The Ancient Rocks of Kata Tjuta

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On our trip to Uluru and surrounds in the centre of Australia, we visited a number of attractions including Kata Tjuta. This is the aboriginal name for what was previously known as the Olgas, a group of large domed sandstone formations or bornhardts. There are 36 domes in all, covering an area of over 20 kilometres. The highest point, Mt Olga, named after Queen Olga of Württemberg, is 546 metres above the surrounding plain. The third photo shows Uluru at sunset with Kata Tjuta in the background. Kata Tjuta is a Pitjantjatjara indigenous word meaning 'many heads'. The rocks are believed to be around 500 million years old and are sacred to the aboriginal tribes who inhabit the area. Another photo shows a little lizard. We saw quite a few of these in our travels. When this one had finished posing for us, he took off, running rapidly on his hind legs. The little birds are zebra finches. They are a popular cage bird but much happier I'm sure flying free in their natural habitat. The photo of the rounded hole appears to be at our feet but was actually above our heads on the wall of one of the massive stones. Kata Tjuta is jointly managed by its Anangu traditional owners and Parks Australia. We walked up Walpa Gorge then stayed in the area to watch the sunset. Again the changing colours had is oohing and aahing.