Day 17 – 09/04/2011 – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

Day 17 – 09/04/2011 – Kata Tjuta (The Olgas)

The kids loved the opportunity
to walk on the rock face!!

We set off early for our second visit to Kata Tjuta, we planned to walk to both lookouts – this was a 5 ½ km walk so I was hoping that the children were up to it.  They started the walk with high enthusiasm because I told them that it included climbing and was described in the guide book as a difficult walk.  Well I am still stunned at how well they walked, we reached the second lookout which was just magnificent and the boys suggested that instead of walking back the way we had come why didn’t we just keep going ahead and do the Valley of the Winds walk as we were already half way there!!



This was the descent path from lookout 2!!!

Not one to correct them at this stage about their maths it was sort of true we had walked about 3km up and down some pretty steep hills and well the Valley of the Winds was only another 4km so off we went.  I am so grateful and proud of my kids this wasn’t an easy walk but the scenery was breath taking. 

The Olga’s were magnificent, I can’t think of any other words to describe the dome formations.  What struck us once again on this walk was the green country side, the presence of water in some of the streams as we walked into the domes and the sheer beauty of where we were.

We completed the 7 ½ km walk in 3 hours and were just pooped out at the end!!

The Olga’s were completely different to Uluru in formation.  Uluru is one sedimentary rock lifted and is one great big monolith. Kata Tjuta is 36 domes created when sedimentary rock binding igneous rock and was pushed up through the earth, almost like very bad brick laying!!  This unique structure though gave for a great effect and as we walked between the domes, and at times up and over them we were given a fabulous scene.

Once again the afternoon was spent relaxing by the pool and the kids riding their bikes around. So glad we brought the bikes, it has meant that whenever we have needed to go across to the supermarket (about a 2km walk) the kids have willingly come with us on their bikes, not sure they would have been so happy had we made them walk.

The other thing that I have noticed since being at Yulara and going in and out of the Uluru – Kata Tjuta National Park each day is the lack of wildlife!! Yesterday we saw a lone camel and today on the walk some lizards basking in the sun but that is it – no dingoes or red kangaroos to be seen!! Pete says it is because it is so lush that the animals can give the humans such a wide berth!! Whilst this might be true I am a little disappointed I was looking forward to seeing some native animals in the wild!!! The up side of not seeing any wild animals has been that there hasn’t been any road kill!!

View from Lookout One



Tonight as I was putting the kids to bed, Callum asked “Mum when are we travelling again?” I said “we’ll head off tomorrow, were heading to Kings Canyon, why?”  He said “well we’ve been here a while and I like to travel I think it’s time to go!!”  Kids!! who can work them out!!