The movie “Australia” brings fame and attention to this great big state. I have not seen the movie, but would soon. I want to see the scenery. I heard it is mostly filmed in the Kimberly region, which is the northwestern of WA. Going there would require flying from Perth, at least 2+ hours. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to do this part of the country. It would take at least 1-2 weeks just to get a proper glimpse and I only had a weekend. So I chose something a bit nearer.
Wave Rock is one of the nearby attractions. “Nearby” is definitely “relative” in this part or the world. It is 380Km from Perth, so about ~5.5 hour drive each way. And what do I get to see? A unique rock formation in the form of ocean wave. Is it worth the drive? Maybe, maybe not. There is only one way to find out. In person…
We set out early on Saturday, as we are doing this as a day trip. Couple of us took turn driving. Fortunately, the roads are paved. I was expecting worse for the road condition. The scenery is great, if you happen to like plains and open space. I do. Before the trip, I was expecting a red desert like drive, dry and barren. That is not the case. It is drier, but not like Arizona. Lots of ranches, cattle, sheep, not too many houses or people. Imagine Montana!
We stopped at a small town, York for a quick breakfast, one main street and that is all. There is an antique automobile museum and a biker restaurant that is plastered with pictures and reproduction of motorcycles. Both are really cool. We continued our drive; often the roads are empty with no one in front or behind us for miles. And of course, no cell tower of any kind. All our Blackberries went dead.
Our next stop is at Mulka’s Cave. There is an Aboriginal legend with this cave. Mulka was the illegal son of a woman who fell in love with a man with whom marriage was forbidden according to their law. She bore a son with crossed eyes. Even though he grew to be an outstandingly strong man of colossal height, his crossed eyes prevented him from aiming a spear accurately and becoming a successful hunter. Out of frustration it is said Mulka turned to catching and eating human children, and he became the terror of the district. He lived in Mulka's cave, where the imprints of his hands can still be seen, much larger and higher than that of an ordinary man.
We were the only one on this visit. The cave is maintained by the park services. It is in good condition and no littering. We went in to search for all his handprints. We are not sure if it is true or just some kids spray painting on the cave wall. We found lots of them. As far as “larger than an ordinary man”, I had my colleague put his hands up to compare, not the case. It maybe for that generation and aboriginal people do tend to be smaller in size. So perhaps that is the interpretation of the generation then.
Our next stop is the Wave Rock. It is pretty cool (yes, very subjective). It is a granite cliff, about 15 meters (50 feet) high and 110 meters (360 feet) long. Its rounded shape has been caused by weathering and water erosion which has undercut the base and left a rounded overhang. This happened about 60,000,000 years ago when it was exposed. Water from the springs running down the rock during wetter months dissolve minerals added to the coloring of the wave.
There was a few other people scatter around. When we arrived, it was already pass high noon, so we had a quick bite with the self provided picnic basket. We did a grocery run the night before in preparation of “emergency” during the trip. We didn’t spot any food service in the park area, so we were thankful of our own supplies.
After the lunch, we climbed the rock and we posted for photo opt. We even saw someone brought a surf board to post. I don’t think I got my surfing girl post correct, but heck, at least I am not seasick!!! It is too bad that the sun is high up and the photos had lots of shadow. But we can’t help with that due to the long drive. It was fun.
Then we went for a short hike to the Hippo Yawn. It is another rock formation that truly looks like the Hippo is yawning mouth wide open. I did some nice photos for my colleague. But it seems to me the skill set is not reciprocated. My legs are cut off; the Hippo’s head is cut off here and there. Someone really needs a lesson here. I tried to do some self portrait, but not very successful (short arms…) oh well. I was there!
Anyway, please enjoy these.
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