Valley of the Winds Circuit

Starting from the car park at the end of Valley of the Winds Access Road, Petermann, this walk explores the Valley of the Winds and the Kata Tjuta, visiting Karu and Karingana lookouts along the way. You’ll have a chance to view the exceptional ancient rock formation from all sorts of angles as you make your way along the rocky trail. The name ‘Kata Tjuta’ actually means ‘many heads’ in Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara language. Keep an eye on the domes, they literally change colour according to the sun’s angle. Regardless of the colour, you’ll feel like you’re on an intergalactic mission due the redness and dryness of the area. On the contrary, there are heaps of birds in the area that give you something nice to listen to. The Karingana Lookout offers truly amazing views of the Kata Tjuta and the surrounding area, so try to make it there even if you’re going to cut the hike short. Keep in mind that the loop after the Karu Lookout is only accessible below 36 degrees Celsius. Come early to avoid the crowds and possibly getting baked. Bring a hat, sunscreen and an insect repellent. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Photo by admin, 2022.

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Safer Bushwalks
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Start	(-25.2847632,130.7260831)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Stuart Highway, 87 Turn on to Lasseter Highway, A4 then drive for 252.6 km Turn right and drive for another 40.2 km Continue onto Kata Tjuta Road and drive for another 1.6 km Turn left onto Valley Of The Winds Access and drive for another 2.1 km

Track Notes

Getting started
From the sheltered signpost in the middle of the car park (at the end of Valley of the Winds Access Road), head along the singular well-worn dirt trail towards the eastern end of the car park(i. Cross the small boardwalk and veer left as you follow the said walking track. 1.62 kilometres into the walk, turn/veer left at the intersection after crossing the creek bed to continue along Valley of the Winds Circuit(clockwise).....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start. There is a car park (about 15 m back from the start). Find the water tap at the start.
	After another 35 m continue straight, to head along Valley of the Winds Walk. After another 20 m pass the "Valley of the Winds Carpark" (on your left). Then cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 25 m pass the shelter (8 m on your left). After another 7 m continue straight, to head along Valley of the Winds Walk. After another 75 m pass a seat (on your right). After another 730 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long) After another 225 m come to the "Karu Lookout" (10 m on your left).
	Turn right, to head along Valley of the Winds Walk. After another 480 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 35 m to find the "Valley of the Winds T-intersection".
	Valley of the Winds T-intersection turn left.
	After another 640 m continue straight.
	After another 60 m veer left. After another 20 m pass the shelter (7 m on your left). After another 15 m pass the water tap (6 m on your left). After another 1.6 km pass the "Helipad 6" (15 m on your right).
	After another 120 m veer right. After another 750 m come to the "Karingana Lookout". After another 240 m come to the viewpoint. After another 265 m come to the viewpoint. After another 35 m cross the ford. After another 235 m cross the ford. After another 40 m pass the water tap (8 m on your right). After another 10 m pass the shelter (5 m on your right). After another 130 m to find the water tap.
	After another 15 m (Valley of the Winds T-intersection) turn left.
	After another 530 m turn left, to head along Valley of the Winds Walk. After another 200 m cross the bridge (about 6 m long)
	After another 810 m continue straight, to head along Valley of the Winds Walk. After another 30 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long)
	After another 20 m come to the end.

Terrain

Valley of the Winds Circuit

Grading

	Class 4/6 Hard track
Length	7.4 km
Time	2 h to 4 h

Quality of track	Rough track, where fallen trees and other obstacles are likely (4/6)
Gradient	Very steep (4/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There are 3 on route, on average they are 1.8 km apart with the largest gap of 3.3 km.

Seat: There is one 175 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	90 m	[shelter]
Seat	175 m	[seat]
Shelter	2.4 km	[shelter]
Shelter	5.6 km	[shelter]

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