Wave Rock entry fee and walks

Does it cost to go to Wave Rock?

Yes. The Shire of Kondinin charges A$15 per vehicle, bought at the ticket machine or the Wave Rock kiosk at the base of the rock.

The fee is per vehicle, whether you arrive alone or with five friends. It is paid to the Shire, which manages the reserve, and you buy it at the base of the rock once you drive in. Some older pages online still show A$12; the Shire's current figure is A$15.

On a tour you don't pay at the gate. The coach day tour includes entry fees to all attractions, and the private tour includes admission to Wave Rock, Hippo's Yawn and Mulka's Cave. For the latest on prices, see our post on the entry fee.

What does the Wave Rock entry fee cover?

Parking and access to Wave Rock, the walking trails around it and Hippo's Yawn. Wave Rock Management says The Humps and Mulka's Cave are included in the pass.

The Shire of Kondinin says the fee covers Wave Rock and Hippo's Yawn, linked by a loop track of about 1 km. Wave Rock Management lists The Humps and Mulka's Cave, 15 minutes' drive north, as included in the Wave Rock entry pass. Keep your ticket in the car.

The paid extras near the rock are separate: the gypsum salt pool next to Lake Magic and the wildlife park, lace collection and soldier museum in and near Hyden. The Shire's facilities at the entrance include toilets, bins, accessible parking and picnic areas.

Entry fees to all attractions, lunch and the coach from selected Perth CBD hotels in one price, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

★ 4.6 · 12.5 hours · from $188

Explore the Wave Rock coach day tour → Tour details

How long is the walk around Wave Rock?

The main loop from the car park past Wave Rock to Hippo's Yawn is about 1 km. A longer all-abilities circuit runs about 3.6 km.

The car park is about 100 m from the rock. Most people walk along the base of the wave, then follow the track to Hippo's Yawn and back, about 1 km in all and around half an hour with photos. Trails WA lists the Wave Rock Walk Circuit at 3.6 km with a flat, hardened surface, which runs past Hippo's Yawn and out among the salt lakes before looping back to the cafe and car park.

Trail maps are available at the Shire office or the Wave Rock kiosk. The table gives the main walks.

Can you walk on top of Wave Rock?

Yes. The Hyden Rock Walk climbs onto the rock above the wave and follows the old stone wall built in 1928.

Trail Hiking Australia lists the Hyden Rock Walk as a loop of about 1.25 km, around 45 minutes, Grade 1. The granite gets slippery after rain. Halfway up, a low wall built in December 1928 runs along the contour and was built to channel rainwater to a dam, and the view takes in farmland, bush and salt lakes.

Walk on the marked route only and keep off the curl of the wave itself. Bring water and a hat: there is no shade on the granite.

How long should you spend at Wave Rock?

One to two hours for Wave Rock, Hyden Rock and Hippo's Yawn. Half a day if you add The Humps, Mulka's Cave and Lake Magic.

An hour covers the base of the wave and the Hippo's Yawn loop. Two hours lets you climb Hyden Rock too and sit down for a coffee. The Humps and Mulka's Cave add an hour or more with the drive, and Lake Magic is best at sunrise or sunset, which means staying the night.

Tours fit this window: the private tour gives about 1.5 hours at Wave Rock, and the fly-in tour about an hour and a half on its guided ground tour.

Are dogs allowed at Wave Rock?

Yes, on a leash at Wave Rock and its walking trails, but not on the Hyden Rock Walk, which is a water catchment.

Keep dogs close and under control. The top of Hyden Rock feeds the town's water supply, so no pets go up there. Wave Rock Caravan Park takes pets on powered and unpowered sites, with a pet-friendly cabin and cottages by arrangement.

In summer, granite heats up fast, so walk dogs early and carry water for them.

Is Wave Rock wheelchair accessible?

Partly. There is accessible parking, and Trails WA lists the 3.6 km Wave Rock Walk Circuit as an all-abilities path with no steps.

Wave Rock Management lists designated accessible parking, with toilets at the entrance. The Wave Rock Walk Circuit has a flat, even, hardened surface that Trails WA rates suitable for unassisted wheelchair users and prams, and The Breakers Trail is also flat. The Hyden Rock Walk, with its steep granite and chains, is not accessible.

On tours, the coach day involves short walks at each stop. The six-day loop is the one that the listing says is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What should you bring for the walks at Wave Rock?

Water, a hat, sunscreen, shoes with grip and, from spring on, insect repellent and a fly net.

Wave Rock Management advises a hat, long sleeves, sunscreen and insect repellent, and warns about snakes in the warmer months: stay on the tracks. Bare granite reflects heat, and in January Hyden's mean maximum is 33.9°C. There are toilets at the entrance and at The Humps car park, and a cafe and kiosk at the rock.

For everything else around Hyden, from Mulka's Cave to the salt pool, see our guide to the sights near Wave Rock.

Frequently asked questions