Location: Wave Rock Camping Ground, Hyden

Cost : $43pn

• Wave Rock Wildlife Park
• Granite Dome
• The Humps
• The Lace Place
• Toy Soliders
• Hippo’s Yawn
• Mulka’s Cave

Wave Rock and surrounding Rock Formations are located near the wheat belt town of Hyden South Western Australia. Wave Rock is a natural formation that is shaped like a tall breaking wave with the ocean behind. It stands at 15m high and is 110m long. The flared slope is due from various weathering patterns and gigantic rocks. It is a very spectacular experience when you arrive and stand below the wave. Depending on what time of the day you will see the different colour contrasts from the light to enjoy. You can also climb to the top of the rock and enjoy the view from above and all the yellow fields of Canola growing below. Our camping ground was a 2 minute walk to the boulder so you could not help but visit it a couple of times during the day. Unfortunately the day we visited it was raining but is was still stood solid in all its glory. There is an entry fee of $12 per vehicle.

Hippos yawn is also part of the Wave Rock Park and the main path is from the base of the rock which will take you on a short walk . The rocks resemblance is to a yawning hippo. A yawning hippo is a warning sign when they feel threatened. This happens when other animals like crocodiles get close to them. The yawning opens their jaws to see their sharp teeth. So if you get to see this in real life leave immediately.

A short drive down the road from the rock we visited Granite Dome, Mulka’s Cave and The Humps.

The humps is a massive granite rock formation and hosts the following trails,gamma trail 1.2 kms or Kalrai Trail 1.6 with a steady climb to the summit. Paul and i completed this one in the afternoon once the rain had past. Once your at the top the outstanding panoramic views of the outlying farms once again are breathtaking .

Mulka’s cave was very interesting the name Mulka comes from an aboriginal legend associated with this cave. The story states mulka was the illegal son of a woman who fell in love with a man with whom marriage was forbidden. When you enter the cave and your eyes adjust the walls have many hand stencils believed to represent adults and children of the past. The stencils are made by blowing pigment once the hand is on the rock. Once removed your imprint will stay. They were used back then as a signature left by those who had rights to the area.

We also went on to visit the toy soldier museum which is across the road from the camp and is also the visitor information centre. The cost to get in to this museum and the lace museum was $5pp. The lace museum is famous for supplying lace to the late Princess Diana on her wedding day.

We only had one day to visit this place so we were on the go all afternoon. Add in rain it became a bit more interesting but it can be done. If you want to take it at a more slower pace allow 2 days to enjoy this part of the world before moving on to your next destination.