Wave Rock

The natural phenomenon that is Wave Rock is an experience that travellers frequently add to their Western Australia bucket list — and for good reason. The similarity of this rock formation to a wave is freakishly realistic — so perfectly formed is its shape.

Wave Rock is located near Hyden — a small and remote town with a population of around 150 residents. With over 100,000 visitors to Wave Rock annually, tourism has helped build the town, but you wouldn’t know it. The town is surprisingly authentic, rustic and a true Aussie outback experience in itself.

As you drive out to Wave Rock, you’ll be driving through the heart of Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region. It’s a sight to behold, with undulating hills of golden wheat for as far as the eye can see.

Other notable things to see and do while checking out Wave Rock include Hippos Yawn — a rock that funnily enough looks like a hippo yawning. It’s only a short drive or walk from Wave Rock making this an easy addition to the trip.

Finally, situated along the main street of Hyden, you’ll find a series of metal sculptures at the Hyden Sculpture Time Trail which is also worth a quick stop to appreciate a bit of local artistic ingenuity. Interpretive signage at the Time Trail is a good source of information as to Hyden’s early days, it’s agricultural boom and the harsh times that settlers faced in this unforgiving landscape, so be sure to check it out.

It should be said that while there is a small charge to see Wave Rock if you choose to stay at the Wave Rock Caravan Park (as most do), entry is free. Overall, you’ll only need a night or two at most to enjoy Wave Rock and its surrounds. For those who love a great adventure, this is a real gem of the outback for those on the path-less-travelled.

Obviously, the number one thing to do when making your way out to this remote region is to see Wave Rock itself. The natural feature of Wave Rock is part of the larger Hyden Rock — a large granite rise in an otherwise flat outback plain.

The Hyden Rock Walk takes in views of both of these and with little else to do out in these parts is highly recommended. The walk starts at the back of the campground, with Wave Rock only a short distance away. The ‘wave’ is approximately 14 meters high and 110 meters long. You’re free to walk on the rock, where many people get their very own ‘surfing’ photo, or simply to admire this grand rock formation.

The walk continues up Hyden Rock where elevated views of the outback plains can be taken in. Apart from Hyden rock itself, the region is incredibly flat, with outback colouration that will have you awe-struck by its natural beauty. Be sure to take your time and admire the view, as it’s one of those moments that will pass you by if you don’t give it the attention it deserves. Even better, make your way up to the top of the rock for a sunrise or a sunset and you’ll more than likely have an experience that you’ll not forget in a hurry.

You’ll also likely to see an Australian Dragon Lizard or two up on the rocky plateau, with the ornate dragon one of the more captivating species to be spotted. Via interpretive signage, there’s more information about these curious creatures along the walk. Indeed, this is probably one of the most reliable places in Australia to see a dragon lizard as they scurry across the treeless plateau at blinding speed.

Overall, the beauty of the outback is alive and well here. Raw, rugged and oh so captivating — nearly all who venture to this otherwise remote region come away thoroughly impressed.

If you’re planning on travelling out to Wave Rock, a very worthy scenic drive on your way to or from Hyden is the Tin Horse Highway. Situated about an hour’s drive from Hyden, it could also make a great day trip. The Tin Horse Highway started in anticipation of Kulin’s annual race day — the Kulin Bush Races.

It would seem that some farmers out in these parts had quite the sense of humour with crafty tin horses placed roadside within their respective lands. The idea stuck, and now there are literally dozens of these quirky creations at various points along the highways and roads surrounding the town.

There are two roads with tin horses on them, which both start from the town of Kulin, each extending for about fifteen kilometres out of town. For more information including a map, a pdf document can be found here. To be sure, if you can appreciate a good ‘ol slice of Aussie humour and ingenuity, be sure to make the detour along the Tin Horse Highway.