Walpa Gorge

Starting from the car park at the end of Kata Tjuta Road, Petermann, this walk takes you into the Walpa Gorge and back via the same-titled singular track. Prepare to be humbled by the sheer size of the Kata Tjuta as you view the rock formations from below. The gorge acts as a refuge from the relentless dry environment and features a seasonal stream that allows the spearwoods and other plants to survive here. You can expect some refreshing breezes while in the gorge, as the word “Walpa” means windy. Time your journey well and experience a fascinating sunset here. This place is sacred to Anangu Aboriginal people, so please be respectful by being quiet and staying on track. 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.

Downloads GPX PDF

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	(-25.3002276,130.7236695)
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 2.4 km Keep right and drive for another 130 m

Track Notes

Getting started
From Walpa Gorge Car Park(northern one with smaller parking spaces), head towards the gorge along the designated track as you pass by a shelter to your right. Follow the well-worn track gently uphill and cross the little red metal bridge to continue along the Walpa Gorge Track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	Start heading along Walpa Gorge Walk. Find the car park at the start. Find the water tap at the start.
	After another 25 m continue straight, to head along Walpa Gorge Walk. After another 40 m pass the shelter (10 m on your right). After another 15 m pass the shelter (on your right). After another 420 m cross the bridge (about 20 m long) After another 70 m cross the bridge (about 10 m long) After another 55 m pass a seat (10 m on your right). After another 140 m cross the bridge (about 8 m long) After another 210 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 115 m cross the ford. After another 65 m cross the bridge (about 15 m long) After another 65 m come to "Kata Tjuta viewing area".
	Turn around here and retrace the main route for 1.3 km to get back to the start.

Terrain

Walpa Gorge

Grading

	Class 2/6 Easy track
Length	2.6 km
Time	1 h to 1 h 30 min

Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient	Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage	Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required	No experience required (1/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)

Some facilities on route

Shelter: There are 2 on route, on average they are 870 m apart with the largest gap of 2.5 km.

Seat: There is one 670 m from the start.

Order of key facilities on route

Item	From Start	Name & link to notes
Shelter	80 m	[shelter]
Shelter	95 m	[shelter]
Seat	670 m	[seat]

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Alerts and Closures