Outback swell

Wave Rock, Hyden, Western Australia

In a country with more than 10,000 beaches, few people would go looking for a wave in the outback. But 350 kilometres south-east of Perth lies this dramatic cliff face. The passage of water from seasonal springs nearby has helped shape the granite, each drop chipping away over an estimated 2700 million years to create a tiger-striped contour that reaches 15 metres high – or nearly five storeys – and stretches about 110 metres in length. Visitors to Wave Rock Wildlife Park can wander along the barrel of the wave or follow a walking trail that leads to the crest. To the Noongar people, the traditional custodians of the region, this was a dancing ground. And still today this rock rolls on.