The Rare Phenomenon Known As Uluru Falls Is Happening Right Now And The Pics Are Incredible
As if Uluru couldn’t get any more magical, lucky tourists visiting this sacred site last week were treated to a rare phenomenon: Uluru Falls.
We’ve been banging on about the NT’s spoils and its ability to give you the incredible holiday you deserve this year. Opening to tourism earlier this month, the state tourism board even launched an epic sale to entice Aussies to explore their own backyard.
Those who jumped at the chance to get outback this month have been rewarded in the most epic of ways: Uluru Falls.
View this post on Instagram
This super rare sight only happens after heavy rainfall, which transforms this iconic rock and sacred indigenous site into a waterfall wonderland. Considering this is one of the driest areas in Australia, witnessing streams of water cascade down the surface of the monolith is a privilege most people will never have. And it has happened twice in October so far.
Of course, Uluru is known for its burnished hue that changes to deep reds and bright oranges with the colours of sunset and sunrise, but when there is heavy rainfall, the water causes parts of the rock to change into an array of other magical hues.
“Rainwater on the rock’s surface causes it to change colour. From dark burgundy to shining silver and even black, every side of Uluru takes a different shade, making this spectacle a photographer’s delight,” explains Parks Australia.
With 30mm of rain recorded around October 19 in the Top End (it had more rainfall in 24 hours than it had seen in seven months) visitors were in for a treat of a lifetime. They managed to capture photos of this unique scene, sharing their pics to social media – and honestly, this is goosebumps-worthy stuff.
“Chasing waterfalls in the desert is UN-FREAKIN-REAL,” shares @contiki.cas:
View this post on Instagram
You definitely want to scroll through these:
“There’s something magical about Australian waterfalls at any site, but when they are cascading down the red earth of Australia’s most iconic rock, it is something to treasure!” says @parksaustralia.
View this post on Instagram
“Sound on,” says @proud_strong_deadly:
View this post on Instagram
According to Parks Australia, these rains are integral to the plants and animals of the Central Desert, causing an explosion of colour and life by recharging the arid ecosystems and underground waterways.
“Desert plants bloom in the gushing water and many animals emerge to mate and feed,” they explain.
“Burrowing frogs couldn’t be happier,” says @eprintdarwin.
View this post on Instagram
Uluru Kata Tjuta was recently chosen as the third most incredible global experience in the second edition of Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travel List.
Guess you’ve officially run out of reasons to put off booking a trip. If you’re keen to try your hand at seeing the rare Uluru Falls, book a trip between October and March, when storms and heavy rain are most likely to occur.
(Lead Image: Instagram / @baringabec)
