Kata Tjuṯa: Walking with Giants
We’ve seen photos of Kata Tjuṯa, but nothing really prepares you for the scale. These ancient domes rise up from the red earth like sleeping giants, and walking among them is something else entirely.
We were up before sunrise, jackets zipped and helmets on, for a motorbike ride out to the Kata Tjuṯa viewing platform. The air was sharp and still, the desert just starting to stir. As the first light hit the domes, they turned from deep purple to glowing red, shifting through colours you’d swear no camera could catch. It was one of those moments that makes you forget the early alarm and cold fingers.
We started with the Valley of the Winds Walk. It’s a bit of a hike at just under 8 km if you do the whole loop, but the views make it worth every step. The trail winds through gaps and gullies between the domes, with moments of cool shade followed by open stretches of ochre-red rock and endless sky. We took it slow, stopping often to take it all in. There’s a hum here, a kind of deep stillness that settles into your bones.
Later, we made our way to Walpa Gorge. It’s a shorter walk, and a bit easier underfoot, but just as breathtaking. The narrow path between two of the largest domes channels the breeze, giving the place its name, Walpa, which means “wind” in Pitjantjatjara. We found a quiet spot at the end to sit and listen. No traffic. No chatter. Just the rustle of wind through spinifex and the occasional bird call.
There’s something about Kata Tjuṯa that stays with you. Maybe it’s the sheer size, or the deep sense of presence the land holds. Maybe it’s just that feeling of being very small…in the best possible way.
From the domes of Kata Tjuṯa, we turned our wheels toward the heart of the desert, Uluru. You think you’re ready for it, but nothing quite prepares you for the feeling of standing in front of that rock.
If you enjoy stories like this — the quiet, humbling kind that stop you in your tracks — join our Travel Dispatch. It’s where we share the road behind the photos and the tales that linger long after the dust settles.
Kata Tjuṯa
Also known as the Olgas, Kata Tjuṯa lies 50 km west of Uluru within Uluru–Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Comprising 36 domes of red conglomerate rock, it’s a place of deep spiritual significance to the Anangu People and one of Central Australia’s most striking landscapes.
How to Get There
Kata Tjuṯa is about a 40-minute drive west of Yulara via the Lasseter Highway. The road is sealed all the way, with parking and facilities at both Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge trailheads. A park pass is required and can be purchased online or at the entry gate.
What to See, Tours and Activities
What we did:
Hiked the Valley of the Winds full loop for sweeping views and deep silence.
Wandered the Walpa Gorge Walk, cooled by its namesake wind.
Took time to sit quietly, letting the desert soundscape do the talking.
Visited at sunrise for the changing light across the domes.
Other highlights you might explore:
Join a cultural walk led by Anangu guides.
When to Visit
April to October offer cooler days for hiking. Temperatures soar in summer, so start early, carry plenty of water, and heed park warnings about heat-related closures.
Final Thoughts
Kata Tjuṯa feels alive with shifting light, echoing wind, and an ancient calm that seeps into you if you sit still long enough. It’s not just a place to see; it’s one to listen to.
What’s Nearby
From Kata Tjuṯa, it’s a short drive east to Uluru, where the desert’s heartbeat continues in sandstone form. The road may be familiar, but the feeling never is.
Fast Facts
Location: Uluru–Kata Tjuṯa National Park, Northern Territory
Distance: Uluru to Kata Tjuṯa – 50 km
Traditional Owners: Anangu People
Access: Sealed via Lasseter Highway; park entry fee required
Facilities: Toilets, shaded rest areas, parking, information displays
Walking Track: Valley of the Winds (8 km) & Walpa Gorge (2.6 km)
Dog Friendly: Not permitted in the national park
Best Time to Visit: April – October
Things That Could Kill You!
This one’s a serious guide to surviving Kata Tjuta.
Heat and Dehydration: Temperatures climb quickly, even in the early morning. Carry more water than you think you’ll need, wear a hat, and rest often in shaded areas.
Slippery Rock: The paths can be uneven and steep in parts. Take your time on descents, especially after rain, the rocks can be slick.
Closed Tracks: When the park posts warnings, they mean it. Track closures happen for safety, not inconvenience. Check before setting out.
If you’ve enjoyed this stop, join our Travel Dispatch, so you won’t miss the top secret dispatches. The behind-the-scenes stories and quiet moments we only share with our road family.
Other updates you may like…
Standley Chasm changes completely depending on the light. Here’s a quick guide covering the best time to see the glow, how long the walk takes, and what to expect when you arrive.