over
the desert plains of the Red Centre. Alternatively,
take the easier Walpa Gorge Walk for a more a
leisurely stroll amongst Kata Tjuta’s enormous
domes into a lush desert refuge for plants and
wildlife.
Meaning ‘many heads’
in the local Aboriginal tongue, Kata Tjuta is
deeply sacred to the Anangu people, who have inhabited
the area for more than 22,000 years. Join a cultural
tour to uncover some of Kata Tjuta’s sacred mysteries.
Opening hours Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is
open all year round.
The park closes at night and opens: 2010
(Last update)
• 5.00 am - 9.00 pm during December, January,
February
• 5.30 am - 8.30 pm during March
• 6.00 am - 8.00 pm during April
• 6.00 am - 7.30 pm during May
• 6.30 am - 7.30 pm during June, July
• 6.00 am - 7.30 pm during August
• 5.30 am - 7.30 pm during September
• 5.00 am - 8.00 pm during October
• 5.00 am - 8.00 pm during November
Valley of the
Winds walk - Kata Tjuta
Open half an hour before sunrise - half an hour
after sunset.
The walk will
be closed from the first lookout (Karu) onwards:
at 11am
• if the temperature forecasted (at 4.30pm the
day before) is 36°C or above
• if the actual temperature reaches 36°C or above
during rescue operations.
The Valley of
the Winds Walk - Kata Tjuta
7.4 km full circuit | 3 hrs | commercial photography
not allowed The track to Karu (1st) Lookout, 1.1
km from the carpark, is moderately difficult with
some loose rocks to negotiate so please mind your
step and wear sturdy footwear. The view is breathtaking
and worth the little bit of effort. This lookout
is also the closure point when the temperature
reaches 36 degrees or greater. The track to Karingana
(2nd) Lookout, 2.7 km from carpark, is challenging
and very steep in places but also worthwhile.
The remainder of the Valley of the Winds Walk,
7.4 km complete circuit, takes you down between
the domes, through creek beds and away from everyone
and everything.
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Cultural Centre
When you visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park,
you should ensure that you explore the Cultural
Centre first. You will enjoy exploring the park
much more if you understand Anangu culture and
this very special cultural and natural environment.
Opening hours Cultural Centre
Open 7.00 am - 6.00 pm daily
Information Desk Open 8.00 am - 12 noon and 1.00
pm - 5.00 pm daily
Entry to the Centre is free
Ininti Cafe
and souvenirs
Provides a wide selection of souvenir gifts,
books, videos and clothing that feature Uluru
and the cultural heritage of its traditional owners.
Ininti Cafe has a comfortable air conditioned
area for visitors to sit down and enjoy light
refreshments whilst enjoying a magnificent view
of Uluru.
Opening daily: 7:00 am - 5:15 pm
Phone (+61) 8 8956 2214
Fax (+61) 8 8956 2437
Email: ininticafeandsouvenirs@bigpond.com
or
Email: cafe@ininti.org.au
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Talinguru Nyakunytjaku
new viewing area
Talinguru Nyakunytjaku
offers visitors stunning new views of both Uluru
and Kata Tjuta from a previously inaccessible
area of the park. The area allows visitors to
see Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the wider desert landscape
of spinifex covered dunes and swales, dotted with
kurkura or desert oaks.
http://www.environment.gov.au/
(PDF)
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Sunset and Sunrise
maps and guide
Viewing areas Depending
on where you are, whether it is sunset or sunrise
and what you are looking at, there are many ways
you can capture the beauty of this place to remember
your visit. Many people eagerly watch the colour
changes on the red rocks with the sun behind them.
Equally as stunning are the rocks as silhouettes,
especially if there are some clouds around – this
option could also a good one if you want to escape
the crowds. A suggestion for when it rains is
to head directly to the base of Uluru and watch
the waterfalls. Ask at the entry station or Cultural
Centre information for sunrise and sunset times.
Remember to stay on marked tracks or behind the
fences at all times.
1 Car Sunset
Viewing – views of Uluru
This is one of the most popular views of Uluru,
especially at sunset to watch the colour changes.
For a silhouette shot visit this area at sunrise.
For those travelling in cars, strictly no coaches.
2 Bus Sunset and Dune Walk Viewing – views
of Uluru and Kata Tjuta Dune Walk lookout 500
metres return from carpark • 30 mins This area
is accessible all day until 4pm, when it is set
aside for the use of buses and coaches. From this
area you can see both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. See
the distinct vegetation of dune habitats and tracks
of birds and nocturnal animals. Cars are not permitted
in this area after 4pm: it is for buses and coaches
only, this is a safety precaution.
3 Talinguru Nyakunytjaku – views of Uluru
and Kata Tjuta This destination captures both
Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the same shot and offers
a stunning 360 degree view of the surrounding
World Heritage landscape. With no photography
restrictions and the choice of three wiljtas (shelters),
two viewing platforms and a few kilometres of
walking track, you will be sure to find a spot
that suits your needs.
4 Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing area – views
of Uluru and Kata Tjuta This provides a spectacular
panoramic view of Kata Tjuta with Uluru far away
on the right. Sun on the rocks at sunrise, silhouette
at sunset.
5 Kata Tjuta Sunset Viewing – views of
Kata Tjuta Take a photo at sunset to see the stunning
colour change into the deepest red. Visitors are
reminded that they will need to be outside the
Park boundary one hour after sunset (the Park
boundary is 45 minutes drive from Kata Tjuta).
http://www.environment.gov.au/
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This is an area
that provides different views throughout the day,
changing with the seasons. Here you begin to understand
the journeys of the creation ancestors and the
stories they left in the landscape.
Able to accomodate
up to 3000 visitors, the area provides several
viewing platforms and a 1600 metre walking track
network, with spinifex thatched shade shelters
modelled on wiltja, the traditional Anangu shelter.
There are toilet facilities, solar powered wayfinder
lighting, a performance area and large capacity
parking.
From the upper
platforms of Talinguru Nyakunytjaku it is possible
to see out across open wanari or mulga woodlands
to patches of muurmuurpa or desert bloodwood woodland
fed by Uluru's rocky catchment. In Uluru's clear
light, you can often see landmarks more than 100
kilometres away, including the Musgrave Ranges
in South Australia.
The new road to
the viewing area provides a wonderful tourist
drive through desert oak and mulga forest and
takes visitors through new areas of the landscape.
Talinguru Nyakunytjaku will create new business
opportunities for Aboriginal people and the tourism
industry.
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