Wave Rock is a prehistoric rock formation like few that exist anywhere else.
The enormous rock is in the shape of a wave and appears to be captured in stone seconds before breaking.
Wave Rock is located in the small town of Hyden.
This is about 340 kilometres east of Perth and sits on the north side of a hill, known as Hyden Rock.
You can also explore other interesting natural rock formations in the area.
Things to do and See at Wave Rock
Wave Rock
Wave Rock is believed to have formed more than 20 million years ago.
It is an example of a ‘flared slope’ structure in Australia.
Wave Rock stands around 14 metres high, stretches for 110 metres, and is known for its unusual colouring.
There are varying shades of yellow, red and grey that have formed in vertical strips down the rock face.
This has been caused by minerals washing down the rock over centuries.
The Wave Rock formation has been a source of interest for both the scientific community and the public in the last few years, and is actually one of a number (although Wave Rock is the most impressive) of similar flared slopes in the area.
Wave Rock can be visited at any time, but many visitors prefer to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to see the changing light on the rock.
Wave Rock Wildlife Park
The Wave Rock Wildlife Park is located within easy reach of Wave Rock.
It is a three hectare property of native Australian bushland.
You can learn about native Australian animals and the area’s fauna.
The animals you’ll see include kangaroos, emus, wallabies, koalas, wombats and lizards.
There is also a large colony of birds at the park such as galahs, magpies, mudlarks, crows, currawongs and parrots.
Unique among many other similar wildlife parks, the Wave Rock Wildlife Park allows visitors to interact with some of the safer animals, which roam freely in the park.
Rock Formations
Wave Rock is certainly the most popular attraction in the area.
However, there are other rock formations that are equally worth seeing on your visit.
These include Hippos Yawn, a 12 metre high rock that resembles the open mouth of a hippopotamus.
This is located around 2 kilometres from Wave Rock.
Other formations you can see include The Humps, Camel Peaks, King Rocks and a number of other smaller formations located around the park area.
Legendary Cave
Explore the cave of a legendary Aboriginal law-breaker.
A giant man named Mulka was exiled from his people for his evil ways so he was forced to live in the cave.
Giant hand prints are stencilled on the wall along with thousands of others dating back thousands of years.
Information on these activities can be found at the visitors centre near the entrance to Wave Rock.
Prices
Entrance to Wave Rock and surrounding sites is free, but the Hyden township charges$10 per car for parking.
Tips
- Heat – Wave Rock and the areas that surround it are not widely vegetated, and can be very dry. This landscape can increase the feeling of heat-stress in visitors, particularly those who choose to undertake walks in the area. Visitors should be aware of this, and remember to cover up with a hat, sunscreen and longer sleeves to avoid sunburn. Also, remember to bring lots of water.
- Wildflowers – Hyden and the areas of Wave Rock are most popular between the months of September and November. During this time, which is spring in Australia, thousands of the area’s wildflowers bloom, totally changing the landscape and inserting splashes of colour not seen at any other time of the year.
- Eating and Drinking – Although the township of Hyden is quite popular with tourists, its small population means there aren’t many facilities for eating and drinking. Unless you’re travelling with a tour that will organise food for you, visitors are urged to bring their own food and beverages.
Interesting Facts
- The Wave Rock Wildlife Park is home to a very unusual species, rarely seen in Australia: the White Kangaroo. The kangaroo, although often thought to be an albino variety, is in fact a rare colouring of the local species.
- Crystals found close to Wave Rock in the 1960s were dated as being 2,700 million years old, some of the oldest ever found in Australia.
How to get to Wave Rock
The drive to Wave Rock takes around 4.5 hours from Perth.
So make sure you have at least 2 drivers.
You can reach Wave Rock via State Route 40.
Alternatively, you can join a tour group from Perth and see Wave Rock along with other popular attractions on the way.
