Wave Rock – suspended in time

One of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks

Millions of years in the making

Wave Rock (Katter Kich) is near the town of Hyden in the wheat belt region of Western Australia, a four-hour drive east of Perth. One of the most recognisable and photographed landmarks in Australia, Wave Rock is a multicoloured granite formation estimated to be over 2,700 million years old. It sits an imposing 110 metres long and 15 metres high and resembles a massive wave of water, suspended in the air.

Millions of years of wind and rain carved Wave Rock into its unique shape and the towering granite attracts over 100,000 visitors every year. If you visit Wave Rock at sunset you’ll be treated to some of Hyden’s 40 species of birds as they take to the skies, showing off their vivid colours and fervent songs. Traditional owners of the area are the Njaki Njaki and Katter Kich is significant as a keniny (dancing) ground.

Catch the biggest wave without getting wet on a WA tour

Physical rating icon
Physical rating:
3 - Active/Moderate
Tour duration icon
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.

Go surfing on an inland wave

During the wet season, water from springs runs down the rock face, dissolving and re-depositing chemicals in the granite. The water leaves stunning trails of red, yellow, brown, and grey stains of carbonates and iron hydroxide. In 1960, some crystals were extracted from Katter Kich and were dated at 2,700 million years old, making them some of the oldest in Australia. 

Hyden is home to many other historically significant rock formations. The Humps is a 15-minute drive north of Wave Rock and rises 80 metres above the surrounding bushland. Mulka’s Cave is named after an Aboriginal legend and contains one of WA’s most significant examples of Aboriginal Rock Art. Over 450 handprints and images from thousands of years ago tell their stories on these ancient walls.

One of Australia’s most recognisable landmarks

Where else to visit on your Wave Rock trip

Another great spot to visit is Wave Rock Wildlife Park, home to kangaroos (including rare white kangaroos) wallabies, wombats, koalas, emus camels, donkeys, alpacas, swans, bettongs, possums and much more. 

Also close to Wave Rock is The Toy Soldier Museum featuring tens of thousands of military miniatures arranged into historic scenes. The Wave Rock Wildflower Shoppe is another place to stop. It houses The Lace Place with the largest collection of local and international lace in the southern hemisphere.

Frequently asked questions

How was Wave Rock formed?

The first thing most visitors ask is how was Wave Rock formed. The granite cliff with its wave-like shape was created by millions of years of water erosion and weathering. This constant erosion undercut the base, leaving the rounded overhang, like a wave about to crash.

When is the best time to visit Wave Rock?

Spring (September to November) is one of the most popular times to visit Wave Rock, as the weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Autumn (March to May) is also a good time to visit Wave Rock as the weather is still relatively mild and you can avoid the peak tourist crowds.

If you’re fortunate to visit Wave Rock between September and November, you’ll be treated to the spectacular display of colourful wildflowers throughout the area as the ground comes alive with orange grevilleas, purple dampiera, yellow cassia and other native beauties.

Is there any accommodation in Wave Rock?

Wave Rock has a number of accommodation options to suit a range of budgets, including a hotel, cottages, caravan park, camp sites, and a hostel.

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Get in touch if you have any questions

Our team is always happy to help if you have any questions about us or our tours. Fill out our form and we will get back to you soon.

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