What is the Valley of the Winds walk at Kata Tjuta?
The Valley of the Winds is a walking track of about 7.4 kilometres that winds between the giant domes of Kata Tjuta, in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. It takes around three to four hours.
The track begins at a car park on the northern side of Kata Tjuta. It climbs to Karu Lookout and then Karingana Lookout, which looks down into a valley framed by towering red domes.
The full loop passes through creek beds, rocky slopes and spinifex plains, and the path can be steep and uneven. Shorter options let walkers return after the first or second lookout.
Heat and safety
Because of extreme heat, sections of the walk close from 11 am on days forecast to reach 36 degrees Celsius or more. Walkers should start early, carry at least a litre of water per hour and wear sun protection.
Kata Tjuta is a sacred site for Anangu men, and much of its cultural knowledge is not shared publicly. Visitors are asked to stay on the marked track and respect closures.
Strong winds often funnel through the valley, giving the walk its name. In spring, wildflowers bloom among the rocks, and birds such as zebra finches and budgerigars gather near water. Sunrise and sunset viewing areas nearby offer classic views of the domes changing colour.
Did You Know?
The domes of Kata Tjuta are made of conglomerate, a rock full of cemented pebbles and boulders.