The Olgas (Kata Tjuta)

travel wonder in Australia

Why
The Olgas
are special

The Olgas of Australia thrust up from the desert plain, creating a cluster of 36 tall, steep-sided rusty-red domes tightly separated by deep gorges and narrow valleys.

Tips & insights

on The Olgas

in Australia

They are much higher than they appear in photographs. The tallest rises 348 meters (1148 feet) above the flat desert and is appreciably higher than its regional neighbor, Ayers Rock.

The Olgas' smooth surfaces were sculpted by winds over millions of years.

They are situated about 50 kilometers (30 miles) west of Ayers Rock in Australia. Like the latter, The Olgas vividly change colors as the day passes. At sunset, the rocks become glowing orange-tinted red. Nature puts on a colorful show at sunrise, too.

Also like Ayers Rock, The Olgas are sacred to the local Anangu Aborigines - and many visitors sense that spirituality.

Kata Tjuta (kah-tah tzhoo'-tah) is the local Anangu Aborigine people's name for The Olgas. It means "many heads".

Today, Kata Tjuta, no longer Olgas, is the official name. I use the old name on my website because the vast majority of international travelers know it only by that name.

They were named in honor of the Queen of Spain after people of European descent "discovered" it in 1872.

The Olgas have two major walking trails. Each lets you see this wonder up close:

Valley of the Winds - This 7 kilometer (4 mile) loop trail takes 3 to 4 hours. It has two excellent viewpoints.

Olga Gorge - This "go there and doubleback" trail is quicker and easier, though somewhat less stunning. It's about 2 kilometers (1 mile) in length.

Note: Rangers may close the Valley of the Winds trail when temperatures become scorching.

The best seasons for visiting The Olgas are the astral spring (September to November ) and fall (March to May). Temperatures top 40°C (104°F) in the summer (December to February) and drop below freezing in the winter (June to August).

View my other gold,

silver & bronze medal

winners in Australia

My Australian slang

guide for travelers

What every visitor should know.

My Australian cuisine guide

I hope your Australia travel dreams come true - and that my

Olgas page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications