Western Australia's other Wave Rock
Last spring we paid a visit to the eastern wheatbelt with a view to seeing the wonderful wildflowers in that region. We stayed on a wheat farm some 80 kms north of Mukinbudin. Well, the wildflowers were absolutely stunning – the roadsides everywhere were a solid carpet of colour and we were taken to see one particular flower that grows nowhere else.
Then we were told about the rocks! WOW We never before knew that Wave Rock had a rival but, as this photo shows, ELACHBUTTING runs it pretty close with waves on both the east and west faces. There is a good track that goes all the way round – a drive of 6 kms which will give you a good idea of the size of the thing. There is also a tunnel through part of the rock but don’t do what we did and go without a torch because it is pitch dark in places. The previous day the farmer had driven us right to the top of this rock in his 4WD. The views were stunning and we even discovered a rather rare wild Dragon Orchid growing quite happily in the undergrowth.
All the roads in the area are good, well graded gravel, but the nearest shops – and petrol – are all a LONG way away, so come prepared!
I would say we were roughly 500 kms east of Perth.
Western Australia's other Wave Rock belongs to the following groups:
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DonDavisUK
Hi Peter, this rock structure looking just like a surfers perfect wave is so amazing. Well captured mate, and really interesting write-up too. An instant FAV for me. Regards, Don.
georgieboy98 replied
Hi Don. Why aren’t you at work?? LOL Thanks for the great comments mate and also the fave. It is WAY off the beaten track and we were the only ones there, despite it being the height of the wildflower season. Thanks for all the other visits but do you mind if I answer them tomorrow as I have to log out now and get some domestic chores done. All the best, Peter
Adrian Paul
Wow! Great image Peter – I’ve never heard of this place before.
georgieboy98 replied
Thanks Adrian. Neither had we yet when I came to check the maps there are several large rocks shown in that area. It definitely bears further investigation. Regards, Peter.
Bev Woodman
Great shot Peter – this is on my ‘must visit’ lists.
georgieboy98 replied
Hi Bev and very many thanks. We would like to do it again sometime, for sure. The wildflowers are just wonderful and I’ll post a couple of mouth watering tempters in a day or so! Meantime you can see a small carpet of white ones around the base of the trees. LOL Peter
Elaine Teague
Very interesting Peter, the write up and the photo. Great shot too. Another place for the list.
georgieboy98 replied
Thanks very much Elaine and it’s always good to have a visit from you. You can actually drive to the very top of this rock (you need to have a 4WD though) A fascinating place. Peter
DonDavisUK
Ha Ha Peter, and domestic chores, somehow I cannot imagine you in a pinnie:
) LOL> Only kidding, I do them all the time. I clear the table so the wife can wash up, I take the washing down so that the wife can wash and iron them, and I even carry the vegetables in so the wife can chop them up for dinner. Domestic chores are really hard:)georgieboy98 replied
Sounds very much as though YOU have to do all the hard work. I WAS going to say the donkey work but decided it wasn’t really in keeping with a person in your position!! LOL
Tainia Finlay
LOL Laughing at you & Don with your domestic chores Peter :D
I have been to the other wave rock and didn’t know this one existed! I imagine many will make their way there now with your fabulous image & fascinating description! Nice work, Hugs, Tai
georgieboy98 replied
Hi Tainia and very many thanks. It’s quite amazing how few people DO know of this rock yet it is one of several in the area and all are clearly marked on the average road map. We only found it by chance. Hugs, Peter
AndyReeve
Brill pic Peter and must make it to Oz one day. Hmmm – chores. I live on my own so I cop for the lot. LOL. One trick which I think Bev will find unacceptable – hang all clothes up for long enough and the creases drop out. QED
georgieboy98 replied
Great Andy. Thanks mate – also for the tip about the clothes! LOL Peter
Evita
What a fabulous rock formation!!! excellent capture Peter !!! :D
A definately must see …..
georgieboy98 replied
Hi Evita. Thanks very much for the lovely comment and also for the fave. This is a great place to just wander around. Peter
AnnDixon
Fabulous shot, the markings are amazing, well taken Peter, xx
georgieboy98 replied
Many thanks Ann. You have probably seen many photos of our true Wave Rock – I posted one or two when I was with Webshots and have uploaded a couple to RB in recent times.
Sue Buckingham
Wow! You find the most amazing places Peter… fantastic shot xx
georgieboy98 replied
Hi Sue and very many thanks for the visit and kind comment. From where you park the car to where I was standing for this shot is a short, level walk of about 50 metres. You can drive all the way round and there are many places where you can pull in and take a short stroll. But it IS quite a way off the main drag! Are you back from Queensland now? Peter
Sue Buckingham
I was back for a few days but now I’m in Adelaide for a week… should be my last trip for a while now though… oh dear, I probably shouldnt have said that!!! LOL xx
Wayne Holman
I’m always amazed when I see places like this in Oz, Mount Connor, Uluru and Kata Tjuta for example. Nowhere else in the world do see such formations and they are always awe inspiring. I did hear that the Bungle Bungles in the Purnululu Nat Pk were only ” discovered ” in 1983 by a film crew (”,) Great image Peter = )
georgieboy98 replied
We felt rather like explorers on this trip. Once we left our cottage in the morning we didn’t see a soul for the rest of the day until we returned in the evening. It’s another world, for sure. Thanks for the visit mate. Peter
Marilyn Harris
Will definitely have to add this on our list of places to visit next time we’re in WA! Fabulous image Peter and great info! Thanks! :o)
georgieboy98 replied
Thanks Marilyn. Trouble with this area is that it’s not the sort of place you happen to just drive through – you have to be actually going there! So pick a good wildflower year and you’ll have a ball. Peter
danita clark
What a shot , that is amazing
georgieboy98 replied
Great to hear from you again Danita and very many thanks. My apologies for taking so long to reply. Take care. Peter
CathyJones
OMG! The rock formation is just incredible! Wonderful image Peter :) Cathy
georgieboy98 replied
Thanks very much Cathy, both for the lovely words and also for the fave. This is not as impressive as Wave Rock itself, which is about 400 kms to the south, but you can be assured of having the area virtually to yourself and also of knowing that you are at a place that is undiscovered by the vast majority of West Aussies. I uploaded another view – which I personally prefer – taken towards the end of this rock. I’ll send it to you in a couple of minutes. Take care, Peter
georgieboy98
Hi again Cathy. Here is the other view. I would be interested to know which of the two you prefer. Peter
Grant Scollay
Hi Peter I have a close friend who grew up in the area and has promised us a camping trip there this September . There are quite a few Rocks in the district one which is a bit closer is Kokerbin Rock just South of Kellerberin also a great weekend destination in the spring
georgieboy98 replied
Hi Grant. You’ll enjoy it, I’m sure and there should still be a fair few wildflowers out as a bonus. Another nearby rock is Berringbooding on which is one of the largest man made water catchment areas in WA. There is a camping area at the back of Elachbutting and I read the other day that the shire has just erected a toilet block there. As you say there are other large rocks in the area and all are well worth seeing.
Best wishes,
Peter