Wave Rock, Natural rock formation in Hyden, Western Australia.
Wave Rock is a granite cliff formation in the Shire of Kondinin, Western Australia, extending 110 meters and rising 15 meters high. The curved wall resembles a frozen ocean wave with dark streaks caused by mineral deposits running down the rock face.
The formation began as granite cooling beneath the earth's surface around 2.7 billion years ago. Weathering during the late Miocene period carved out the wave-like shape visible today.
The Ballardong people call the rock Katter Kich and tell that the Rainbow Serpent formed it by dragging her swollen body over the land after drinking all its water. The site belongs to a dreaming trail running from the south coast near Augusta to the Great Victoria Desert, which also takes in Mulka's Cave, Puntapin Rock, Jilakin Rock, Jitarning Rock and Dumbleyung Lake.
Three walking trails between 650 and 1,710 meters (2,130 and 5,610 feet) loop around the formation and offer different viewpoints. Parking, restrooms and picnic areas sit close to the rock and are easy to reach.
The wall above the wave was built in December 1928 by the Public Works Department for settlers of the East Karlgarin District and enlarged in 1951 for the Hyden township. Noongar guide Michael Ward says the rock was once pale yellow or cream; the wall's runoff has since streaked it red, orange and black.
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