Katu Tjuta is a sandstone rock formation that is 25Km to the east of Uluru. It consists of 36 domes. They are also known as The Olgas after the tallest dome which is called Mount Olga.
Like its near neighbour Uluru it has been estimated to be around 600 million years old and is a sacred place to a the local indigenous communities.
The Walpa Gorge walk is a short 2.6Km walk between two of the largest domes of Katu Tjuta. The path is well defined and it is a relatively easy walk, taking about an hour in total for the round trip. Entering the gorge you are immediately struck by the enormity of the domes on either side of you. The walls are pitted and sheer in places and create dark shadows. It is only when you get close up to these natural structures that you realised just how big they actually are.
Many plants grow in the gorge some of which are very rare. The gorge ends with a small pool which at certain times of year feeds a small creek running out of the gorge. It is this water, together with shade form the hot desert sun, that makes the gorge such an important refuge.
A worthy walk, especially early in the morning before it becomes too hot, in a very quiet and peaceful place. There may well be other tourists around but there won’t be many, certainly nothing like the numbers at nearby Uluru.