Uluru has long delighted those lucky enough to gaze upon it, so much so in fact that it was recently chosen as the third most incredible global experience in the second edition of Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List. Uluru and Kata Tjuta are often appreciated at sunset and sunrise, with their red and orange hues glowing in the light. But when conditions are right, visitors can witness the incredibly rare phenomenon of Uluru Falls, when heavy rainfall transforms the iconic rock into a gushing cascade of water. Recently some visitors managed to capture images of the occurrence.
The phenomenon occurs at the landmark only after significant rainfall, something that is rare, considering how dry the site is for the majority of the year. Extreme downpours cause a number of waterfalls to form on the rocks around the park, which can be spotted either by foot or from vehicles. As well as transforming the reds into hues of silver and black, and being an impressive sight, the falls are an indication of life coming to the area, with rainfall playing a pivotal role to animal and plant species.
According to Parks Australia, rain recharges the underground waterways and brings a frenzy of animal activity. The weather is extreme and changeable, with the average annual rainfall being around 300mm. Heavy rains are most likely between November and March, while lightning storms can occur between October and March.
“To witness this is unforgettable. You can feel the power of the spirits and Uluru feels alive. It’s truly magical,” Katina Mullett, who visited Uluru recently told Lonely Planet. Katina also managed to capture some images and videos of the falls which she shared online. Other visitors took to social media last week to show their delight in having witnessed the display also. According to Katina, the falls were visible on both 5 and 19 October.
Two prime spots to experience the waterfalls up close are the Kuniya walk to Mutijulu Waterhole and the Mala walk to Kantju Gorge. "Uluru is sacred to Aboriginal people in Australia. Personally I don't think you can understand that until you have seen it, touched it and learned about its significance to the Anangu people. Being lucky to witness waterfalls on the rock twice in 14 days was truly amazing and unforgettable," Katina said.
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