Immerse yourself in a sacred landscape at Walpa Gorge. Walpa Gorge, named for the refreshing winds ("Waḻpa" in the local language) that whistle through, is a desert refuge for plants and animals. Guarded from the hot desert sun, they find a cool haven within these walls. The 2.5km Walpa Gorge Walk, a moderate grade 3 hike in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, takes roughly an hour to complete.
Imagine entering an ancient temple carved by time itself. The rocky path leads gently uphill, following a seasonal stream. Depending on the weather, you may come across a small stream running through the landscape. Keep your eyes peeled for rare flora and end your journey at a grove of spearwood trees.
Look out for kanyaḻa, or common wallaroos, hopping amongst the domes - a sight unique to Walpa Gorge within Kata Tjuta.
Escape the crowds by visiting later in the day. As others head for the Kata Tjuta sunset, find a quiet spot and admire the gorge bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, its colors shifting with the fading light.
Stay on designated trails to preserve this delicate ecosystem. Avoid climbing boulders or descending into gullies. Remember, Kata Tjuta holds deep cultural significance. Walpa Gorge is part of Kata Tjuṯa, a sacred men's site. To protect sacred sites, the Anangu people request that you capture the entire gorge in your photos and videos, avoiding close-ups of specific features. Filming for Commercial Purposes? A media permit is necessary for commercial or public filming.
Allow at least an hour to complete the walk and make sure you take plenty of drinking water, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and a hat. To enter the park you'll need a park pass, which you can pre-purchase online for quick and easy entry.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Total distance: 2624 m
Max elevation: 774 m
Min elevation: 599 m
Total climbing: 191 m
Total descent: -191 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
From Yulara, drive along Uluru Road into the National Park and keep right at the fork to Kata Tjuta. Continue on for 43km then follow the sign to the Walpa Gorge carpark.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
The ancient red rock formations of Kata Tjuta rise from the dusty land to make an incredible sight in Central Australia. Witness the spectacular rocks as they appear to change colour and immerse yourself in the Aboriginal stories of this special place, 500 million years in the making.
Kata Tjuta is a group of large, ancient rock formations about 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) away from Uluru in Australia's Red Centre. Together, these giant stone formations form the two major landmarks within the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park. Kata Tjuta is made up of 36 domes spread over an area of more than 20 kilometres (12.4 miles). The highest point is Mount Olga, named in honour of Queen Olga of Württemberg by the explorer Ernest Giles.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
Looking for things to do in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
Favourite
Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park
Favourite
Favourite
Favourite
West MacDonnell National Park
Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
