Wave Rock Wanders: A Journey Through Nature's Power
‘You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.’ Jon Kabat-Zinn
Have you ever watched in awe as surfers take on the mighty Pipeline, challenged by the raw power of nature?
Surprisingly, those famous waves are only about four metres high!
When we think of waves, we think of movement, transition and strength - much like life itself. Waves are dynamic, ever-changing and unstoppable, just as we are.
But what if I told you there’s a wave frozen in time? A towering rock formation, standing 15 metres high, captured forever mid-crest - no surfboard required.
Just travel about four hours inland from Perth to the wheatbelt town of Hyden, and you'll find it: Wave Rock.
A little further down the road, you’ll be astounded by this breathtaking natural wonder. No wetsuit needed - just a good camera and some time to watch how the light changes, bringing out rich colours and deep shadows across its curved surface.
I visited this jaw-dropping natural artwork in 2022, and it’s a sight I’ll never forget.
According to Aboriginal lore, particularly from the Ballardong people, Wave Rock was created by the Rainbow Serpent, who dragged its swollen body across the land after drinking all the water. The Ballardong call it Katter Kich and consider it a sacred site tied to their Dreamtime stories. I love how Aboriginal stories paint vivid, moving images of the land’s creation.
Is Wave Rock significant to Aboriginal people?
Absolutely. For thousands of years, it has been a gathering place for the Ballardong people of the Noongar nation — a site for ceremonies, dances, and important meetings. For the Njaki Njaki-speaking people, Wave Rock remains a living symbol of their deep connection to Country.
A Natural Wonder Millions of Years in the Making
Over 2.7 billion years of wind and rain erosion shaped this 110-metre-long "break" into the soaring granite wave you see today. You can "surf" the wave from dawn to dusk, with its dazzling colours creating the perfect backdrop for unforgettable photos.
Western Australia’s coastline may be a surfer’s paradise, but the biggest “swell” rises far inland — without an ocean in sight!
Climb along the 15-metre-high granite cliff, admire ancient rock paintings, and if you visit after the winter rains, you’ll see the land carpeted in colourful wildflowers.
How did I feel?
Honestly, I was speechless.
The magic of nature never fails to inspire me. I didn’t want to leave — I dreamed of staying for sunrise and sunset, to watch the rock’s colours transform under the changing light.
But I was on a day tour, and after a four-hour drive from Perth, we had more to see.
Next Stop: Hippo’s Yawn!
Our guide kept mentioning the Hippo’s Yawn, and I couldn’t imagine how a hippo could possibly fit into this dry, rugged landscape! (It brought back memories of my fit of giggles over the pink hippos in Newsletter #2.)
Just a few minutes from Wave Rock, we pulled up at the site — and there it was: an enormous rock formation, unmistakably shaped like a yawning hippopotamus!
You can even climb through its “mouth” for a fun photo.
The Hippo’s Yawn is a giant granite cave, eroded at the base of a huge orange boulder, and another awe-inspiring creation from nature herself.
Another literal jaw-dropping moment on my Western Australia adventure!
This is just a small taste of my travels through this beautiful part of the world.
Check out my Quokka encounter in the short video featured in the upcoming "Heart Racing Moments" newsletter!