Olia chain facts for kids

The Olia Chain (also known as The Olias) is a series of rocky hills and mountains located in the southwest part of the Northern Territory, Australia. It's like a natural bridge, connecting the Petermann Ranges in the northwest to the Musgrave Ranges further south.

What is the Olia Chain?

The Olia Chain isn't one continuous mountain range. Instead, it's made up of many separate rocky hills and outcrops. These rocky areas are surrounded by wide, sandy areas, which are often covered in sand dunes.

Where is the Olia Chain Located?

This interesting chain of hills stretches from its northern end, marked by a peak called Katamala Cone, which is 828 metres (about 2,717 feet) high. It then extends south to a place called Mantarur, which includes Butler's Dome, standing at 1,102 metres (about 3,615 feet). Right in the middle of the Olia Chain, you'll find Stevenson Peak, which reaches 1,025 metres (about 3,363 feet) into the sky.

Who Lives Near the Olia Chain?

Just a few kilometres northeast of Stevenson Peak, there's a small community called Pirrulpakalarintja. This is an outstation for the Pitjantjatjara people, who are Indigenous Australians. An outstation is like a small, remote settlement where people live on their traditional lands.

What is the Olia Chain Made Of?

The hills and ridges of the Olia Chain often have flat tops. They are mostly made from different types of rock, including sandstone, slate, quartzite, and limestone. These rock types tell us a lot about the ancient history of the land.