Ready to surf an inland wave? Then it's time to hit the road and head to Wave Rock in beautiful Hyden. If you're looking for a fun and action-packed itinerary to get you there from Perth, Pathways to Wave Rock is the one for you! This road trip is best done over 3 days and will take you on a journey of discovery through the changing landscapes and charming farming communities of the Western Australian Wheatbelt.
Day 1: Perth - Wave Rock
(340 kilometres/4 hours)
Pack up the car, grab your keep cup and leave the City behind! Head east from Perth, following Pathways to Wave Rock trail, through picturesque farmland to Corrigin - famous for its Dog-in-a-Ute event and Dog Cemetery. Enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants before taking the short drive to explore the iconic Wave Rock. Take a stroll around the corner to see Hippo's Yawn and then hop in the car to go see the ancient Indigenous rock art at Mulka's Cave which is just a short drive away.
Accommodation options: Motel, cottages, caravan park
Day 2: Hyden - Bruce Rock (via Lake Grace, Kukerin, Kulin,
Kondinin and Narembeen)
(305 kilometres/3.5 hours)
After enjoying your first night in the open outback, pack up the car and get ready for your next adventure. Head south to Lake Grace’s spectacular salt lakes and visit the only remaining Australian Inland Mission Hospital in WA. From here, you can take a slight detour to Kukerin and take a tour of the famous Cambinata Yabby Farm. New farm cottage accommodation is now available near Kukerin at Mary’s Farm Cottages.
Head to Kulin to see the Tin Horse Highway - a series of brightly coloured tin horses that welcome visitors to the town. Travel north to the sheep farming town of Kondinin. Take in 360° views from Yeerakine Rock. Travel to Narembeen for a town heritage walk before making your way to Bruce Rock. Visit the local museum and Australia’s smallest bank at nearby Shackleton. A 45-minute drive to Kokerbin Rock offers spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Accommodation options: Motel, outback pub, farm cottages, farmstay, B&B, caravan park, camping
Day 3: Bruce Rock - Perth
(250 kilometres/2.5 hours)
Home time! But don't forget, when it comes to the outback, the drive if half the fun! At Quairading, check out ‘El Toro’, a life-size spanish bull sculpture in the centre of town and explore amazing nature reserves. Check out the Dangin Heritage Trail and Nookaminnie Rock, great for wildflower spotting and watching the Wheatbelt's breathtaking sunsets, before heading to York in time for lunch at one of the colonial-style hotels oozing history - enjoy a town walk before making the journey back to Perth.
To ensure you enjoy a safe and well-planned journey, take a look at Travel times and distances, Road safety and Important travel tips. If you have your camping gear or caravan in tow, check out the range of caravan parks and camping sites available in Australia’s Golden Outback.
Driving times and distances intended as a guide only and may vary depending on exact route taken. Accommodation options are indicative as to what is available in the area.
Above map not to scale and intended as a guide only. It is highly recommended before heading out on your journey, you purchase a detailed Western Australian road and track map available from the RAC, petrol stations or where good maps of Western Australia are sold.
Looking for other road trips in addition to the Perth to Wave Rock Road Trip? Discover more about other road trips around Australia’s Golden Outback.