Wave Rock is a must-see sightseeing spot that can be visited as a day trip from Perth, a popular city that consistently ranks high in global livability and beauty rankings. As the name suggests, this giant rock has a mysterious appearance as if a massive wave has frozen at the moment it was crashing down. If you’re heading to Perth, this guide introduces the highlights and travel information for Wave Rock—definitely worth a special trip.
1. What is Wave Rock?
Wave Rock is located in a town called Hyden, about 300 km east of Perth, a popular tourist destination in Western Australia.
The massive rock, which looks as if a giant wave is surging forward, is about 15 meters high and 110 meters wide—enormous in scale! It was formed over millions of years through natural erosion by wind and rain, resulting in what truly looks like a “big wave.” It’s a huge monolith shaped like a towering wave.
Wave Rock has long been revered as a sacred place by the local Aboriginal people. When you see it in person, its size and wave-like form will surely give you a sense of the earth’s mysterious wonders.
2. Climb up on Wave Rock
Follow the path alongside Wave Rock and you’ll find stairs—take them and climb up. Try walking across the top of Wave Rock, which is wider than you might expect.
From the top, you’ll get a panoramic 360-degree view of the landscape stretching out to the distant horizon. This immersive experience, feeling the vastness and majesty of the earth, will surely become a lifelong treasure.
3. A group of strange rocks, including “Hippo’s Yawn”
Around Wave Rock, you’ll find many oddly shaped stones and rocks.
The most famous among them is a rock known as “Hippo’s Yawn,” which looks like a hippopotamus opening its mouth wide. As the name suggests, the rock really resembles a yawning hippo, and just looking at it brings a sense of warmth and amusement.
Besides Hippo’s Yawn, there are many other mysteriously shaped rocks around Wave Rock that will make you wonder how they were formed. These mystical rock formations, created by nature, are well worth seeing!
4. Explore the trai
Wave Rock has five maintained trails, allowing visitors to enjoy leisurely walks.
The “Hyden Rock Walk” offers two loop options: a short loop of about 860 meters and a longer loop course of about 1300 meters. These trails guide you back to the parking area while offering panoramic views of the Australian landscape and a dam lake built into the natural topography of Wave Rock.
The “Wave Rock Walk Circuit” is about 3600 meters in total and takes roughly an hour to walk at a relaxed pace. It includes highlights such as the previously mentioned Hippo’s Yawn and breathtaking views of the surrounding salt lakes. This course is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in the grand nature of Australia.
5. Wave Rock Wildlife Park
Near the parking area, you’ll find a café and a cozy zoo called the “Wave Rock Wildlife Park.” If you're looking to relax with native Australian animals like koalas, white kangaroos, and wallabies, be sure to stop by.
Inside the park, there are also over 100 species of rare birds. The facility includes a restaurant and souvenir shop, making it a great spot to grab lunch or take a break.
6. Access, parking, and tour information
Wave Rock is located about 350 km from Perth, which is approximately a 4 to 5-hour drive by car. There is a paid parking lot at Wave Rock, and it’s about a 5-minute walk from the parking area to the rock itself. While it’s possible to do a day trip by rental car, an overnight stay is recommended if you also want to enjoy the trails and surrounding sights at a relaxed pace.
For an easy and efficient day trip, taking a tour is highly recommended. Day tours from Perth to Wave Rock are available in various types, including those with meals and cultural experiences related to Australia's Indigenous peoples, the Aborigines. Choose the best option to match your itinerary and budget.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-32.443789,118.897242&z=15&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=13549716322810951125
Name: Wave Rock
Address: 1 Wave Rock Rd, Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official/Related Site URL: https://waverock.com.au/
◎ Nearby attraction: Make a stop at Mulka’s Cave
One spot that you should consider visiting together with Wave Rock is “Mulka’s Cave.” This is a tourist site that still retains Aboriginal rock art. Inside the cave, you can see primitive drawings and Aboriginal handprints preserved on the walls.
Mulka’s Cave is located about 20 minutes north by car from Wave Rock. It is a common stop on many of the Wave Rock sightseeing tours.
Information is current as of February 2024. Please check the official site for the latest updates.
https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=-32.315016,118.961632&z=11&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=9850408205037886502
Name: Mulka’s Cave
Address: Bates Rd, Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official/Related Site URL: https://x.gd/Emj8M