1. Walpa Gorge, also known as Olga Gorge, is located in Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park in the Northern Territory of Australia. It is part of the larger Kata Tjuta, formerly known as the Olgas, which is a group of 36 large rock formations.
The gorge is known for its stunning natural beauty and is a popular hiking destination for visitors to the national park. The walls of the gorge rise up to 350 meters and are made up of layers of conglomerate rock, giving them their unique and striking appearance.
One of the most interesting facts about Walpa Gorge is that it is of great cultural significance to the Anangu people, the traditional owners of the land. They believe that the gorge is home to scare-like creation beings known as wangkara. The Anangu people pass down stories and rituals associated with the gorge from generation to generation.
2. Walpa Gorge is open all year round and there are no specific working hours as it is part of the national park. However, it is recommended to visit the gorge early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the heat of the day. It is best to check the official website of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park for the most up-to-date information on opening times and any closures.
The official phone number for Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park is +61 8 8956 1128. Visitors can call this number for any inquiries or questions about the park.
3. To visit Walpa Gorge, visitors will need to purchase a National Park Entry Pass. The current cost for a 3-day pass is AUD $25 for adults and AUD $12.50 for children aged 5-15 years. Children under 5 years old are free. There are also annual passes available for those planning to visit multiple times.
To reach Walpa Gorge, visitors can take a 45-minute drive from the town of Yulara, where most accommodation options in the area are located. There are also shuttle buses available that provide transportation to and from various locations within the national park. It is important to note that private cars are not allowed to drive into the gorge, so visitors will need to use the designated parking areas.