The ancient desert landscape of Australia’s Red Centre is home to natural wonder and cultural landmark, Kata Tjuta/The Olgas.

Estimated to be over 500 million years old, the 32 weathered rock domes that are Kata Tjuta sit 40 kilometres to the west of Uluru/Ayers Rock. Kata Tjuta/The Olgas represents nature on a monumental scale, with the cluster’s tallest peak being 200m higher than Uluru!

http://www.environment.gov.au/parks/uluru/

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku has opened to the public and all tour operators at 12.30 pm today (8th October 2009.) This new $21 million dollar viewing area offers remarkable views of not only Uluru but the 36 head-shaped domes of Kata Tjuta, also known as the Olgas.

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku viewing area at Kata Tjuta ( The Olgas )

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku
Walks & Guide http://www.environment.gov.au/ (PDF)

Much like its geological cousin, Kata Tjuta is most spectacular when viewed at sunrise or sunset. If you’re after some serious adventure, you can grasp how incredibly ancient and remarkably imposing Kata Tjuta is by tackling the moderately difficult Valley of the Winds Walk.

Trekkers are rewarded for their efforts with breathtaking views over the desert plains of the Red Centre. Alternatively, take the easier Walpa Gorge Walk for a more a leisurely stroll amongst Kata Tjuta’s enormous domes into a lush desert refuge for plants and wildlife.

Meaning ‘many heads’ in the local Aboriginal tongue, Kata Tjuta is deeply sacred to the Anangu people, who have inhabited the area for more than 22,000 years. Join a cultural tour to uncover some of Kata Tjuta’s sacred mysteries.

Opening hours Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is open all year round.

The park closes at night and opens: 2010 (Last update)
• 5.00 am - 9.00 pm during December, January, February
• 5.30 am - 8.30 pm during March
• 6.00 am - 8.00 pm during April
• 6.00 am - 7.30 pm during May
• 6.30 am - 7.30 pm during June, July
• 6.00 am - 7.30 pm during August
• 5.30 am - 7.30 pm during September
• 5.00 am - 8.00 pm during October
• 5.00 am - 8.00 pm during November

Valley of the Winds walk - Kata Tjuta
Open half an hour before sunrise - half an hour after sunset.

The walk will be closed from the first lookout (Karu) onwards: at 11am
• if the temperature forecasted (at 4.30pm the day before) is 36°C or above
• if the actual temperature reaches 36°C or above during rescue operations.

The Valley of the Winds Walk - Kata Tjuta
7.4 km full circuit | 3 hrs | commercial photography not allowed The track to Karu (1st) Lookout, 1.1 km from the carpark, is moderately difficult with some loose rocks to negotiate so please mind your step and wear sturdy footwear. The view is breathtaking and worth the little bit of effort. This lookout is also the closure point when the temperature reaches 36 degrees or greater. The track to Karingana (2nd) Lookout, 2.7 km from carpark, is challenging and very steep in places but also worthwhile. The remainder of the Valley of the Winds Walk, 7.4 km complete circuit, takes you down between the domes, through creek beds and away from everyone and everything.

Cultural Centre
When you visit Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, you should ensure that you explore the Cultural Centre first. You will enjoy exploring the park much more if you understand Anangu culture and this very special cultural and natural environment.

Opening hours Cultural Centre
Open 7.00 am - 6.00 pm daily
Information Desk Open 8.00 am - 12 noon and 1.00 pm - 5.00 pm daily
Entry to the Centre is free

Ininti Cafe and souvenirs
Provides a wide selection of souvenir gifts, books, videos and clothing that feature Uluru and the cultural heritage of its traditional owners. Ininti Cafe has a comfortable air conditioned area for visitors to sit down and enjoy light refreshments whilst enjoying a magnificent view of Uluru.
Opening daily: 7:00 am - 5:15 pm
Phone (+61) 8 8956 2214
Fax (+61) 8 8956 2437
Email: ininticafeandsouvenirs@bigpond.com
or
Email: cafe@ininti.org.au

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku new viewing area

Talinguru Nyakunytjaku offers visitors stunning new views of both Uluru and Kata Tjuta from a previously inaccessible area of the park. The area allows visitors to see Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the wider desert landscape of spinifex covered dunes and swales, dotted with kurkura or desert oaks.

Sunset and Sunrise maps and guide

Viewing areas Depending on where you are, whether it is sunset or sunrise and what you are looking at, there are many ways you can capture the beauty of this place to remember your visit. Many people eagerly watch the colour changes on the red rocks with the sun behind them. Equally as stunning are the rocks as silhouettes, especially if there are some clouds around – this option could also a good one if you want to escape the crowds. A suggestion for when it rains is to head directly to the base of Uluru and watch the waterfalls. Ask at the entry station or Cultural Centre information for sunrise and sunset times. Remember to stay on marked tracks or behind the fences at all times.

1 Car Sunset Viewing – views of Uluru
This is one of the most popular views of Uluru, especially at sunset to watch the colour changes. For a silhouette shot visit this area at sunrise. For those travelling in cars, strictly no coaches.
2 Bus Sunset and Dune Walk Viewing – views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta Dune Walk lookout 500 metres return from carpark • 30 mins This area is accessible all day until 4pm, when it is set aside for the use of buses and coaches. From this area you can see both Uluru and Kata Tjuta. See the distinct vegetation of dune habitats and tracks of birds and nocturnal animals. Cars are not permitted in this area after 4pm: it is for buses and coaches only, this is a safety precaution.
3 Talinguru Nyakunytjaku – views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta This destination captures both Uluru and Kata Tjuta in the same shot and offers a stunning 360 degree view of the surrounding World Heritage landscape. With no photography restrictions and the choice of three wiljtas (shelters), two viewing platforms and a few kilometres of walking track, you will be sure to find a spot that suits your needs.
4 Kata Tjuta Dune Viewing area – views of Uluru and Kata Tjuta This provides a spectacular panoramic view of Kata Tjuta with Uluru far away on the right. Sun on the rocks at sunrise, silhouette at sunset.
5 Kata Tjuta Sunset Viewing – views of Kata Tjuta Take a photo at sunset to see the stunning colour change into the deepest red. Visitors are reminded that they will need to be outside the Park boundary one hour after sunset (the Park boundary is 45 minutes drive from Kata Tjuta).

This is an area that provides different views throughout the day, changing with the seasons. Here you begin to understand the journeys of the creation ancestors and the stories they left in the landscape.

Able to accomodate up to 3000 visitors, the area provides several viewing platforms and a 1600 metre walking track network, with spinifex thatched shade shelters modelled on wiltja, the traditional Anangu shelter. There are toilet facilities, solar powered wayfinder lighting, a performance area and large capacity parking.

From the upper platforms of Talinguru Nyakunytjaku it is possible to see out across open wanari or mulga woodlands to patches of muurmuurpa or desert bloodwood woodland fed by Uluru's rocky catchment. In Uluru's clear light, you can often see landmarks more than 100 kilometres away, including the Musgrave Ranges in South Australia.

The new road to the viewing area provides a wonderful tourist drive through desert oak and mulga forest and takes visitors through new areas of the landscape. Talinguru Nyakunytjaku will create new business opportunities for Aboriginal people and the tourism industry.

Photographs Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory Tourism Commission.
Maps Courtesy Of: NTTC - Northern Territory Tourism Commission.
Photographs Courtesy Of: PJ B & M Hutchinson Private Collections
Information courtesy of Parks and Wildlife Service NT for the promotion of tourism for the Larapinta Trail.

Photographs Courtesy of NTTC - Northern Territory Tourism Commission
Information courtesy of Parks Northern Territory

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