Wave Rock @ Hyden

Location: Wave Rock Road, Hyden, 6359
Coordinate: S32°26.5249′ E118°53.9103′
Website: http://www.waverock.com.au/

This is the first place we visited today, early in the morning just to avoid the crowd. Furthermore, this tourist spot just nearby the motel we stayed. By the time we reached here, there was no other car at the parking area except our red car. We were so excited to be the first one to reach here, plus together with the sunny weather over here which mean we could take our time for photography.

At the juncture where we heading towards to Wave Rock, we came across the signboard welcoming us over here. It's quite easy to find our place till here, with the guidance of gps device. Along the way over here, we saw colorful parrots flying freely in the air.

Rising 15 metres from the ground and more than 100 metres long, Wave Rock looks like a giant surf wave of multicoloured granite about to crash onto the bush below. It is believed this amazing formation was more than 2,700 million years in the making. The shape of the wave is formed by gradual erosion of the softer rock beneath the upper edge, over many centuries.

The colours of the Wave are caused by the rain washing chemical deposits (carbonates and iron hydroxide) down the face, forming vertical stripes of greys reds and yellows. If one can stay a little longer, it is also worth seeing the Rock at different times of the day, as the changing sunlight alters its colours and appearance.

After a while, we walked up above the rock, through the staircase provided. From the top, we could view the area around Hyden. With the nice weather, the view was breathtaking. Furthermore, there was sunray through the clouds directing at the town area.

Besides, near the Wave Rock is the Wave Rock Dam, an impressive dam which was initially constructed in 1928. This dam was expanded in 1951, to service the Hyden Township and its capacity is 30 megalitres (30 000 cubic meters).

The dam has low walls, which have been constructed on Wave Rock to channel the rainwater into the dam. So far this dam system has shown to be very efficient; bearing in mind the small catchment area of only 30 hectares and the low annual rainfall rate, which is only 337 mm.

One can actually see the catchment area while climbing up the staircase. The water was well preserved to serve the residents over here. In 2000, following Substantial contributions by the State Government, Shire of Kondinin and local farmers, Hyden was connected to the Water Corporation's comprehensive water scheme. The Wave Rock dam water continues to suppliment this source and is greatly valued in times of water restrictions.

During springtime, there are abudance of exotic and rare wildflowers around the area. So plan well for the journey over here. Personally, we felt it will be good to visit the place as every season has their own uniqueness.