AYERS A VIEW TO BEHOLD...
ONE of the world’s most spectacular tourist spots is transformed from an arid rock to a waterfall wonder.
Uluru, previously known as Ayres Rock and in the middle of a desert, took on a whole different look after heavy rains soaked Australia’s outback.
Water has cascaded down its sides – which measure up to 1.5 miles – since the weekend.
Staff at the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park posted photos of what they called a “unique and extraordinary weather event” on social media following nearly 1.5in of rainfall.
They wrote: “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.”
Alarms
They also said that “following the rain, desert plants bloom and many animals emerge to mate and feed”. Some of these have already made themselves known, with a frolicking group of native burrowing frogs becoming so active at the Cultural Centre building that they set off security alarms.
Uluru receives about 1ft of rain a year on average, meaning the park saw about a sixth of its total yearly rainfall in just two days.
Nearby Alice Springs has recorded “above average” rainfall for this year, with 2in falling in 24 hours.
But the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast little to no rain in the area for the rest of the week.
Parks Australia says only a lucky few will get to see Uluru’s waterfalls after heavy rain.
Most tourists flock there for the gorgeous sunrise and sunsets.