Wave Rock

Wave Rock sits about 5 kilometres east of the small town of Hyden in Western Australia's Wheatbelt region. It is roughly 340 kilometres south-east of Perth, accessible via a sealed road.

The granite formation rises around 15 metres from the ground and stretches more than 100 metres long, with most sources citing about 110 metres in length. Its overhanging curl is what gives it the unmistakable look of a frozen ocean wave.

The granite that forms Wave Rock is estimated to be around 2.7 billion years old, making it one of the most ancient landforms in Australia. The wave-shaped flank itself was carved over many millions of years of weathering.

Wave Rock was shaped by chemical weathering of granite that took place below ground level over a very long period. Slightly acidic groundwater rotted the softer rock at the base of the dome, and once the surrounding soil eroded away the curved, undercut face was exposed to view.

The vertical streaks of grey, red and yellow are mineral deposits left behind by rainwater running down the rock face. As the water flows it dissolves carbonates and iron hydroxides from the granite and re-deposits them as colourful stains, accentuating the wave shape.

The drive from Perth covers about 340 kilometres and usually takes between 3.5 and 4 hours each way. Many visitors break the journey at towns such as York, Brookton or Corrigin, or stay overnight in Hyden to enjoy the area at a slower pace.

Yes, a small daily fee per vehicle applies and is payable at the kiosk or ticket machine near the car park. The fee covers access to Wave Rock and nearby Hippos Yawn and goes towards site maintenance through the Shire of Kondinin.

Hippos Yawn, a granite tor that resembles a yawning hippopotamus, is a short walk from Wave Rock and connected by an easy loop trail. Mulka's Cave (also known as Bates Cave), about 18 kilometres away, holds hundreds of Aboriginal hand stencils, and Lake Magic is a pink salt lake near the resort with buoyant, mineral-rich waters.

The Wave Rock Resort and Caravan Park sits at the base of the rock and offers hotel rooms, self-contained cabins, powered sites and tent camping. Additional motel and farmstay accommodation is available in Hyden township a few kilometres away.

The cooler months from April to October are the most comfortable for walking around the rock, with mild days and crisp nights. Wildflower season from August to October is especially popular, when the surrounding bushland erupts with orchids, everlastings and wattle.

Wave Rock lies on the Country of the Ballardong Noongar people, who know the formation as Katter Kich. The site has long been an important meeting and ceremonial place, and visitors are asked to treat it with respect.