Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta is effectively Uluru’s lesser-known brother. Just 30km west of Uluru, and visible from the top of it, Kata Tjuta is a grouping of sandstone-conglomerate domes that are actually much higher than Uluru. The highest point, Mount Olga, is almost 200m higher. The objective for today was to do one or two of the walks around them, with the Valley of the Winds being a priority. Due to Mum’s foot being against her, it was decided that we would do the shorter, but still long enough, version of the Valley of the Wind Walk that took us to the second lookout and back.

Due to an extremely late start on my behalf, we didn’t get out of the campsite until around 10. After driving out there and doing the very short Dune Viewing Walk, which told us about the various plants and animals that grow on the dunes, we headed for the Walk. After prepping ourselves with what proved to be way too much food, we started on the walk.

The first segment, up to Karu Lookout, is moderately easy, with a rocky-rubble path leading up to the lookout, 700m down the track. The lookout itself is not all that stunning with views to just a few of the domes. However, it was a good excuse to stop. The next segment was somewhat more difficult, but still not very hard. It took us down to the creek, which was almost teeming with Budgies, which, as it said on the sign, nest in the hollows of the big trees along the bank.

The last segment, up to the second lookout is longer and harder. It was almost the same distance as the previous two combined and there was a lot of rock-hopping and climbing to get up to the high point of the Valley of Winds. The lookout there is in the shade almost all of the day due to the high walls of the valley around it. It is, however, a better view down the remainder of the Valley and out to a plain where the smaller domes lie. We stopped for lunch, and then walked back along the track to the carpark.

After much discussion, it was decided that we would do the Walpa Gorge walk, or at least go to the carpark there. When we did arrive, none of us (children) wanted to do it, and neither did Mum, so Dad did the walk more or less himself. However, there was ice-cream for afternoon tea, which made the trip worth it. Mum decided that she would do some of the walk after Dad had left so she walked up to an unknown point and came back with Dad, whilst the rest of us sat and read.

Dinner tonight is apparently Sausages and Steak.

Louis