Perth city promises a range of unique landscapes, but none quite as surreal as Wave Rock – one of the best-known natural Australian land formations. Soaring around 15 metres high, it makes up part of the impressive Hyden Rock. The slopes here are formed by subsurface water-induced weathering, unlike many of the other rock formations in Australia that are carved through the pummelling of waves, glaciers, and wind.
Western Australia‘s Wave Rock is thought to be more than 2700 million years old, and boasts a rich history that threads its way throughout the region.
The Cultural Significance of Wave Rock
Wave Rock also has an important part to play in local indigenous life, particularly for the Ballardong people. Legend has it that the rock was originally a creation of the Rainbow Serpent, and was made by her swollen body being dragged after she had consumed all water in the vicinity.
Since then, the area has been a prominent site of cultural learning, where the moral of this Dreamtime story is set to be remembered for the rest of eternity. Today, more than 140,000 tourists travel to Wave Rock every year to see its unique formation and to learn more about its eclectic past.
Things to Do at Wave Rock
As well as witnessing the rock itself in all its glory, there are plenty of others things for visitors to do while in the area.
- Enjoy the Views
Climb to the top of Wave Rock and gaze out over the sprawling farmland below. Keep your eyes peeled for salmon gum-forests and scrubby bushland. From the peak, you can wander across to Hippo’s Yawn for even more spectacular views across the wildflowers and orchids.
- Visit the Wildflower Shoppe Café
If hunger takes a hold, head to the on-site Wildflower Shoppe Café, where you can tuck into homebrewed coffee and a cake. This also marks the entrance to the Wildlife Park, which is home to a range of native species, like koalas, wombats, and white kangaroos.
- Explore the Museums
As well as natural history, there is plenty of manmade history to explore in the region, too. Visit the Miniature Soldier Museum and the Antique Lace Collection to kick things off, and learn about these two important parts of the area’s history. Elsewhere, you can check out the Pioneer Museum to discover how our forefathers survived clearing the land in the early 20th century.
- Discover Hyden
As well as forming an impressive rock, Hyden is also a charming little town that sits snug between the salmon gum forests. On its pretty streets, you can explore the local shops and browse streetscape art which highlights the town’s rich history.
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