First time visiting the Walpa Gorge Trail at Kata Tjuta, Northern Territory? This guide covers opening hours, entry prices, how to access the trail, what to expect — and nearby attractions.
Walpa Gorge Trail overview
The Walpa Gorge Trail at Kata Tjuta takes you into a striking canyon carved between towering domes of rust-red conglomerate rock. The trail winds gently upward into the gorge, passing sheltered rock walls, native plants and, depending on the season, a small trickle of water. Walking through feels intimate, as if entering an ancient natural cathedral.
As you progress, you gain a sense of the geological forces that formed Kata Tjuta. The towering cliffs and narrow passageways frame the sky in dramatic ways, especially as sunlight shifts during the day.
Beyond its natural beauty, the trail carries cultural significance. The area lies within the sacred lands of the Aṉangu people, traditional custodians of Kata Tjuta. Visitors are asked to walk respectfully, stay on marked paths and reflect on the importance of the land. It’s an experience that combines nature, history and a quiet spiritual dimension.
Walpa Gorge Trail opening hours
The Walpa Gorge Trail is open whenever Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park is open. The park’s daily opening and closing times vary depending on the season.
For example, in December and January the park opens at 5am and closes at 9pm. In June and July, it’s 6.30am to 7.30pm. The full list is on the national park website.
8 great Uluru experiences to book before you arrive
- 1. Understand Uluru’s caves, bulges, gullies and spiritual stories on a guided base walk.
- 2. Be awe-struck by the changing colours on a SUNRISE tour.
- 3. Eat great food on a dune top, and enjoy an expert-guided stargazing session during a once-in-a-lifetime desert dune-top dinner.
- 4. See an entirely different kind of dramatic outback scenery on Kings Canyon day trip.
- 5. Do a lap of Uluru by Segway.
- 6. See the big picture on an outback helicopter flight.
- 7. See Australia’s most spectacular light show – the Field of Light at sunrise.
- 8. Admire the colour-shifting giant rock domes on a Kata-tjuta sunset trip.
Walpa Gorge Trail entry price
You will need a valid Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park pass to access the Walpa Gorge Trail. As of November 2025, a 3-day adult pass costs A$38.
Young people under 18 enter free with the same pass.
The Walpa Gorge Trail experience
The trail is a return walk of approximately 2.6 km and takes around one hour to complete. The walk is graded moderate — the track rises gently, and includes rocky paths and some creek crossings when water is present.
Along the way, you’ll pass through shaded walls and can spot native vegetation adapted to this sheltered environment. There is limited infrastructure: you’ll find water points, but no toilets within the gorge itself.
Because of the cultural sensitivity of the area, visitors are asked to keep to the marked track at all times and avoid climbing on rocks or venturing into side gullies.
When to visit and practical advice
The best time to walk the Walpa Gorge Trail is either early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the heat is less intense and the light emphasises the gorge’s textures.
You should carry plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, sunscreen and a hat. The narrow walls of the gorge offer some shade, but conditions can still be harsh.
Getting there and parking
The trailhead starts at the Walpa Gorge car park, which is signposted from the main road once inside Uluṟu-Kata Tjuṯa National Park. Parking is available here, but note that there are no facilities like toilets directly at the trail start.
Nearby attractions
- Valley of the Winds walk – a more challenging but hugely rewarding trail through other parts of Kata Tjuta’s domes.
- Kata Tjuta dune viewing area – great for sunrise or sunset views over the domes.
- Uluṟu (Ayers Rock) – the giant sandstone monolith, with guided base walks and cultural experiences.
- Cultural Centre – located inside the park, providing insight into Anangu culture, art and the natural world.
- Sunset viewing platform – watch the colours of Uluṟu shift at dusk.
Walpa Gorge Trail visitor tips
- Because Walpa Gorge is culturally significant, walk quietly and respect signage. Stick to the defined path and avoid venturing off into side gullies.
- If possible, time your walk to benefit from softer light and lower temperatures by visiting early or late in the day.
- Bring adequate water and sun protection, as conditions in the desert can be intense, even in shaded areas.
- Save your ticket when you enter – the 3-day pass allows you to come and go from the park over multiple days, which is useful if you plan to explore different walks and viewing spots.
- Check local park conditions before setting out: although the trail is generally open, sections may be temporarily closed for safety, cultural or maintenance reasons.
- When photographing the gorge, be mindful that some areas are culturally sensitive. Avoid capturing images of restricted sites.
- Walk with care: some parts of the trail are rocky, and in rare cases there may be water on the path after rain.
- There is no camping in the park, but accommodation is available nearby in Yulara (Ayers Rock Resort).
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More Northern Territory travel
Other Northern Territory travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- Swimming with crocodiles in Darwin’s Cage of Death.
- Six reasons to visit Darwin on an Australian holiday.
- Discovering the rock art of Kakadu National Park.
- Guide to Florence Falls in Litchfield National Park.
- The Victoria Settlement on the Cobourg Peninsula: Australia’s lost city.
