Kata Tjuta

Not many people have heard of Kata Tjuta, or even The Olgas (they're the same place!!) even though they're only 20mins from Uluru. From our early morning views of Uluru at sunrise, it was possible to see them on the horizon. .

 

Saying that, they were both discovered separately!! It's a younger formation of rocks that provide huge boulders and chasms for today's visitors to explore. After the mammoth 9.7km walk at Uluru the day earlier, the 6.5km walk didn't phase us so we set off on the longest Valley of the Winds walk..

It was very aptly named as the winds whistled up, down, left, right and anywhere else creating a loud ghostly whisper that followed us as we climbed down the spectacular steps into the base of the formation. It was perishing cold and were again dressed in thermals and extra layers even though the sun was beating down..

 

The Olgas had a much younger and more dynamic feel about it. Tumbled rocks could have fallen a hour before our arrival and the tall formations could have easily have popped up yesterday and were still growing. The wind aided this feeling of growth.

Steep 60degree climbs up rock that brought you out with another stunning view became the norm including one that looked like the opening credits to the Never Ending Story where the valley opened up before you between huge pillars of rock. It was an equally captivating place as Uluru but much more dynamic. It's difficult to explain it but the trails involved much more climbing and taking in the vast landscape.

The formation and type of rock combined to create an Eden for plants and tree by providing natural shelter, water and humidity. Fault lines could be picked out by the swirling patterns of green against the orange rock that not only provided our shade but stunning contrasts of colour.

The walk was a few kms shorter but seemed to go on forever. The steps built outt of the rocks getting more difficult as time ticked on. Views out over the plains were beautiful panoramas that again cannot truely be described in words. The cold clear desert air created a dimension to the walk that was more than weather, it was as though it had wrapped us up and was showing off the landscape to us.

I don’t know why Kata Tjuta has less of a reputation as both of us preferred it to Uluru in terms of the spirituality and presence it has on the landscape but also due to the more exciting walk. Uluru was flat and following the rock round whereas this place was all over the place and not clear on whereabouts you’d end up. Brilliant stuff :)