Olgas

Olgas, commonly referred to as The Olgas, is the former name for Kata Tjuta, a group of large domed rock formations in the southern part of the Northern Territory, Australia. They lie within Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park and are located near Uluru (Ayers Rock). The range comprises 36 freestanding domes of sedimentary rock, formed from conglomerate and sandstone over hundreds of millions of years and exposed by erosion. The highest dome is Mount Olga, at about 546 meters above the surrounding plain.

Historically, European explorers named the formation Olga after a woman named Olga; the Indigenous name Kata Tjuta, meaning Many Heads, has also been used. In 1993, Kata Tjuta was added as a dual name with The Olgas to recognize the Anangu traditional name; today both names are used, with Kata Tjuta increasingly preferred.

Culturally, the Anangu people regard Kata Tjuta as a place of spiritual significance within Tjukurpa (Dreaming) stories; visitors are guided by park rules to respect local traditions. The area is part of Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1987 for its natural and cultural values.

Tourism focuses on walking trails such as the Valley of the Winds and Walpa Gorge, which provide access to the domes and surrounding landscapes. The Olgas/Kata Tjuta are a defining feature of the red centre and a major element of Australian geology and Indigenous heritage.