If you’re looking to do some scenic walks while you’re in the red centre, the Ayers Rock base walk isn’t actually that scenic. There’s a specific part of the rock (only about a third of it) which has the scenery you see photos of, but otherwise the rest of the base walk feels a bit ‘same same’, at least it did to me. Instead, I would head out to the Olgas (also known as Kata Tjuṯa) and do some of the walking routes.

Read more: 4 day red centre itinerary (Ayers Rock, The Olgas, Kings Canyon)

Where are the Olgas?

The Olgas are a cluster of domes of red rocks of different sizes and shapes.

How to get to the Olgas

The Olgas are a 45 minute drive from Yulara. The roads are all sealed so you don’t need to worry about hiring an SUV, we had a Toyota Corolla and had no issues. Even though it’s a short drive there’s not a lot to look at on the way so in my opinion it felt longer than only 45 minutes.

As you can see in the screenshot above, it’s a pretty straightforward route to get there. If you lose phone reception, just follow the signs. Just check which way you turn when you leave, if you go the wrong way you’ll end up heading for the WA border.

Make sure you fill up with fuel before leaving Yulara, there are no fuel stations at the Olgas.

Since there’s nothing much else around, there are good views of Yulara on the way back

Tip: stop at Kata Tjuṯa Dune Viewing Area lookout on the way.

Walking routes at the Olgas

There are 3 main walking routes you can do at the Olgas:

1. Karu Lookout
2. The Valley of the Winds
3. Walpa Gorge Walk

The views at Karu Lookout weren’t much, it would be an option if you had young kids that can’t do the Valley of the Winds walk. But otherwise take your photos at the lookout then continue onto the full walk for better photo opportunities.

The Valley of the Winds Walk is a 7.4km loop that takes about 3 hours to complete.

This was the best photo spot of the hike 

Since you can no longer climb Ayers Rock I was a bit surprised there were no restrictions on access / walking areas at the Olgas. The Valley of the Winds walk actually require you to walk all over and through the rocks.

We did the walk in an anti clockwise direction which meant the end part was a bit boring on a footpath that weaves far out from the rocks before looping back to the carpark. It probably would’ve been better to do the walk in a clockwise direction so that you’re walking towards the rocks and see a bit more interesting scenery rather than have the rocks behind you.

The Walpa Gorge Walk is a family friendly option.

But if you’re pressed for time, I’d skip the Walpa Gorge Walk. I’m not sure why it’s called a gorge as it was basically just a gap between 2 big rocks. It wasn’t that great and you can’t get that close. It’s one way in and one way out. It’s an easy, mostly flat walk and at only 2.5km return – you can do it in under an hour.

This is as close as you can get. Then you just turn around and walk back.

Tips for visiting the Olgas

The best time of year to visit the Olgas is during Australia’s winter (June – August). Although the shoulder months of April and September would be fine too. During summer temperatures can easily get to 40 degrees Celsius or more. You should start walking before 9am as it will close if it gets too hot.

The Valley of the Winds walking route will close when the temperature is forecast to reach above 36 degrees. You wouldn’t want to travel all that way and not get to see anything!

The best time of day to do the walk is early in the morning or late afternoon.

Make sure you take your own water, there are no water stations.

Go to the toilet before you leave Yulara, there are no toilets at The Olgas.

If you visit in winter you may still want to take a light jacket, you can always tie it around your waist if you don’t need it.

You know the drill: sunscreen, hat, long sleeve shirt etc. is essential.

Wear appropriate shoes. When I said to Mum that we were going on a walk at the Olgas, what I probably should’ve said was that the walk could almost be classed as a ‘hike.’ My mum didn’t realise the rocks would be so smooth and hard to grip in places. She was just wearing slip on sketchers with no socks so didn’t have the best grip. Wear proper enclosed shoes and socks. There was a bit of scooting / scrambling required to get over some of the rocks.

At least it’s a quiet place, there aren’t hoards of people pushing and shoving and yelling at you to get a move on. You can just take your time and go at your own pace.

And if you’re wondering if we saw any snakes or spiders? No we didn’t!

This was the ‘scramble’ part of the Valley of the Winds walk

The Olgas versus Uluru: which is better?

I preferred the walk at the Olgas to the Uluru base walk. There is a small section of Uluru which is interesting to look at, the rest there wasn’t much to see. There’s more variety in the rock formations at the Olgas.

I would do the Olgas Valley of the Winds walk in the morning, and then just look at the best parts of Uluru base walk in the afternoon.

More of the Red Centre

• 4 day red centre itinerary (Ayers Rock, The Olgas, Kings Canyon)
• Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Kings Canyon in the Northern Territory (Including Budget & Itinerary)
• Best viewpoints to photograph Ayers Rock (Uluru)

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• Cradle Mountain, Tasmania – Dove Lake walking trail & Devils at Cradle
• Best of Canberra in one day (detailed itinerary with suggested times)
• Skiing and snowshoeing at Thredbo: worth it or overrated?

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