- Duration
- 7.4 km loop plus 2.6 km return (≈ 3 h 15 min: moving and stop time only)
- Who it suits
- Adults
- Transport
- walk, drive
- Start
- Valley of the Winds car park
- Finish
- Walpa Gorge
- Pace
- active day
- Best time
- from dawn; on 36°C days the track past Karu closes at 11:00
- Budget per adult
- park pass onlyPrices as of: October 2026
Getting there
Kata Tjuta is about 45 minutes by car from Ayers Rock Resort, and every road in the park is sealed.
Stops in order
The text version of the route: stops, time at each and the legs between them. Times are estimates, without queues, traffic or swims.
1. Valley of the Winds car park~10 min at the stop
The start of the park's hardest walk (Grade 4): a 7.4 km loop, 3–4 hours, rocky and steep in places. Water is at the start and halfway round.
Tip: This is a sacred men's area: Anangu ask that you do not photograph or film the domes anywhere on this walk. Close-ups of plants, birds and people are fine.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 30 min · 1.1 km
2. Karu Lookout~15 min at the stop
The first lookout: 2.2 km return, about an hour. A rocky climb and a view into the valley between the domes.
Tip: On a hot day this is your turnaround: past Karu the track closes from 11:00 when 36°C or more is forecast.
Open on the map ↗↓ walk · 50 min · 1.6 km
3. Karingana Lookout~20 min at the stop
The second lookout, deep in the valley: 5.4 km return, about 2.5 hours, over steps and creek beds. Past the first lookout you'll have it nearly to yourself.
Tip: The park says it plainly: finishing the loop is easier than walking back from here. About 4 km round to the car, then a 10-minute drive.
Open on the map ↗↓ drive · 10 min · 6 km
4. Walpa Gorge~1 h at the stop
A gentle 2.6 km return path between sheer walls to a grove of spearwood. Common wallaroos are sometimes seen here.
Tip: When photographing the gorge, keep both walls in frame: Anangu ask this so sacred places are not revealed.
Open on the map ↗
Before you go
- Route times are estimates: walking, driving and a sensible pause at each stop. Add queues, traffic and swims yourself.
- Prices, timetables and trail status change. Check the venue's official site and the state transport app before you go.
- On beaches, swim only between the red and yellow flags. Use sun protection even when it is cloudy.