Wave Rock — Attraction in Hyden

I changed the route of my driving tour of Western Australia in a big way as soon as I saw photos of Wave Rock. Coming from another part of the world, I’d never heard of it or seen anything like it. That was an excellent decision, as this was an unforgettable sight and peak experience.

First, the basics: A big parking lot with nice restrooms is right by the path entrance. There is a per-vehicle fee, payable at a kiosk, but if you are staying in the adjacent campground or one of its bungalows by Lake Magic, your ticket is included. The path is smooth, easy, and short, a 100-meter stroll to the rock. If you happened to be passing through, you could theoretically park, pee, pay, peruse, and pull out of the lot in about half an hour. But wait —

This place is one that deserves more planning, more time, more respect. It is surreal and unworldly, a moment frozen in time, like water turned to stone, a gargantuan snatch of petrified ocean breaking above us but having the grace not to crash over and drown us.

If you can, come just as the sun is rising, when you can hear the songs of the birds and the soft whoosh of the breeze. The Rock rises and curves and coaxes you to that place where you arrive at wonder and awe. Breathe for a bit as the colors of the stone begin to change with the ascending sun. Do this early, because even half an hour later, the crowds of loud ones arrive, with their shouts and their raucous laughter. These are the ones who just don’t get it, who don’t hear or see themselves and the impact they have on others in this sacred space.

Hippo’s Yawn is accessible by walking a few minutes up the path, or you can drive to it. Mulka’s Cave, another cool rock formation, is about 20 minutes drive to the north and has a fabulous path over a huge granite knob. And don’t forget awesome Buckley’s Breakaway, about half...

What can I say about Wave Rock? Two words…just go.

This place has been on my bucket list for many years and I never thought I would get the opportunity to go. But there I was at the end of the path and when I turned the corner, I was literally lost for words. Not only is it awe inspiring but I honestly couldn’t believe what I was seeing! How is it possible that nature can create something so beautiful? The shape, colours and size were just stunning. It really does look like a wave but don’t be tempted to climb up, it’s quite slippery and to be honest, it’s more impressive viewed from a distance.

In case you were wondering, it was formed from water erosion running off Hyden Rock and wind erosion over millennia. Make sure you ask someone to take a photo of you with it in the background as it will give you an idea of how big it really is.

I made a day trip to visit but if staying in the area for a day or two is your jam, there are a few accommodation options available in the area. That way, you can stay a day or two to catch the sunset/sunrise without worrying about driving at dawn or dusk when wildlife is about. I was there around 8:30am in winter and it was the best light for photos so I recommend going in the morning. I also heard that Wave Rock is a great location to view the Milky Way on a clear night. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to see it as I was staying in Kondinin, an hour drive away.

There’s a visitor information centre, a couple of tourist attractions and a restaurant for a nibble, so you’d be pretty well sorted to spend a couple of hours here. Hippo’s Yawn is a short walk from Wave Rock and Mulka’s Cave (aboriginal artwork) is about a 15 minute drive, both worth visiting.

I can’t recommend visiting wave Rock highly enough. It is something that will stay with...

The actual wave rock is but a small but “instagramable” portion of a massive rock. When Wave Rock is viewed from the ground it uncanningly resembles a huge wave a surfer would be proud to ride. When viewed from height the Wave portion is but a small scar on the side of a massive massive gigantic rock. There is a walk that starts from the wave section up onto the top of the rock with information stations along the way explaining geography and cultural significance of the area. You will see a man made weir around the top of the rock that captures about 85% of the rain that falls on the rock and directs it to man made reservoir on the side of the rock. Make sure you have good footwear to walk on top of the rock and ensure you have a LOT of bushman’s / aero guard or better yet at fly net over your head as the gazillion flies present want to make friends with you. Funniest sight today with an Englishman completely losing it fed up with flies and the “Aussie salute” to swat them away and he completely lost the plot angrily swearing at the flies and storming back to the ‘safety’ of his car. Only added to the enjoyment of today’s visit. Worth a visit if in the area. Also the nearby Info Center for good coffee and a cold ice cream. Caravan Park close by Wave Rock for those not wanting to free camp HINT - If you have come this far to see wave rock then travel the extra 18km to visit Mulka’s cave to see Aboriginal hand prints in a natural setting close up and walk the the rock track up to them summit (1hr) Wave Rock worth a visit. Stay well and...