The best time to see Uluṟu is during a downpour. Here’s why.

By Liz Whitehead
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Forget postcard-perfect sunshine; the best time to see Uluṟu is during a downpour.

Most of us envision Uluṟu beneath a beaming sun and cloudless blue sky. But occasionally, the rain clouds move in and quench the desert with a much-needed shower. And on the rare occasion that the rainfall is super heavy, onlookers are treated to awe-inspiring scenes of waterfalls cascading down the face of Uluṟu.

This week, Uluṟu was drenched with more that 20mm of rain in 24 hours, due to Cyclone Dianne moving across the NT towards Queensland. The deluge caused multiple waterfalls to thunder down the side of Uluṟu, bringing the rock to life and refilling the waterholes around its base.

Uluṟu comes alive with waterfalls during a deluge. (Image: Tourism NT)

For the Anangu Traditional Custodians of Uluṟu, kapi (water) is an important and sacred resource. The rain is a powerful and transformative event that replenishes the waterholes and nourishes the land. Around Uluṟu, there are only a few permanent water sources, such as Muṯitjulu waterhole. And after a storm, these waterholes are at their most breathtaking – making it the perfect time to visit.

Muṯitjulu Waterhole

Muṯitjulu Waterhole is replenished by the rain cascading down. (Image: Tourism NT)

When to see waterfalls on Uluṟu

Uluṟu generally experiences the most rainfall in the summer between November and January. However, it’s difficult to predict when it will rain, especially in high enough volumes to cause waterfalls. To see Uluṟu at its most beautiful, you need a little bit of luck, and to be in the right place at the right time.

Uluru rain

Witnessing waterfalls on Uluṟu involves a bit of lucky timing. (Image: Tourism NT)

Elizabeth Whitehead is a writer obsessed with all things culture; doesn't matter if it's pop culture or cultures of the world. She graduated with a degree in History from the University of Sydney (after dropping out from Maths). Her bylines span AFAR, Lonely Planet, ELLE, Harper's BAZAAR and Refinery 29. Her work for Australian Traveller was shortlisted for single article of the year at the Mumbrella Publishing Awards 2024. She is very lucky in thrifting, very unlucky in UNO.
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    By Emily Murphy
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    Australia’s most iconic rock now rocks the food scene.

    You already know Uluṟu as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders – but did you know it’s also home to the Northern Territory’s best dining?

    At the 2025 Hospitality NT Gold Plate Awards, Tali Wiṟu, the signature open-air dining experience at Ayers Rock Resort, was crowned Restaurant of the Year. The win cements Uluṟu as not only a bucket-list destination for awe-inspiring landscapes but also for world-class food.

    A fine-dining experience under the stars

    A table of people dining at Tali Wiṟu in Uluṟu

    Tali Wiru has a Chef’s Hat. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

    Meaning “beautiful dune” in the local Aṉangu language, Tali Wiṟu offers diners an unforgettable four-course banquet beneath the desert sky. Think native flavours like wattleseed, quandong, and desert lime woven into contemporary dishes, paired with premium Australian wines and uninterrupted views of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa glowing at sunset.

    It’s a recipe that has already earned Tali Wiṟu a coveted Chef’s Hat from the Australian Good Food Guide – making it the highest-rated restaurant in the Northern Territory and the only open-air restaurant in Australia to hold such an honour.

    More than one win for Uluṟu

    Dining at Arnguli Grill & Restaurant in Uluṟu

    Arnguli Grill & Restaurant won the Best Hotel Restaurant. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

    The resort didn’t stop there. Its Arnguli Grill & Restaurant, located at Desert Gardens Hotel, also took home the award for Best Hotel Restaurant, impressing judges with refined dishes that showcase premium Australian steak and native ingredients in an elegant yet relaxed setting.

    A taste of Country

    Tali Wiṟu in Uluṟu chef plating entrees

    The culinary philosophy is to champion bush foods and pay respect to Anangu culture. (Image: Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia)

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    Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia CEO Matt Cameron-Smith said the wins highlight their dedication to delivering world-class dining experiences.

    “These awards are a testament to the passion and creativity of our culinary teams, and to the unique cultural and natural setting that inspires everything we do,” he said.