Perth to Wave Rock road trip: Distance, driving time and tours
The Perth to Wave Rock drive covers a 336km in around 3h42m. There are a few road trip stops along the way, but you may be better off taking a Wave Rock day tour from Perth.
In recent years, Wave Rock has become one of Western Australia’s most popular tourist attractions. This strange rock outcrop in the Wheatbelt region looks like a crashing wave, and hence makes for rather cool-looking photos.
But getting from Perth to Wave Rock can be a pain in the backside.
To book a Perth to Wave Rock day tour, come this way…
Perth to Wave Rock distance and driving time
By car, the distance from Perth to Wave Rock is 336km. That makes for a driving time of around three hours and 42 minutes, with not a massive amount to see along the way.
Before leaving, Perth offers gold pouring experiences at the Perth Mint, Rottnest Island day trips, and scenic Swan River cruises. To book Perth tours and experiences, head here. For Perth accommodation deals, book here.
The best places to stay in Perth
You can check out deals on a wide range of Perth accommodation options. But these are some of the best choices.
- The swankiest address in town: COMO The Treasury.
- The cool, fun one in the centre of the action: The Alex.
- For quality apartments next to Kings Park: Quest Kings Park.
- For quality apartments by the beach: Seashells Scarborough.
- On a backpacker budget: Spinners Hostel.
The quickest route leaves Perth on State Route 8, passing near Lesmurdie Falls, the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, the Carmel Cider Co and Victoria Dam. It then heads down Canning Road and joins State Route 40 at Karragullen.
Perth to Wave Rock road trip attractions
At this stage, State Route 40 is known as the Brookton Highway and it passes through Midgegooroo National Park, crossing the Bibbulmun Track near Abyssinia Rock. By the time you reach the Avon River South at Brookton, green hills have given way to flat wheatfields.
You’re also clutching at straws for other tourist attractions. A slight detour north will bring you to the Yenyening Lakes Nature Reserve, while the Corrigin Dog Cemetery is full of oddly touching memorials to deceased dogs.
Perth to Wave Rock drive: Gorge Rock
Further along the Perth to Wave Rock road trip, you’ll come to the Gorge Rock Nature Reserve. Gorge Rock is a granite outcrop that creates a pretty rock pool. The Kondinin Lake Nature Reserve a little further east is also possibly worth a leg stretch stop.
But otherwise, keep going to Hyden, the nearest village to Wave Rock. Here, you’ll find efforts to cash in on Wave Rock’s popularity. Lake Gounter now has its own nature reserve, while Lake Magic is known for its changing colours. This weirdness is due to gypsum deposits at the bottom, and it makes for cracking sunset photos.
5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special
- Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
- Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
- Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
- Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.
Wave Rock accommodation
You can also stay overnight near Wave Rock. The main Hyden accommodation options are the Wave Wave Rock Motel and Wave Rock Caravan Park.
Neither is going to set the world on fire, but they’ll do.
Wave Rock day trips from Perth
You may question whether it’s worth hiring a car in Perth in order to see Wave Rock, and you’d have a good point. It works out cheaper to just book a Perth to Wave Rock day tour.
Options include a group tour that stops at the town of York and a couple of other attractions on the way from Perth to Wave Rock. There are wildflowers and Aboriginal culture weaved in. These tours cost from $225, and can be booked online.
Alternatively, you can choose a private tour solely for your group. If there’s two people, that costs $515 each. But it looks a lot cheaper when it’s four people at $350 each. Again, these private Wave Rock tours can be booked in advance online.
Option three is the cheat’s method of flying to Wave Rock and back. This is obviously much more expensive, at $840 per person. But it does get you to Wave Rock before the crowds arrive.
DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅
- ✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
- ✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
- ✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
- ✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
- ✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
- ✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
- ✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
- ✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
- ✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.
More Western Australia travel
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How long is the Bunbury to Collie drive?
How long does the Sydney to Perth train take?