Wave Rock is a granite outcrop near the small town of Hyden, about 340 kilometres east-south-east of Perth, and it is one of the most photographed natural landmarks in Western Australia. The rock curves out and over like a wave about to break, roughly 14 metres high and more than 100 metres long, and its face is streaked with bands of grey, red, orange and yellow. Geologists explain the shape through long weathering of the base of a massive granite outcrop, while the colours come from minerals washed down the surface by rain. The rock is part of a larger granite formation that is billions of years old, and the surrounding bushland and salt lakes give the area a wide, quiet feel. It sits well outside the Perth metropolitan area, so a visit is an all-day commitment rather than a quick stop.
What to do
The classic photograph is taken at the base of the wave, but the rock has more to offer if you walk up and over the top. A short track leads to the crest, where you can look out over the wheatbelt and the nearby salt lake. Close by are several other features that day tours often include.
Hippos Yawn is a rock formation that looks like an open mouth, Mulka's Cave contains Aboriginal hand stencils and rock art connected with local stories, and the Humps are a series of granite domes with a walking trail. On the way, towns such as York in the Avon Valley give a taste of early settler history, with old buildings, galleries and cafes.
Planning
This is a very long day trip, and most visitors choose a guided day tour because the distance is large and the roads can be quiet. The tour linked here is titled as a Wave Rock day trip that also explores York, which is a typical shape for these outings, but you should check the itinerary, start time, return time and inclusions when you book.
Expect a departure early in the morning and a return in the evening. If you would rather drive yourself, allow around four to five hours each way with breaks, carry plenty of water, fuel up early and check road conditions, since there are long stretches without services.
Fitting it in
Spring is the best season for many visitors, because the wheatbelt is green, wildflowers appear and temperatures are mild. Summer can be fiercely hot, so start walks early and carry shade and water. Autumn and winter are comfortable but can be cooler and, at times, wet. Wear sturdy shoes, because granite can be slippery when damp, and take sun protection and a hat.
If you are short of time in Perth, this is a trip you can skip without regret, but if you want a very different Western Australian landscape from the coast and the city, it is a rewarding choice and a memorable photo stop.
Good to know
The towns along the route are small, so services are limited and opening hours can be short, particularly on Sundays. Mobile coverage can be patchy in places, and it helps to download maps before you leave. Take a camera with a wide lens to capture the full curve of the rock, and aim to shoot when the sun is lower, because midday light flattens the colours.
If you enjoy history, spend a little extra time in York, where many buildings date from the nineteenth century, or in the small museums that tell the story of farming in the region.
What to expect
The experience
A long guided day trip into the wheatbelt to see a granite wave, nearby rock formations and the historic town of York.
Best time
Spring for green fields and wildflowers, or the cooler months if you want to avoid summer heat.
How long
A full day, with several hours of driving each way, so expect an early start and a late return.
Tips
Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and sun protection, and walk to the top of the rock for the best views.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Travellers who want a very different landscape from the Perth coast and enjoy photography.
- Families
- Children enjoy climbing the rock and spotting shapes in the granite, but the drive is very long for little ones.
- Couples
- Stay in the area overnight if you can, so you see the rock at sunset and in the quiet of the next morning.
- Pair with
- A Pinnacles or Margaret River day on another day for a contrast of outback and coast.
- Time needed
- A full day, or an overnight trip if you are driving yourself.
Good questions
How far is Wave Rock from Perth?+
It is about 340 kilometres east-south-east of the city, near the town of Hyden. Driving takes four to five hours each way, so most visitors take a guided day tour or stay overnight.
How tall is Wave Rock?+
It is about 14 metres high and more than 100 metres long, curving like a breaking wave. The streaks of colour on its face come from minerals washed down by rain.
What else is there to see nearby?+
Hippos Yawn, Mulka's Cave with its Aboriginal rock art and the Humps are all close by. Day tours often also stop at York, one of the oldest inland towns in the state.
Can I climb the rock?+
There is a walking track to the top, and the view across the wheatbelt is worth the short effort. Take care on wet or smooth surfaces, because granite can be slippery.
When is the best time to go?+
Spring is popular for green fields and wildflowers, and the cooler months are comfortable for walking. Summer is very hot, so start early and carry plenty of water.
