Valley Of the Winds

Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park

Kata Tjuta is Pitjantjatjara, meaning ‘many heads’ consisting of 36 stunning domed rocks. It is an Anangu men’s site and sacred under Tjukurpa (traditional law).
Take your time and soak in this very tranquil environment with absolutely spectacular scenery. The views are breathtakingly surreal and worth the effort, as the track takes you through valleys, along creek bed and far away from everyone and everything. And when they say 'valley of the winds', there are lots of valleys and it can be very windy!

Lookouts
Bird Watching
Picnic Facilities
Toilets
No Dogs Permitted
Arid or Desert
673m
Maximum Elevation
95m
Total Climb

Getting there:

Travel into the National Park from Yulara and once in the park, take the first right (signposted). Follow this road for 35km, before turning right to the Valley of the Winds car park. (signposted).

Maps:

Uluru and Kata Tjuta Visitor Guide

Route/Trail notes:

From the main car park, cross two bridges heading towards the domed rocks. After 1.1km of gentle climbing on rocky trail, you reach Karu Lookout; turn right for the circuit before descending steeply between two domes. At a flat clearing surrounded by domes, turn right or left for the circuit. The right turn takes you through a beautiful valley and eventually up to a saddle between two steeply-sided domes to Karingana Lookout, with its amazing views. Descend steeply, then bear left around the back of the domes. Climb again to a rocky plateau before descending down a large rocky shelf to the valley floor. Turning left, the path heads along a dry river bed to the clearing to meet the 1.6km path back, climbing steeply to Karu Lookout before the gentle descent to the car park.

Permits/Costs:

Admission to the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park costs $25 per adult (2019) and provides a three or more day pass. Passes are non-transferable and are scanned/checked at the Ranger Station.

Other References/Comments:

https://hikingtheworld.blog/2014/04/21/valley-of-the-winds-uluru/

Don't forget your fly mesh.

Comments

Tour took us as far as the second lookout but apparently you see the best of the scenery up to that point anyway.

JayWalker on 6 Jul, 2023

Amazing views and great hiking track!

Henry Lin on 22 May, 2023

This was a highlight of our trip to this area. Did the sunrise viewing then started around 8:30. Perfect conditions, loads of wildflowers, birds and even some butterflies. Completed the circuit in just under 3 hours with many photo stops. Well worth the effort.

Foxy on 24 May, 2021

This was a highlight of our trip to this area. Did the sunrise viewing then started around 8:30. Perfect conditions, loads of wildflowers, birds and even some butterflies. Completed the circuit in just under 3 hours with many photo stops. Well worth the effort.

Foxy on 24 May, 2021

The valley lived up to its name today. Straight to the second lookout. Next the whole circuit clockwise. So I did the most breathtaking part of the walk three times. Worth every meter!

Wanderlust on 18 Oct, 2020

did this but would not bother again would only recommend the short walk here unless you like walking without much to look at a bit like going around the base of Ayers rock just sparse bush

vlad on 8 Sep, 2019

Incredible hike. Stunning views of the beautiful valley and for miles out over the desert. Arguably more of a must see than Uluru

Knightsy on 7 Sep, 2019

Awesome

Sjl on 23 Jun, 2019

Take multiple beanies and earmuffs! The winds can make your ears sting at first but it is only for the first 30 mins or so of the walk when you're at the highest peaks.
Beautiful place

Courtney Eaton on 22 Jun, 2019

Uluru yesterday, The Olgas today. The highlight, was Karingana lookout on the saddle, where it gives you the impression you are entering some hidden valley, surrounded by domed rocks; fantastic.

F.A.B. on 3 Jun, 2019

Beautiful walk. A high level of fitness isn't required for this - just some good shoes, a camera, and a water bottle. It can get quite busy with tourist groups so I would recommend going early in the day. The scenery is beautiful and you walk directly alongside Kata Tjuta, which is breathtakingly large from this trail! I'd definitely recommend this walk.

Rhi on 5 Oct, 2018

Amazing hike, truly spectacular and very evocative of this part of Australia. It's 7.4km including the walk from the car park. The views and setting make this compulsory if you are in the area. Steep up to the col in the gorge, and steep descending from it too. I ran it due to time constraints and did the 7.4km in 50 minutes, but I nearly stacked it several times!

Bishster75 on 13 Jul, 2018

After Uluru, we were blown away by the size and grandeur of the Olgas. We did both walks in the one day by getting there very early. When we set out it was very cold being late winter, but it warmed up to a picture perfect day. Beautiful and majestic.

Brian on 18 Aug, 2017

Fantastic walk

Kim on 9 Jun, 2016

Absolutely lovely- we saw lots of birds and a wallaby!

adrienne on 29 Sep, 2013

As per the comments on the page ( I added this walk )

DrummerJeff on 1 Aug, 2011

We loved this walk more than all others in the Red Centre. It was beautiful and peaceful. The massive rock formations were amazing. An easy walk of just over 7km.

S K on Jul, 2010

Lovely scenery and a great walk to take it slowly. The rock formations were amazing and you do get the chance to absorb the mystique of your surroundings. Highly recommended.

Anoogle on Jul, 2010

Beautiful

drewmac on Sep, 2008

Definitely one of my favorite walks. Will definitely get back there one day with the family as I did this solo when I was working/living at Ayers Rock resort.

Aussie Weekend Warrior on 2000

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