Wave Rock is a granite rock formation in Western Australia that looks like a large wave about to break. It is about 49 feet (15 meters) high and 360 feet (110 meters) long. Wave Rock is the northern face of a larger formation called Hyden Rock. These rocks lie near the town of Hyden, about 210 miles (340 kilometers) southeast of Perth in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt region.
Scientists believe Wave Rock is more than 2.7 billion years old. It was originally completely covered by soil. As erosion lowered the level of the soil surrounding the rock, it became exposed. Rainwater ran down the side of the exposed rock, moistening the nearby soil at the base of the rock. Chemicals in the moist soil slowly dissolved and undercut the rock that was still underground. As years passed, the soil eroded down to its current level, leaving the wave-shaped rock towering over the desert.
Wave Rock’s coloration is the result of rainwater dissolving chemicals in the granite and running down the cliff face. The growth of algae on the moist rock surface also has produced dark vertical streaks on the rock face.
Wave Rock is a popular tourist attraction. Other notable rock formations in the area include Hippo’s Yawn and the Humps. Mulka’s Cave, also nearby, features many examples of Aboriginal rock painting.
