Kata Tjuṯa - Valley of the Winds - Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

This map was created using GPS Visualizer's do-it-yourself geographic utilities.

Please wait while the map data loads...

Route: Valley of the Winds Walk, Karu Lookout, Karingana Lookout, Valley of the Winds Walk

Date: 25/05/2025
From: Kata Tjuṯa

Parking: 
Start Point: Valley of the Winds Car Park
Finish Point: 
Region: Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park

Route length: 7.1 km
Time taken: 02:53
Average speed: 3.4 km/h
Ascent: 224m
Descent: 226m

Points of Interest: Karu Lookout, Karingana Lookout

The 36 steep-sided domes of Kata Tjuṯa lie west of Uluṟu. While less famous than its neighbour, it is no less spectacular. Kata Tjuṯa is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘many heads’, referring to the many sandstone domes that make up the formation. While Uluṟu is the most famous feature in the area, Kata Tjuṯa is equally striking and, in some ways, more interesting than Uluṟu though it more challenging to explore.

There are two main hiking tracks around a small area in the west of the formation where the tall domes form a series of huge, parallel gorges. The easiest and shortest track is Walpa Gorge, while this hike through the Valley of the Winds gets you right into the heart of the formation (albeit a small part of it). 

Dawn light on the western end of Kata Tjuṯa

Before we get into the hike, you need to be aware that the Valley of the Winds closes at the first lookout (Karu Lookout) from 11 am when the forecast or actual temperature reaches 36 degrees Celsius and above. If you are visiting during the summer, make sure you start hiking in the cool early morning and carry plenty of water. You'll also need a pass to enter the National Park, which will set you back $38 per person for 3 days (as of 2025).

Kata Tjuṯa and the magnificent red desert of central Australia

The hike begins from the car park — be warned, the only toilets in the area at the Sunset Viewing Area, a short drive away. While there are no toilets, there is a drinking water tank for you to fill up from. From the eastern edge of the car park, the path passes a panel that explains the habitat offered by the desert scrubland. The path climbs and, as you gain height, you get a glimpse into the chasm on your right. These gorges are typical of Kata Tjuṯa, carved out by wind and rain erosion.

Starting the hike from the car park

Early light on Kata Tjuṯa

The initial section of the track is well-paved

Kata Tjuṯa - the individual domes do not bear any names

Kata Tjuṯa

The first major stop is the Karu Lookout, approximately 1.1 kilometres from the trailhead. This lookout offers a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, with the domes of Kata Tjuṯa stretching out before you. The sight is particularly striking in the early morning light, when the colours of the rocks are most vibrant.

The view from Karu Lookout

Looking back at the closer domes from Karu Lookout — in the context of Kata Tjuṯa, this is the westernmost dome

Descending from Karu Lookout towards the Valley of the Winds Loop

The trail beyond Karu Lookout can be closed on extremely hot days for safety reasons. But when open, the path zigzags downhill before heading east, bringing you close to a rock wall where you can closely examine Kata Tjuta’s distinctive conglomerate rock. Although it shares the same geological origins as Uluṟu—connected deep beneath the surface—the conglomerate here is more prone to erosion. This greater vulnerability is what has shaped the area into a striking landscape of separate domes and deep gorges.

A close-up view of the mix of rocks that make up Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

At the base of the hill, you’ll reach a signposted junction marking the start of the Valley of the Winds loop. We turned right here toward Karingana Lookout, following the directional signage. The trail begins a gentle ascent, winding through the landscape toward the imposing sandstone domes. Along the way, you’ll pass a seasonal waterhole and several hanging gullies that channel runoff during rain. The track then climbs more steeply across a bare slope of rough conglomerate before crossing a rocky creek bed. In the shaded canyon below, the moister ground supports a surprising array of hardy desert vegetation.

Kata Tjuṯa - the entrance to the Valley of the Winds

Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

There is a brief climb up the conglomerate to reach the dry creek above

Entering the maze of Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa details

Kata Tjuṯa

The hanging gullies that capture rainwater

Kata Tjuṯa

Approaching Karingana Lookout

The trail curves eastward, gently ascending through a natural gap between the domes and arriving at a rocky saddle shaded by wild fig trees. This is Karingana Lookout, a spectacular viewpoint framed by soaring rock walls. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic views to the east, towards the furthest domes. Many visitors choose to return at this point, so continuing the circuit beyond here typically offers a quieter, experience.

The superb view eastward from Karingana Lookout

Looking west back into Kata Tjuṯa

Valley of the Winds

Karingana Lookout

The eastern domes of Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

When you're ready to continue, carefully descend the steep, rocky slope, taking your time as you navigate the uneven terrain. The trail weaves through dense vegetation before crossing a dry creek bed and opening into expansive scrubland. Ahead, to the east, a striking dome comes into view—its smooth flanks ribbed with erosion channels and crowned with hardy spinifex grasses.

Making our way down to continue the loop

Hikers on the Valley of the Winds Loop

The descent from the lookout is quite steep and loose underfoot

Karingana Lookout

Valley of the Winds — looking back to Karingana Lookout

Continue past a clearing that serves as a helipad for emergency rescues, then follow the track as it heads north before curving northwest. It climbs a series of stone steps with erosion barriers, eventually levelling out on a ridgeline. From this vantage point, you’ll enjoy a sweeping view back down the valley.

Small trees cling to Kata Tjuṯa

Valley of the Winds Track

The last section of the track is nicely paved

Kata Tjuṯa

The route now heads south and follows the creek bed, lined with river red gums and bloodwoods, taking you back to the track junction below Karu Lookout. Here, we retraced our steps past Karu Lookout and back to the car park, enjoying the different perspective and changing mid-morning light on the domes of Kata Tjuṯa.

Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

Valley of the Winds Walk

Kata Tjuṯa

Kata Tjuṯa

Heading back towards Karu Lookout

Back at the beginning of the hike

Valley of the Winds Walk

The path leading back to the parking area

The Valley of the Winds hike is widely considered one of the best day hikes in Australia, and rightly so. The trail winds through a surreal landscape, offering an experience that many visitors say rival—or even surpass—Uluru itself in visual drama. Unlike Uluru's more accessible base walks, Valley of the Winds feels remote and rugged. If you're fit and enjoy bush walking, Valley of the Winds is a must-do.