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Published: October 9th 2013
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There is a feast for the eyes in the Red Centre of Australia. Just when you think Uluru is the ultimate in rock majesty, you drive 60ks west to Kata Tjuta.
With the transition of the land back to the tribal owners, Ayres Rock became Uluru, and The Olgas has returned to the Aboriginal name, Kata Tjuta. Why have a Russian Princess name tagged to an ancient Aboriginal sacred place? I'm all for the new names even though I don't support or endorse some of their sacred beliefs. They deserve respect if nothing else.
This is a very odd set of rocky domes spread over an area probably 2 times larger than Uluru, but with passes and gorges running between the multiple of domes.
The formation can be seen way back before Uluru when travelling on the Lasseter Highway, but its magic dawns on you as the road from Uluru approaches the formation. You cannot take in the view because there are so many domes, the tallest on the left, through to smallest on the far right. Each bares examination.
One of the domes looks like a petrified flying saucer with port holes around the perimeter.
Another defies logic with its smooth dome shape and steep sides - almost unclimbable. In fact, in this park there is a prohibition on climbing up the domes, but good walking trails in and around the domes.
Like Uluru, good facilities in the park, drinking water in strategic places, particularly for those walking The Valley Of The Winds. You need 3 litres per person, so the idea here is top up at the drinking taps as you travel.
Walpa Gorge runs between the two highest domes, and is a relatively easy walk for most folk including children. It is a return trip back down the same path as there is no exit at the end of the Gorge through to the adjoining rocks.
Further north, Valley of the Winds has its own car park, and runs initially between two domes, and then a loop walk around to a Karingana Lookout, and back to the first path. This track is closed if the day temps are predicted to exceed 36c, and that was the case when we visited this walk way. In the gorges the temps will be much higher as the heat radiates off the rock walls.
This walkway is rough and requires a moderate level of fitness. While the paths are well marked, they do climb up, through and over rocky sections. Some steps are steep, but not as demanding as the initial climb up Uluru. We spoke to folk who had started the loop walk at 6.00 am, and were only just coming out at 10.00am when the walk was about to close. They were impressed with the area around Karingana lookout and the area at the base of the decent from viewing area 1 where we stopped.
We would like to do that walk, but October is really too late for us older folk to attempt this in the heat. Maybe some one will shout us a trip back here in July! (Hint hint)
There is also a good sunset viewing area with plenty of parking, but personally, by walking back towards the road in, there are views without trees.
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roamingfox
Alma van As
Truly unique!
You are so right when you said that Uluru and Kata Tjuta are so unique. Will have to put it on my bucket list!!