Uluru, or Ayers Rock, is usually known, as one of Australia’s most iconic landmarks. Nearby, there is another natural wonder that is called Kata Tjuta which is well worth seeing. Kata Tjuta means “many heads,” also known as the Olgas. The area was given a name to its tallest peak, “Mount Olga” just a little higher than the other rock formations in the vicinity. Mount Olga was named by Ernest Giles back in 1872 after Queen Olga of Wurttemberg.
Kata Tjuta is a group of large, domed rock formations located 360 kilometers southwest of Alice Springs, Northern Territory, central Australia. Kata Tjuta forms one of the two major landmarks within Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. The park is considered sacred to the Aboriginal people of Australia. The local Aboriginal Aangu community has inhabited this land for over 22,000 years.
The eye-catching red rock formations of Kata Tjuta rising from the dusty land is an incredible sight. The remarkable rocks appear to change color and submerge you, millions of years in the making. The best place to take in the majesty of the 36 domes is from the top of a dune. Lookout for a panoramic view of Kata Tjuṯa with Uluṟu on the horizon.
Kata Tjuṯa has spotlessly positioned viewing areas and is most impressive at sunrise and sunset.
The lengthy history of the landmark means there are plenty of stories mingling it. The 36 domes that make up Kata Tjuṯa cover an area of 21.68 km2. The area is composed of conglomerate, a sedimentary rock consisting of cobbles and boulders of varying rock types, including granite and basalt, cemented by a matrix of sandstone.
The highest dome, Mount Olga, is about 1,066 m above sea level. In 1993, Mount Olga was renamed Mount Olga / Kata Tjuṯa. The region surrounding Mount Olga was formed approximately 850–800 million years ago. The eventual erosion of the formation resulted in molasse facies or deposition in front of rising mountains.
To view the incredible scenery that surrounds it, including dusty red dunes and tufts of greenery. Kata Tjuṯa can be reached via Ayers Rock Airport, followed by a 55-kilometer drive south, and then west. The visitors are required to pay an entry fee.
Kata Tjuṯa is about 495 kilometers by road from Alice Springs, via the Stuart and Lasseter highways. It is a 4½-hour drive. Kata Tjuṯa is a magical place that really shows the true natural beauty of Australia. This part of the country is renowned for its rich Aboriginal history and its incredible displays of scenery.
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Source: Wikipedia