Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory

About 25 km from the famous Uluru is another sacred rock formation known as Kata Tjuta (“many heads”), also known as the Olgas (named for Queen Olga of Württemberg in 1872).

About 25 km from the famous Uluru is another sacred rock formation known as Kata Tjuta (“many heads”), also known as the Olgas (named for Queen Olga of Württemberg in 1872).

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What to See at Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta is a circular grouping of some 36 rounded red rocks rising from the desert plains, which cover an area of 11 square miles (28 square km). The highest is Mt. Olga, which rises 1,500 feet (460 m) above the plain and 3,507 feet above sea level.

Like Uluru, the Olgas are sacred to the Anangu and provide visitors with a dazzling show of color as the sun crosses the sky throughout the day. Luxurious vegetation grows in deep clefts between the domes.

Kata Tjuta is far less frequented by tourists than Uluru, and thus provides a more serene place of meditation and ceremony for the Aborigines. They follow the paths through the domes, singing traditional songs and telling stories about Dreamtime.

What to See at Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta is a circular grouping of some 36 rounded red rocks rising from the desert plains, which cover an area of 11 square miles (28 square km). The highest is Mt. Olga, which rises 1,500 feet (460 m) above the plain and 3,507 feet above sea level.

Like Uluru, the Olgas are sacred to the Anangu and provide visitors with a dazzling show of color as the sun crosses the sky throughout the day. Luxurious vegetation grows in deep clefts between the domes.

Kata Tjuta is far less frequented by tourists than Uluru, and thus provides a more serene place of meditation and ceremony for the Aborigines. They follow the paths through the domes, singing traditional songs and telling stories about Dreamtime.

Quick Facts on Kata Tjuta

Site Information
Names:Kata Tjuta
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:25.297010° S, 130.739021° E
Address:Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, PO Box 119, Yulara NT 0872 Australia
Northern Territory, Australia
Phone:Park administration: (+61) 8 - 8956 1100
Cultural Center: (+61) 8 - 8956 1128
Email:[email protected]
Hours:Open during daylight hours, including sunrise and sunset.
Lodging:View hotels near Kata Tjuta
Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

References

  1. Norbert C. Brockman, "Uluru and Kata Tjuta, Australia," Encyclopedia of Sacred Places (Oxford University Press, 1998), 292-93.
  2. "Olgas." Encyclopædia Britannica (Encyclopædia Britannica Online, 2006).
  3. Uluru - Kata Tjuta National Park - Australian Government
  4. Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park - UNESCO World Heritage List

More Information

I was lucky enough to see the moon rise over the Olgas as sun began to set.... © Justin Otto
The Olgas. © Beau Wade
A hardy tree at the Olgas. © Stefan Reiß
Uluru and Kata Tjuta National Park Northern territory, Australia © Paolo Rosa
Kata Tjuta - Valley of the Winds Second Lookout © Razmataz'
Kata Tjuta, Eyers resort to Kings Canyon resort © F.d.W.

Map of Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory

Below is a location map and aerial view of Kata Tjuta. Using the buttons on the left (or the wheel on your mouse), you can zoom in for a closer look, or zoom out to get your bearings. To move around, click and drag the map with your mouse.