The Olgas also known as Kata Tjuta lie about 32kilometers west of Uluru. The Aboriginal name which means many heads. According to our guide there are no numbers beyond 5 in the Aboriginal language. When they count 1,2,3,4,5 then they use the word tjuta which means many!
We were fortunate to have an afternoon tour of Kata Tjuta. We left around 3:30 for the drive making only one stop at a viewing area along the road. We had a great panoramic view of the Rock formation. Although it appears to be many rocks, it started as one but cracked and weathered over time and now looks as if it has 36 heads.
We arrived at Kata Tjuta with enough time to take the Walpa Gorge Walk. We followed the rocky path for 2.6 kilometers, checking out the plants and the domes along the way. This area is sacred under Anangu men’s laws. According to these laws, details of stories cannot be shared and many areas are restricted.
Instead of stories, we learned about plants, animals and geology. The primary tree in this area is the Desert Oak. It looks like a conifer. In fact when it is young, it looks like a bottle brush. It grows slowly for years boring down into the earth looking for water. When it hits water it begins to grow and sends out branches changing it’s appearance. The oldest trees in the area are up to 500 years old appear to be no more than 20 feet tall.
After our walk, we headed to the Sunset viewing area to watch the sun hit the domes as it went down. Champagne, snacks and sunset at Kata Tjuta…what could be better than that!? Check out the video which shows the slight change of colors...
The formations of the Olgas is very interesting and I imagine awe inspiring close up. Nature always amazes me with its variety and adaptation, like the tree that bores down to find the water.
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