Wave Rock

11 People set out from rainy Perth on schedule on Saturday morning for the much hyped, Hyden/Wave Rock mini roadtrip.

We set out east (yes that kinda helps) to York then cut our way through the endless stunning Canola fields to Quairading then down to Corrigin which is the unofficial home of the 'Dog in a Ute' and apparently the word 'Bugger'. Not the dirty UK definition but the wholesome family friendly word that aussies use when they REALLY want to say F$%K!

After Corrigin we called into Kondinin to pick up some supplies for our planned BBQ lunch. Kondinin has a population of about 300 (thanks Wikipedia) and 299 of them must have had something better to do at 1pm Saturday because all the shops were closed apart from a Golden Fleece service station with no food whatsoever. Time to hit the road.....next stop - The Rock.

Wave Rock is a couple of k's east of Hyden so we had one last chance to pick up some BBQ essentials on our way. As we drove into town, all eyes were looking for shops and low and behold a huge new IGA came into sight like a mirage!..............but it was also closed. Bugger!

After lunch and a small dent was made in the port-a-keg we headed over for our first view of the masterpiece. We arrived at the rock around 2.30-3 just as a tour coach was leaving, GOLD! We walked up and we were the only people there so all appropriate surfing shots were able to be taken at will. After hearing so many bad stories about Wave Rock I was pleasantly surprised that it was pretty good! It stands about 15m height and it's around 100m long so you can get a pretty good idea in your head before you arrive. What you can't picture is how slippery it is and what it feels like to stand under the highest point and look up at the curl towering over you.....very cool indeed. After a few million more photos (evidence of being there!) we took a walk around onto the top of it, through the bush to Hippo's Yawn then back to base camp.

Before leaving the area we drove up to Mulka's Cave and saw the handprints of yesteryear. Worth seeing while you're there but - Meh, I think the story of it is far more impressive and spooky than the cave itself. Off back to Hyden to check in and kick back finally.

Yesterday we packed up to head home, called into Beverley for a decent counter meal, watched Jhett walk around for a while, yes walk, then went off the beaten track as we bee-lined to Mundaring Weir. Did a spot of touristing there, threw a couple of hard-earned dollars off the edge, hoovered an icecream and shot home.

I for one had a great trip and it was great to get out of Perth, albeit for a couple of days. Thanks to: Kevin and Lyn bringing and cooking the lunch, Rez for the keg brewing and Mike for the beer dispenser idea commitment and execution.

Wave Rock - Tick
York - Tick
Beverley - Tick
Mundaring Weir - Tick
Dog Cemetery - Tick

2 Days, 1 Keg, 750kms, 1 Rock, 11 People, 3 Cars, 2 Turtle Doves and a Partriiiiidge in a Pear Tree.