Valley of the Winds
Valley of the Winds
4.5
About
The Valley of the Winds walk lets visitors immerse themselves among Kata Tjuta's domes. Featuring unparalleled views on the spectacular desert landscape, the walk takes approximately 3-4 hours and can be steep and rocky in some areas.
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- Julie & EddieHobart, Australia28 contributionsAmazing Kata Tjuta / Mount OlgaThe full circuit walk is amazing. You'll walk between two massive rock walls and there are two lovely lookouts. The walk is rated difficult but there is only one small section that is a bit challenging just before the second lookout. Persevere as it is worth it. I'm in my 60s and did this walk fairly easily. This experience surpassed Uluru in some ways as it is so up close, dramatic and personal.Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 April 2023
- soff01Brisbane, Australia147 contributionsWalk of the TripDefinitely do this. My partner found it the highlight of our whole central trip. The walk itself isn’t hard. There are a few parts you get puffed. There is one rock face you need to scramble up but it’s pretty easy even for a someone with no experience. Don’t need particularly good fitness to do this walk. It’s long and there are parts that are hot and cold depending on where you’re located. The views are great. Take water and some snacks and a camera! Great way to see the Olgas.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 May 2023
- Kathryn CDunstable, United Kingdom404 contributionsSimply the Best!A stunning walk through the canyon with red rock rising on all sides. Head to the second lookout and continue on down the steep steps to avoid the crowds heading back the way they came and to see the many 'heads' of Kata Tjuta before rejoining the main trail back to the first lookout. Simply the best!Visited April 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 19 July 2023
- mrc282World7,481 contributionsdo a morning hikethis hike allows you to go up close to Kata Tjuta. i did the entire circuit in a counter clockwise manner, which is the park's recommendation if you follow the signs. the most scenic portion is between Lookout #1 (Karuu) and #2 (Karingana). after Karingana, there is a steep hill where you descend before heading back to car park on a fairly flat path. i took 2h to complete the entire circuit including photo stops. the park suggested duration is 4h which is quite generous. it is not recommended to walk the entire circuit if you start later than 11 am (more applicable for summer season imo). there are multiple water stations along the way. there is no mobile signal (Telstra) except at the trailhead near the information board.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 10 August 2023
- CJDevoloBendigo, Australia73 contributionsVery well namedWe did the four hour trip with SEIT tours and really enjoyed it. The view from the second look out is amazing as is the composition of the conglomerate rock that the domes are made of. Our guide was very informative and allowed plenty of time to stop and take in the views. The walk is achievable for people of varying levels of fitness as long as you are prepared to take your time and take the right gear. We went well prepared with hats, sunscreen, water and food and although the weather stayed mild we are glad we went prepared. You could really get caught out on a hot day as the second half of the loop is very exposed with little shade. Oh, and one of the funny looking fly nets would be a good investment as the weather warms up. We didn't take any photos of the domes as requested by the traditional owners. There are already plenty on the Internet and none of them do justice to seeing them up close and personal.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 2 October 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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marcel z
27 contributions
Oct 2023 • Business
Definitely a great choice for those who love to hike. Actually one of the best hikes in Australia according to my taste.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CJDevolo
Bendigo, Australia73 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We did the four hour trip with SEIT tours and really enjoyed it. The view from the second look out is amazing as is the composition of the conglomerate rock that the domes are made of. Our guide was very informative and allowed plenty of time to stop and take in the views. The walk is achievable for people of varying levels of fitness as long as you are prepared to take your time and take the right gear. We went well prepared with hats, sunscreen, water and food and although the weather stayed mild we are glad we went prepared. You could really get caught out on a hot day as the second half of the loop is very exposed with little shade. Oh, and one of the funny looking fly nets would be a good investment as the weather warms up. We didn't take any photos of the domes as requested by the traditional owners. There are already plenty on the Internet and none of them do justice to seeing them up close and personal.
Written 2 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mrc282
World7,481 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
this hike allows you to go up close to Kata Tjuta. i did the entire circuit in a counter clockwise manner, which is the park's recommendation if you follow the signs.
the most scenic portion is between Lookout #1 (Karuu) and #2 (Karingana). after Karingana, there is a steep hill where you descend before heading back to car park on a fairly flat path.
i took 2h to complete the entire circuit including photo stops. the park suggested duration is 4h which is quite generous. it is not recommended to walk the entire circuit if you start later than 11 am (more applicable for summer season imo). there are multiple water stations along the way. there is no mobile signal (Telstra) except at the trailhead near the information board.
the most scenic portion is between Lookout #1 (Karuu) and #2 (Karingana). after Karingana, there is a steep hill where you descend before heading back to car park on a fairly flat path.
i took 2h to complete the entire circuit including photo stops. the park suggested duration is 4h which is quite generous. it is not recommended to walk the entire circuit if you start later than 11 am (more applicable for summer season imo). there are multiple water stations along the way. there is no mobile signal (Telstra) except at the trailhead near the information board.
Written 11 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wes B
Adelaide, Australia107 contributions
Jul 2023
This walk could be difficult for a person with mobility problems but it is worth the effort. Plenty of opportunities for a photography fan to get some stunning shots. The name tells you what weather conditions to expect.
Written 30 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathryn C
Dunstable, UK404 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
A stunning walk through the canyon with red rock rising on all sides. Head to the second lookout and continue on down the steep steps to avoid the crowds heading back the way they came and to see the many 'heads' of Kata Tjuta before rejoining the main trail back to the first lookout. Simply the best!
Written 19 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
soff01
Brisbane, Australia147 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Definitely do this. My partner found it the highlight of our whole central trip. The walk itself isn’t hard. There are a few parts you get puffed. There is one rock face you need to scramble up but it’s pretty easy even for a someone with no experience. Don’t need particularly good fitness to do this walk. It’s long and there are parts that are hot and cold depending on where you’re located. The views are great. Take water and some snacks and a camera! Great way to see the Olgas.
Written 18 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Julie & Eddie
Hobart, Australia28 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
The full circuit walk is amazing. You'll walk between two massive rock walls and there are two lovely lookouts. The walk is rated difficult but there is only one small section that is a bit challenging just before the second lookout. Persevere as it is worth it. I'm in my 60s and did this walk fairly easily. This experience surpassed Uluru in some ways as it is so up close, dramatic and personal.
Written 22 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurers049
Brisbane, Australia3,377 contributions
Feb 2023 • Couples
This is a nice hike but a bit steep and slippery in places. Wear good shoes and a walking pole is good to have. Don't try this in the heat!
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
justalittlebitocd
Melbourne, Australia410 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We drove to kata tjuta (approx 40 min drive from the resort) and made sure to stop at all viewing points for photo op’s.
you will enter the national park so make sure you prepay / Download you park pass.
We decided to tackle valley of the winds
It was raining so it was pretty slippery in places but it meant we didn’t have to contend with the hot sun and the heat (or the flies)
This is a difficult hike. We are overweight and beginner hikers and we completed it in 3 hours and we stopped for a snack at lookout 2. Basically you will come across very few people after the first lookout
After the bridge we turned right and we’re confronted with one tricky bit . A very flat surface you kinda need to rock climb / boulder. It is def The hardest bit of the hike. We managed by skirting the loose rocks on the side versus the flat upright slippery surface.
I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to do this part coming down if I had of turned left at the bridge
Doing the full circuit in my opinion would be easier than walking to the second lookout and returning and remember to turn right after the bridge
Note , there are no toilets and out standard park rules there there are no bins along the way
you will enter the national park so make sure you prepay / Download you park pass.
We decided to tackle valley of the winds
It was raining so it was pretty slippery in places but it meant we didn’t have to contend with the hot sun and the heat (or the flies)
This is a difficult hike. We are overweight and beginner hikers and we completed it in 3 hours and we stopped for a snack at lookout 2. Basically you will come across very few people after the first lookout
After the bridge we turned right and we’re confronted with one tricky bit . A very flat surface you kinda need to rock climb / boulder. It is def The hardest bit of the hike. We managed by skirting the loose rocks on the side versus the flat upright slippery surface.
I certainly wouldn’t have wanted to do this part coming down if I had of turned left at the bridge
Doing the full circuit in my opinion would be easier than walking to the second lookout and returning and remember to turn right after the bridge
Note , there are no toilets and out standard park rules there there are no bins along the way
Written 28 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Big Rex Adventures
Gold Coast, Australia153 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
📍Kata Tjuṯa - Valley of the Winds walk
🥾 7.4km grade 4 hike
On a gloomy morning we headed to the Kata Tjuṯa Dunes Viewing Area to watch a non-existent sunrise with about 200 other people 😂
We then popped in to the sunset viewing area to use the toilet facilities 🚽 as there are none once you arrive to start the hike. We luckily arrived right before two tour buses so we beat the rush 🫣
When we started the hike the weather was pretty ordinary - drizzling rain but nothing too bad - so we soldiered on and soon found out why it was called the Valley of the Winds 🌪️😂
It was very windy walking to the first lookout - Karu lookout - which is 1.1km (2.2km return) into the walk. If mobility is an issue this part of the walk is grade 3 and very easy and you can still appreciate the amazing views and rock formations.
From here we decided to keep going and continue to Karingana lookout. This was our fave part of the hike. You will truly experience some of the most amazing views on this hike and once you reach the lookout it is next level amazing. Just wow!! It’s also a lot less windy on this part of the hike.
We had a lot of company at the lookout as the two tour buses of people had caught up to us (blame Mel and her photography addiction 📷🤦🏼♀️).
After taking our time appreciating the epic views we continued on the rest of the circuit. Tip 💡: from this point It is much easier to do the whole circuit than retracing your steps.
The rest of the walk is mostly downhill and flat (until the approach back to Karu lookout) and just a nice walk. ☝🏼 Just remember to stop and turn around because that is where the amazing views are!
Kata Tjuṯa ✅
🥾 7.4km grade 4 hike
On a gloomy morning we headed to the Kata Tjuṯa Dunes Viewing Area to watch a non-existent sunrise with about 200 other people 😂
We then popped in to the sunset viewing area to use the toilet facilities 🚽 as there are none once you arrive to start the hike. We luckily arrived right before two tour buses so we beat the rush 🫣
When we started the hike the weather was pretty ordinary - drizzling rain but nothing too bad - so we soldiered on and soon found out why it was called the Valley of the Winds 🌪️😂
It was very windy walking to the first lookout - Karu lookout - which is 1.1km (2.2km return) into the walk. If mobility is an issue this part of the walk is grade 3 and very easy and you can still appreciate the amazing views and rock formations.
From here we decided to keep going and continue to Karingana lookout. This was our fave part of the hike. You will truly experience some of the most amazing views on this hike and once you reach the lookout it is next level amazing. Just wow!! It’s also a lot less windy on this part of the hike.
We had a lot of company at the lookout as the two tour buses of people had caught up to us (blame Mel and her photography addiction 📷🤦🏼♀️).
After taking our time appreciating the epic views we continued on the rest of the circuit. Tip 💡: from this point It is much easier to do the whole circuit than retracing your steps.
The rest of the walk is mostly downhill and flat (until the approach back to Karu lookout) and just a nice walk. ☝🏼 Just remember to stop and turn around because that is where the amazing views are!
Kata Tjuṯa ✅
Written 25 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lux2lessworld
Double Bay, Australia495 contributions
see from reviews there is a Valley of the winds and also Walpa Gorge walk. Did you have a reason for taking the one you did. Also, do walks go in a circle, or do you walk to somewhere, then come back along same route you got there? Is it possible to walk through gorge, then return along cliff top. thanks
Tracy b
Melbourne, Australia89 contributions
Valley of the winds has an in path around 1.5km a round trip of about 5km then back out on the same 1.5km path. It was a very hot day and we had done alot of walking at kings canyon and around the rock in the previous days, this was the only reason we did not do any other walks at the Olga's we were shattered by then.
Abhi_Wanderer
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Are there any GPS based audio tour iphone apps that I can use for a guided tour to Uluru? I have used gypsy in the past and was very happy with the experience.
Abhi_Wanderer
Toronto, Canada18 contributions
Hi Folks
I will be in Uluru for a little over 24 hours. What are the must do attractions?
Also, how much cash I should carry? Do most places accept credit cards?
Thanks!
HROxon
Oxford, UK834 contributions
Avoid Field of Lights - tourist trap rip off
Sally B
Terrigal, Australia25 contributions
My adult daughter and I are flying into Uluru for 3 1/2 days. My thought is to go on a tour to Kata Tjuta rather than hiring a car and travelling ourselves, mostly for the information guides will provide. Any experience of this or thoughts/recommendations on this plan?
Dannie69
Mortdale, Australia822 contributions
Hi , yes you can do the tours, which they tell you about everything but go if you want to take your time and really enjoy the area it’s better to hire a car , and do it yourself , there are signs that explain all the areas as you walk , you can’t get lost , it’s better to explore at your own pace
JoannaYarra
Melbourne, Australia80 contributions
I'll be there in December: better to rent a car or take a guided tour?
Margo F
Figtree NSW Australia69 contributions
We did an Aat tour. It was worth it for the knowledge of the tour guide. Makes the whole experience so much better.
The weather will be very very hot in December so may be too hot to do a walk there. They cancel walk when over about 32 degrees.
Katharine C
Menai, Australia560 contributions
hi
im off to the walk on 31st aug
just wondering will the flies be bad?
should we have a fly hat?
PauBlanch
Melbourne, Australia115 contributions
In mid-July, there were no flies at all. Although, it was very windy and cold.
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