Kata Tjuta Sunset Half Day Trip
Uluru
This tour takes you to the inspiring red-hued sedimentary rock domes of Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) to watch the sunset. They are thought to have...
A125 | Rating 4.26 / 5 [50 ratings]
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Bucket list experience:
Kata Tjuta & the Valley of the Winds Walk
Last updated: 09 November, 2022
After Uluru, Kata Tjuta (formerly known as the Olgas) is the second most visited place in Central Australia. This remarkable geological formation consists of 36 weathered domes dating back 500 million years. It is steeped in Aboriginal history and legend – there are many Dreamtime stories, notably the great snake king Wanambi, who is said to live on the summit of Kata Tjuṯa. His breath was said to be able to transform a breeze into a hurricane in order to punish those who did evil deeds. Evildoers beware – he only comes down during the dry season, which is when you are likely to be visiting.
The only way to explore Kata Tjuta is on foot and there are several hiking trails available, including the famous Valley of the Winds – a 7.4km circular walk that takes around four hours to complete and passes by some spectacular viewpoints. The 2.6km Walpa Gorge Walk is one of the easiest to complete.
People staying at Yulara (around 50kms away) can book a guided walking tour, a sunrise tour or a scenic flight.
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Destination Guide >Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
Kata Tjuta is a popular destination for independent travellers, especially at sunrise and sunset when the landscape is spectacular.
The main walking trails such as Karu Lookout, Karingana Lookout and Valley of the Winds are clearly marked and can be tackled independently, but you’ll miss out on the narrative of a guide. Organised tours are a better option – they will include a sunrise view of Kata Tjuta, a guided walk (complete with recounting of Aboriginal legends) and an Outback picnic breakfast.
When to do it
Dawn and sunset are the best times. The colours are dramatic, and the ethereal red rock changes hue from brown to purple to bright red.
Winter (June to August) is the ideal time to be in the desert. This is also the busiest time of the year, so spring and autumn can work well too. Desert summers (December to March) are too hot for physical activity, and the air is filled with relentless swarms of annoying flies.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Afternoon Kata Tjuta Small Group Tour
Uluru
See one of the most dramatic natural rock formations in the world! Take a guided, small-group tour of the conglomerate rock domes of Kata Tj...
A157 | Rating 4.37 / 5 [79 ratings]
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Uluru Sunrise (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta Half Day Trip
Uluru
Experience an unforgettable sunrise at Uluru (Ayers Rock). Warm up with a tea or coffee and settle in on the viewing platform for an incredi...
A179 | Rating 4.45 / 5 [73 ratings]
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Kata Tjuta Sunrise and Valley of the Winds Half-Day Trip
Uluru
View the sunrise at Kata Tjuta (the Olgas) and a walk with your Guide to the Valley of the Winds. Hear fascinating stories of the geology, h...
A199 | Rating 4.53 / 5 [78 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Lost Camel Hotel
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.5 miles]
Affordable quirky and fun, this small hotel is an unexpected delight in the Red Centre, with access to all the facilities of the Ayers Rock Resort.
Official star rating:
Sails in the Desert
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.6 miles]
Fresh from a multi-million dollar make-over, this iconic desert resort has never looked better, and makes an ideal base for exploring Uluru.
Official star rating:
Desert Gardens Hotel
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.6 miles]
Excellently located in the heart of the Yulara township, this friendly garden hotel an oasis in this harsh yet beautiful arid landscape – and the perfect base to explore.
Official star rating:
Emu Walk Apartments
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.7 miles]
This bright and airy apartment hotel is the perfect choice for families or groups of friends, with excellent facilities and a great location.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Northern Territory, Australia
The place to come for the Australian outback experience – jaw-dropping geological formations (including world-famous Uluru), sleeping out in swag bags, sampling bush tucker, and connecting with authentic Aborginal culture.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Sounds of Silence
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[24.9 miles]
The best-known outdoor dining experience in Australia – an unforgettable dinner in the desert under a billion stars, with didgeridoo music and a fascinating lesson in astronomy.
Best for ages: 8+ | £165
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Experience
Dot painting with Maruku Arts
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.7 miles]
This dot painting workshop is an excellent and fun introduction to Indigenous Art, where participants learn about the different symbols used to create local Creation Time stories.
Best for ages: 4+ | £40 | 90 minutes
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Tali Wiru
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.7 miles]
Sublime upscale desert dining experience, with magnificent Uluru views combined with Aborigine performance and storytelling.
Best for ages: 15+ | £200 | 4 hours
Helicopter flights over Uluru
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[26.6 miles]
Discover a different perspective on Australia’s most famous desert natural wonders, with a helicopter tour that soars across the jaw-dropping landscapes of the Northern Territories.
Best for ages: 16+ | £180 | 30 minutes
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Uluru Camel Tours
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.5 miles]
Cameleer Chris Hill runs a wide range of carbon-neutral camel tours, including sunset and sunrise rides and express (45 minute) adventures through the dunes.
Best for ages: 10+ | £40 | 45+ minutes
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Experience
Mulgara Art Gallery
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.6 miles]
Located at the Sails in the Desert hotel, this long-running gallery sources authentic Aboriginal dot paintings, artworks and glassware from desert communities across the Northern Territory.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Didgeridoo Workshop
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.6 miles]
The digeridoo, a long and thin musical instrument of Australia’s indigenous people, is one of the Outback’s most iconic symbols – and sounds. Playing it relies on a technique known as circular breathing which is much harder to master than it looks. These workshops are free – so why not give it a go?
Best for ages: 6+ | Free | 45 minutes
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Experience
Gallery of Central Australia
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, Northern Territory, Australia[25.6 miles]
Dubbed a ‘cultural hub’, this arts centre in the Ayers Rock Resort showcases work from established and emerging indigenous artists, plus a range of cultural events. It hosts regular exhibitions, and offer free daily tours.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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