Valley Of The Winds Walk, Kata Tjuta
The Valley of the Winds Walk is one of the best trails to tackle in Australia's Red Centre! It offers truly incredible views of the famous, ancient red domes of Kata Tjuta, also called the Olgas. If you're hoping to try this challenging but stunning hike, here is a guide to help you prepare!
Your Guide to the Valley of the Winds Walk in Kata Tjuta
A highlight of Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park, the Valley of the Winds Walk is a top activity for hikers and nature lovers in the Red Centre. The domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) are one of the most famous landmarks in the park, after the giant monolith of Uluru of course. The Valley of the Winds Walk loops through the unique desert landscapes and has two exceptional lookout points where you can enjoy stunning views of the otherworldly domes.
Karu Lookout
The first lookout on the Valley of the Winds Walk is the Karu Lookout. It's located high enough to provide sweeping views of the valley at the rich red Kata Tjuta domes. This part of the walk is on the harder side, and it can be rocky so it's a good idea to have sturdy footwear.
It's also important to note that the trail closes at Karu Lookout at 11am on any day that the temperature will reach 36 degrees Celsius or higher. So check the forecast and if it's going to get that hot, you'll have to do the hike early in the morning!
Karingana Lookout
The second lookout on the Valley of the Winds Walk is the Karingana Lookout. It's located on the circuit that branches off from the straight path to Karu Lookout. So from Karu Lookout, you'll hike along the lengthy trail with difficult and easy sections. You'll get amazing opportunities to observe the local flora and fauna, with lovely views of the rocky gorges, cliff faces, and valleys.
Karingana Lookout offers an equally impressive view of the Kata Tjuta domes. You can admire the vast landscapes of the Outback and appreciate the magnificent natural structures of Kata Tjuta as they rise dramatically out of the Earth.
How to get to the Valley of the Winds Walk in Kata Tjuta
It's very easy to get to the car park and trailhead for the Valley of the Winds Walk. Whether you're coming from Yulara or Uluru, just make you way to the main road in Uluru Kata Tjuta National Park (Kata Tjuta Road). There will be signs for the Valley of the Winds Car Park, where you can leave your car and begin the trek. It's about a 45-minute drive from Uluru and a 40-minute drive from Yulara.
How long is the Valley of the Winds walk?
Hiking the Valley of the Winds Walk takes around 3-4 hours in total. The entire track is a 7.4km circuit with varying levels of difficulty along the way. If you don't want to hike the entire trail, you can just hike from the car park to the first lookout, the Karu Lookout, and back. This only takes about an hour. However, if you wanted to hike to just the Karingana Lookout and back, it's close to 3 hours anyway so you're better off just doing the full circuit.
Also note that the heat in the Outback can be extreme, especially in summer. To make the hike feel a bit easier, avoid hiking at the hottest months of the year, or during the hottest times of the day. Early mornings and the cooler months of the year are ideal for hiking in the Outback!
Is the Valley of the Winds walk hard?
The Valley of the Winds Walk is considered Grade 4, which means it's moderately challenging. Parts of the hike are steep and rocky, but some sections are easy. It all depends on your fitness level, how many stops you take along the way, and how prepared you are.
Make sure you have comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and plenty of water so you can tackle the hike with no issues. There are two spots with drinking water along the Valley of the Winds Walk, but it's still a good idea to pack more water than you think you'll need so you can stay hydrated.
Can I take photos on the Valley of the Winds walk?
There are some photo restrictions for Kata Tjuta on the Valley of the Winds Walk. The rock formations hold cultural significance for the Anangu people, who are the Traditional Owners of the Land around Uluru and Kata Tjuta. Out of respect for their culture and traditions, you shouldn't take photos of the domes themselves. The entire park is also a drone restricted area.
You can, however, take photos along the walk that are not of the rock formations. So feel free to snap close up photos of your friends and family, or of the flora and fauna along the way.
Is the Valley of the Winds walk worth it?
The Valley of the Winds Walk is definitely worth it for hiking enthusiasts who want the best views of the famous Kata Tjuta domes in Australia's Outback! Rather than just admiring the domes from the ground, this hike gives you an enhanced and extended experience with the fascinating desert landscapes of the Red Centre. Spend a few hours out in nature, and you'll get truly incredible views of Kata Tjuta from a new perspective.
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