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Hyden – Home of Wave Rock

One of Australia’s Most Recognisable Landmarks

Famous Landmarks and Ancient Hand Marks

The town of Hyden, four hours east of Perth in Western Australia, is home to one of the most recognisable and photographed landmarks in Australia – Wave Rock. The multicoloured granite formation believed to be over 2,700 million years old, sits an impressive 110 metres long and 15 metres high and appears like a giant wave of water, suspended in the air, about to crash. 

Visitors flock to this Wheatbelt town all year round to visit Wave Rock and The Humps, another mighty granite outcrop and the site of Mulka’s Cave, one of WA’s most significant examples of Aboriginal Rock Art where over 450 separate handprints and images tell stories on the ancient walls. From September to November, the outback plains burst with colour as the native wildflowers blossom.

Visit These Ancients Sites on a Tour of Western Australia

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Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
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Tour duration:
14
days

Join us on an adventure through Western Australia’s stunning landscapes and blooming wildflowers! Start your journey with a visit to the iconic Rottnest Island, home of the friendly quokka. Soak up spectacular views from the Kalbarri Skywalk and West Loop Lookout and pay tribute at the moving HMAS Sydney Memorial. Discover Albany’s rich maritime history with a guided tour of the historic Whaling Station and explore lush Australian wildlife and botanical gardens. This tour entails a perfect blend of natural beauty, history, and adventure.

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
Tour duration:
13
days

Join us on an extraordinary journey aboard the Indian Pacific, where you’ll traverse the vast Nullarbor Plain during a luxurious 3-night rail adventure. Explore the stunning West Coast wildflowers in full bloom and discover the beauty of Western Australia. Stroll along the iconic Busselton Jetty, experience the rich heritage of the Koomal Dreaming Aboriginal cultural tour, and take in the breathtaking views from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse. Walk amongst the treetops at the Valley of the Giants, and enjoy a full day of exploration on the picturesque Rottnest Island. This unforgettable tour is designed for over-50s seeking adventure, culture, and nature at its finest.

A Place of Cultural Significance

The famous Wave Rock is what brings most visitors to the small, Wheatbelt town of Hyden. The traditional owners of the area are the Aboriginal group the Njaki Njaki people, who have lived in the area for thousands of years. All the sites in this region, including Hippo’s Yawn, The Humps and Mulka’s Cave as well as the waterways, flora and fauna have cultural significance to the Njaki Njaki. 

It’s believed sandalwood cutters were the first white men in the area, and farming began in the region in 1922 with many of the descendants of these early settlers still living there today. In 1927, the first wheat crop was harvested, and the surrounding areas still produce wheat and other cereal crops. The town relies on cattle and sheep production with mining and tourism also boosting the local economy.

One of Australia’s Most Recognisable Landmarks
One of Australia’s Most Recognisable Landmarks

Places of Interest Near Hyden Wave Rock  

Another local attraction is Wave Rock Wildlife Park. Set on three hectares of natural bushland, the park is home to kangaroos (including rare white kangaroos) wallabies, wombats, koalas, camels, donkeys, alpacas, bettongs, and possums. Birdlife such as emus, swans, and owls can be found, while native lizards freely roam the park.

Wave Rock Wildflower Shoppe is home to The Lace Place with an exquisite collection of local and international lace, the largest in the southern hemisphere. The Toy Soldier Museum collection is unique in the world with tens of thousands of military miniatures arranged into historic scenes.

Discover Wave Rock at Hyden and other amazing natural attractions on one of our Western Australia tours.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Wave Rock?

Wave Rock is located in Western Australia, specifically in the small town of Hyden, which is approximately 340 kilometers east of Perth. The towering granite formation attracts over 100,000 visitors to Hyden every year.

How was Wave Rock formed?

Wave Rock was formed by a combination of geological and weathering processes, when molten magma forced into the earth's crust cooled and solidified into granite. Geologists believe that it’s taken around 2.7 billion years for wind and rain to carve the rock into its unique ocean wave shape. 

Today, the natural granite rock formation is a popular tourist attraction and an important cultural site for the local the Njaki Njaki people. It is also recognized as a geological wonder and an example of the power and beauty of nature.

Can you visit Wave Rock at night?

Technically yes but the area is not well lit and could be dangerous to visit at night. It is recommended to visit during daylight hours when you can appreciate the rock formation in all its natural glory. 

The rock is a magnificent sight any time of day, but at sunset some of Hyden’s 40 species of birds take to the skies to show off their brilliant colours and cacophony of songs.

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