Wave Rock and Historic York Full-Day Tour from Perth
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
10–11 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires ability to walk short uneven sections and step on rock surfaces.
Overview
Leave Perth for a long, revealing day across the Wheatbelt to Wave Rock and historic York. This full-day tour pairs ancient granite formations with riverside heritage towns—an accessible way to see Western Australia’s geology, history, and seasonal wildflowers.
Wave Rock and Historic York Full-Day Tour from Perth
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The bus eases out of Perth before dawn and the city’s glass and concrete give way to broad wheat fields that fold like a green sea toward the Darling Range. By the time you pass small weatherboard towns and fruit orchards the air has a different weight: drier, older. At Hyden the road slows. A granite wall rises from the flat—its face curved and impossibly smooth—and for a moment you expect water to be pouring off it.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Sun protection is critical
Bring a broad-brim hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses—shade is scarce at Wave Rock and the sun intensifies on the granite surface.
Wear sturdy shoes
Supportive walking shoes with good grip help on uneven granite and short scrambling sections like Hippo’s Yawn.
Carry extra water
You’ll be out of the city for most of the day; one bottle may not be enough if you linger at viewpoints or hike around Mulka’s Cave.
Time your wildflower hunt
Visit mid-July to early October for the best wildflower displays along the route—outside that window the landscape is dryer but still striking.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red kangaroo
- Emu
History
York is Western Australia’s oldest inland town with 19th-century buildings along the Avon River; Wave Rock is part of an ancient granite formation shaped over billions of years.
Conservation
Visitor pressure and fires are the main local concerns; stick to marked paths, avoid climbing fragile rock faces, and follow park signage to protect native vegetation.
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Adventure Hotspots in Perth
Recommended Gear
Sturdy walking shoes
Grip and ankle support for uneven granite and short scrambles.
Sun hat and sunscreen
Protects from strong Australian sun on exposed sections.
summer specific
Reusable water bottle (1.5–2L)
Refillable water keeps you hydrated over the long day beyond the single bottled water provided.
summer specific
Light wind layer
Blocks wind on exposed rocks and can cool quickly in late afternoon.
autumn specific