Kuniya walk & Muṯitjulu Waterhole

One of the few permanent water sources around Uluṟu, Muṯitjulu Waterhole is a place where you can sit quietly and listen to the sounds of the beginning of time.

The short Kuniya walk runs from the Kuniya carpark to Muṯitjulu Waterhole. The presence of water means this area is particularly lush and shady.

This is one of the few places in the park where you may see wallabies among the tall grasses and river red gum trees. Bush foods also abound, including tjantu (bush tomatoes), iḻi (figs) and arnguli (bush plums).

Muṯitjulu Waterhole is a special place where Uluṟu’s Traditional Owners regularly take VIPs. The British Royals and the Dalai Lama are just some of the famous faces who have visited.

If you get the waterhole all to yourself, take a moment to sit on the bench and close your eyes to experience an intimate connection with nature. The sound of the trickling water and the chirping of the birds will fill your heart with a sense of peace and joy.

Culture

The Kuniya walk is a living cultural landscape. It’s the site of one of Uluṟu’s most dramatic creation stories – the deadly battle between Kuniya (the woma python woman) and Liru (the poisonous brown snake man).

When you come here, you’ll understand how creation stories are being played out on the surface of Uluṟu today. Kuniya and her spirit are here, and the caves she protects are still used by Aṉangu.

Seasons

Take the Kuniya walk when it rains to experience the magical waterfalls.

In the warmer months, watch for noisy finches and nankeen kestrels soaring on the thermal winds. Keen birdwatchers may also spot nesting black-breasted buzzards or tawny frogmouths.

During summer, Muṯitjulu Waterhole and the nearby rock art cave provide relief from the scorching temperatures.

Beat the crowds

Muṯitjulu Waterhole is one of the park’s busiest locations, but is often quiet at sunrise, sunset and lunchtime. If you’ve already seen an Uluṟu sunrise from afar, come to the Kuniya walk or carpark to watch the sun peeking out from behind the south-eastern side of the rock.

Tips for photographers

The Kuniya Walk features astonishing rock formations that are a joy to photograph.

This is also one of the locations at Uluṟu where you can capture flowing waterfalls during and shortly after heavy rain.

The sun hits Muṯitjulu Waterhole directly around lunchtime. Bring a wide-angle lens to capture the full beauty of this peaceful place.

If you are taking photographs or filming for commercial or public purposes, you will require a media permit.

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