Wave Rock immediately found itself on our Kid Bucket List when we booked a trip to Perth, Western Australia over summer. Incredibly, when discussing our trip with other travellers many attempted to talk us out of including it on our itinerary citing that it’s in the middle of nowhere, so far away, and has nothing else to see around it. But visiting Wave Rock Western Australia with kids shouldn’t be missed!
Thankfully, we maintained our firm determination to visit Wave Rock and were absolutely delighted with the adventure we experienced on this trip. You should go!
We discovered that Wave Rock is indeed a geological marvel and a great destination to explore with children. Our family spent hours exploring, both at the base and then across the top on a sunset walk. It was truly fascinating! The highlight for the kids was probably the Wave Rock Salt Baths!
Everything You Need to Know When Visiting Wave Rock
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So What is Wave Rock?
Wave Rock is a natural rock formation located in Western Australia that is shaped like a giant wave. It is approximately 3 hours 45 minutes from Perth by road and had become a popular tourist destination, especially for families with kids.
Visiting Wave Rock with Kids
When visiting Wave Rock with children, there are several things to keep in mind to make the most of your experience. It is absolutely essential that you do your research on any inland trip so you are prepared for whatever is thrown your way.
Firstly, it’s important to plan ahead and know what to expect. Wave Rock is located in a remote area and the nearest town, Hyden, is a small rural town with limited facilities. We planned to stay at Wave Rock on our adventure and booked a cottage at Wave Rock Resort
We highly recommend that you also stock up on drinks and food before you head out. Although you can purchase food and drink in Hyden, it is more expensive than in Perth and the range is limited. We also really appreciated having snacks on the drive along the way.
Wave Rock Significance
Katter Kich or Wave Rock is significant to Noongar people because it is a Noongar keniny (dancing) ground and a little way from there would have been a camping place, there are gnamma holes – water holes and it was part also part of a Noongar trade route.
The Best Time to Visit Wave Rock
The best time to visit Wave Rock is in the early morning or late afternoon, as the heat can be intense during the middle of the day. It is recommended to bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water as there is little shade available.
We visited in summer and arrived in the late afternoon. This was perfect as the temperature had started to go down and there was no shadow over Wave Rock which was perfect for images. We returned in the early morning which was lovely, but did cast a shadow over Wave Rock which made images a little more tricky.
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Exploring Wave Rock
There are several walking trails around Wave Rock that are suitable for families. The most popular one is the Wave Rock Walk Trail, which takes you around the base of the rock and offers great views of the wave-shaped formation. The trail is easy to walk and takes around 45 minutes to complete.
Another great way to experience Wave Rock is to attend one of the guided tours offered by the local Aboriginal community. These tours provide an understanding of the cultural significance of the site and the traditional uses of the land.
For kids, there is a playground and picnic area located nearby, which is a great place for families to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch.
How Much Does Wave Rock Cost?
Wave Rock is accessible all year around however you will need to purchase a visitors pass. When we visited, the charge was $12 per vehicle once you are in the reserve, payment can be paid at the meter or kiosk.
For those of you staying at Wave Rock, the fee was captured in our accommodation so we did receive a pass when we checked in. I suggest checking if this is the case for your booking so you don’t pay twice!
Things to See Near Wave Rock
In addition to Wave Rock, there are several other natural attractions nearby that are worth visiting.
Hippos Yawn
When visiting Wave Rock, make sure you walk a little further along the track to spot Hippos Yawn, a large hole in the rock that is said to resemble a yawning hippo,
Lake Magic
Just one kilometre north of Wave Rock you will find Lake Magic. The lake is clear but very salty which results in it changing colour over the course of the day. There is a walking circuit around Lake Magic, and if you stay at Wave Rock Resort you are provided unlimited access (including the salt baths).
Salt Baths
This man-made marvel takes advantage of the rich salty water of the area. Constructed by Denis Collins, this 20m round, 6m deep swimming pool-like gypsum pond was Striker and Sunshine’s favourite activity when we visited Wave Rock.
Said to rival the Dead Sea in both buoyancy and therapeutic properties, the kids loved floating in the water – although quickly realised that water in the eye is not fun!
Mulka’s Cave
Included as part of your Wave Rock visitors pass, Mulka’s Cave, is a limestone cave that was used by Aborigibal people for thousands of years. Situated north of Wave Rock, Mulka’s Cave has a rich Dreaming, with many hand stencils believed to represent adults and children covering the walls.
Where to Stay at Wave Rock
There are a number of options for accommodation at Wave Rock to suit varying budgets and family sizes.
Wave Rock Hotel
Overlooking a picturesque billabong swimming pool and gardens, the Wave Rock Hotel is situated in Hyden, 3 kilometres from Wave Rock. Wave Rock Hotel offers 55 guest rooms with three executive spa suites. This accommodation option also features two restaurants and a bar.
Wave Rock Resort
This was our choice! We booked a two-bedroom self-contained waterfront villas at the edge of the spectacular Lake Magic which was perfect for the kids who loved walking to and from the amazing Wave Rock Salt baths into the evening.
There are 14 self-contained-waterfront villas to choose from, allowing self-catering with all the mod-cons we think you need on a trip.
Wave Rock Caravan Park
This is the closest accommodation option to Wave Rock – you can easily walk to the destination from here. The Wave Rock Caravan Park offers powered and un-powered sites, three self-contained air-condition cabins, as well as washroom facilities, BBQ, a swimming pool, a kids playground, a shop and LPG. It is a great location with the Wave Rock Café and Wildlife Park just across the road,
Camping at Wave Rock
Camping is available via the Wave Rock Caravan Park and this premium campsite is located at the base of the iconic Wave Rock! You can choose from both powered and non-powered camping sites.
What to Do on the Way to Wave Rock
The trip from Perth to Wave Rock is long and there are few stops along the way to keep the kids busy. Make sure you plan activities to keep the kids busy on the drive.
Rather than take the direct route suggested by Google Maps and even the locals, we headed to Wave Rock via York our research indicated it would be an interesting stop along the way, and we were right!
York, WA
Identified as the oldest inland town in Western Australia, it is the perfect first stop on your trip from Perth to Wave Rock. There are a plethora of things to do in York that could make it a destination all on its own, although we stayed only for a few hours.
For motor enthusiasts, you can visit the York Motor Museum which was established back in 1979 and boasts a range of rare cars and motorbikes.
Our kids loved Penny Farthing Sweets where we bought bags of lollies for our road trip. We also explored the York Courthouse Complex including the old cell block where we spotted historic graffiti. We missed the sock factory, one of the last local manufacturers of socks, which was a pity, but we did spot the York Residency Museum and found ourselves a fantastic bookshop on the main road.
The Rabbit Proof Fence
Did you know that the Rabbit Proof Fence is the longest fence in the world?
The Rabbit Proof Fence is the longest fence in the world! Two re-created examples of the fence and rabbit traps are located south of Quairading on Corrigin Road.
There are three fences in Western Australia: the original No. 1 Fence crosses the state from north to south, No. 2 Fence is smaller and further west, and the No. 3 Fence is smaller still and runs east-west. The fences took six years to build.
When completed in 1907, the rabbit-proof fences (including all three) stretched 3,237kms (2,023 miles) The cost to build the fences at the time was about £167 per mile ($250/km) which totals just over $80 thousand dollars.
Corrigin Dog Cemetery
I always find cemeteries fascinating so when I learned that there was a cemetery dedicated to man’s best friend on the way to Wave Rock, I marked it on our itinerary,
Established back in 1974, this Corrigin Dog Cemetery is now the final resting spot for over 200 dogs. It is, although a little morbid, an interesting spot to stop and read through the many memorial plaques dedicated to dogs long gone.
Located 5 kilometres west of town on the Brookton Highway, the Cemetery is landmarked by a statue of a large dog.
Plan Your Trip Now!
Overall, visiting Wave Rock with kids is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Western Australia and learn about the culture and history of the area. With a little planning, it can be a fun and memorable trip for the whole family.
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