Wave Rock York and Aboriginal Culture Day Tour from Perth
Overview
Our Wave Rock day tour from Perth is a full-day journey by luxury coach into the Wheatbelt and beyond. You visit the historic town of York, walk beside the giant granite wave at Hyden and see Aboriginal rock art at Mulka's Cave. Lunch, entry fees, live commentary on board and complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off at selected Perth CBD hotels are included. The day is about 12.5 hours, so it suits travellers who enjoy scenery, history and culture and do not mind a long drive.
Highlights
- Wave Rock, the 14-metre granite wall shaped like a breaking ocean wave
- Mulka's Cave and its Aboriginal handprint rock art
- The heritage town of York, one of Western Australia's oldest inland settlements
- Lunch included, with entry fees to all attractions
- Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off at selected Perth CBD hotels
- Travel by luxury coach with live commentary on board
- An insight into Aboriginal culture and the landscape of the Wheatbelt
Full Description
Wave Rock at Hyden
Wave Rock is a granite cliff at Hyden, in the Wheatbelt of Western Australia, about 340 kilometres east of Perth. It rises about 14 metres and stretches roughly 110 metres, curved and streaked with coloured bands like a wave frozen just before it breaks. The rock is part of a much larger granite outcrop that is billions of years old, and weathering has undercut its base to create the wave shape.
A Wave Rock day tour from Perth is the easiest way to see it, because the drive is long. Most visitors walk along the base, then climb to the top to look over the surrounding farmland. The best time to visit Wave Rock is during the cooler months, when it is more comfortable to walk, and in spring, when wildflowers cover the ground.
Mulka's Cave and Aboriginal culture
Mulka's Cave is a shallow rock shelter near Wave Rock, where more than 400 hand stencils in red, white and yellow cover the walls. The site is a place of great meaning for the local Aboriginal people, and it is linked to a story about a boy named Mulka. Your guide explains what is known about the rock art and asks you to respect the site.
This stop adds a cultural side to the geology of the day, and it is a good place to learn how Aboriginal people have lived in this land. Visitors should stay on the marked paths, not touch the art and follow any guidance at the site. Entry fees are included.
York, the Avon Valley's heritage town
York is a heritage town in the Avon Valley, about an hour and a half east of Perth, and it is the oldest inland town in Western Australia, settled in the 1830s. Its wide main street, Avon Terrace, is lined with well-preserved colonial buildings, and the town has a slow, country feel with cafes, small museums and shops.
On this tour York is a comfortable morning stop that breaks up the drive. If you are asking whether a day trip to York is worth it, the answer is yes for anyone who enjoys history and architecture. Timing and stops in the town can vary with the day and traffic.
The journey by luxury coach
The tour runs by luxury coach with live commentary on board about the landscape, the farming history and the wildflowers along the road. Complimentary hotel pickup is offered from 12 selected locations in the Perth CBD, and pickup and drop-off are included in the price.
The day lasts about 12.5 hours, from early morning to evening, and includes a country-style lunch. Bring a light jacket for the coach, a hat and sunscreen for Wave Rock, and comfortable shoes for the walks. Additional drinks, snacks and tips are not included.
Itinerary
- Hotel pickup in the Perth CBDCollected from one of 12 selected locations from about 8:00 AM.
- YorkStop in the heritage town of the Avon Valley to walk the main street.
- Drive through the WheatbeltWatch the farming landscape and listen to the guide's commentary.
- LunchA lunch stop on the way, included in the price.
- Wave Rock at HydenWalk beside the wave and climb to the top for the view.
- Mulka's CaveSee the Aboriginal handprint rock art and hear its story.
- Return to PerthDrive back and be dropped at your hotel at about 8:30 PM.
What's included
- Transport by luxury coach
- Lunch
- Live commentary on board
- Entry fees to all attractions
- Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off at selected Perth CBD hotels
Not included
- Additional drinks and snacks
- Tips
Not suitable for
- Travellers who cannot sit for long periods on a coach
- Wheelchair users or guests with mobility problems, as the walks include uneven ground
- Anyone who wants a short or relaxed tour
Meeting point
Complimentary hotel pickup is from 12 selected pickup locations in the Perth CBD, starting from about 8:00 AM, with the exact point and time confirmed after booking. Drop-off is at the same location at about 8:30 PM. Be ready at the pickup point ten minutes early.
Important information
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen; Wave Rock is in full sun.
- Bring a light jacket, because the coach is air-conditioned and mornings can be cool.
- Bring a water bottle and a little money for snacks, drinks and tips.
- Lunch and entry fees to all attractions are included.
- Please respect Mulka's Cave: do not touch the rock art and stay on the marked paths.
- Pickup is only at the selected Perth CBD hotels and locations.
- Adults are aged 13 and over, children 4 to 12, and infants aged 3 and younger have their own places.
- Stops and times can change for weather, road works and site closures.
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Wave Rock day tour from Perth cost?
The price depends on adult, child and infant rates and is shown in the booking panel on this page for the date you choose. It includes coach transport, lunch and entry fees.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off at 12 selected locations in the Perth CBD. Your exact point and time are confirmed after booking.
How long is the Wave Rock tour?
The tour lasts about 12.5 hours, from early morning pickup to evening drop-off, with a lot of time on the coach.
Is lunch included?
Yes, lunch is included, along with entry fees to all attractions. Additional drinks and snacks are not.
What will I see on the tour?
York, Wave Rock at Hyden, Mulka's Cave and the Wheatbelt landscape, with live commentary on board.
Is the Wave Rock tour suitable for children?
Yes for children who can manage a long day on a coach. Children aged 4 to 12 have their own rate, and infants aged 3 and younger can travel too.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable shoes and light clothes, and bring a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket and a water bottle.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Choose your date in the booking panel to see availability. Because pickup is early in the morning, we recommend booking at least a day ahead.
Is Wave Rock worth visiting?
Yes, if you enjoy landscapes, geology and Aboriginal culture. It is a long day, but the coach and the included lunch make it easy.
When is the best time to visit Wave Rock?
Cooler months are more comfortable for walking, and spring brings wildflowers. The tour runs on scheduled dates through the year.
