Kata Tjuta (the Olgas)

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Kata Tjuta means ‘place of many heads’ and has 36 domes made up of conglomerate rock (combination of sandstone and granite rock). This area makes up a site of even greater cultural significance to the local Aboriginal people, the Anangu, than Uluru.

Your Guide will lead you and your group on a walk in the Kata Tjuta area to get a closer look of this mysterious place and to learn about the geology of the area.

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[Edit] Stuff you need to know

How to get there? The big rocks are actually a little distance from Yulara, where the accommodation and facilities are. If you are not with a tour, or didn't bring your car, you will need to decide how best to get to these locations. Hire cars can be expensive, and have limited kilometres; however shuttles to and from the rock are also expensive, so do the math and see what works best for you.

[Edit] Things to do:

The Uluru base walk (9km) can be done in 2 hours in a rush, or 4 hours at a more leisurely pace, with time included for side walks and sign-posts. Please note that certain areas are intended by the Aboriginal community to be off-limits for photography.

Climbing Uluru is heavily frowned upon by the local Aboriginal community, but it remains very popular with visitors. The climb is not for the faint hearted and can take between 1-4 hours, depending on fitness. Timing is crucial as poor weather occasionally forces the closure of the Uluru climb by National park staff. A sign at the park entrance will advise visitors whether the climb is open. Generally speaking, plan to climb in the cool of the early morning, as the walk will be closed as the weather warms up.

The Walpa Gorge walk (2.6km) is the shorter - and easier - of the two walks around Kata Tjuta.

The Mala Walk (2km) This track begins at the Mala Walk car-park and ends at the inspiring Kantju Gorge.

The Valley of the Winds walk (7.4km) at Kata Tjuta is truly magnificent and should not be missed. It takes about 3 hours, and carrying bottled water is advised, although there are two water stations along the route. The walk may also be closed during extreme weather. As with the Uluru climb, a sign at the park entrance will advise visitors whether the walk is open. This walk is best during the early morning hours, before the large crowds arrive, permitting you to see more wildlife.

Anangu tours are also available. These can be arranged at Yulara or at the Cultural Center.

Helicopter tours can be arranged at Yulara. They range from short buzzes over Uluru and / or Kata Tjuta to longer trips taking in more of the landscape, and possibly King's Canyon as well.

Camel to sunrise or sunset Another wonderful experience - cost is $95pp. You are taken from the resort to the camel farm where you are instructed on what you need to do. The owner is very friendly. The camel trek is through surrounding desert, giving good views all around with a talk on camel history and the area, before reaching a viewing point to watch the sun setting on Uluru. The camels are well cared for animals, not at all smelly, and all very well behaved. At the camel farm there is home made beer bread with wattle seed dip, camel meat, bush fruits and a variety of drinks. There is also the opportunity to purchase from the gift shop - all reasonably priced.