December 2018 – The Hidden Panorama

Natural Wonders : The Pinnacle Desert

Natural Wonders (Post#8) : The Pinnacle Desert

Photos of the day are all about the Pinnacle Desert. The desert can be found within Nambung National Park that showcases remarkable limestone formations spread all over an area of 190 hectares. It has over thousands of weathered limestone where some of its tallest reacheds 3.5 metres above the yellow sand base. The Pinnacles became known to Australia when the area became a reserved area in 1967 and from there combine to other two reserves to form Nambung National Park. These photos are part of Yanchep National Park, The Pinnacles and Lancelin Beach Trip October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : desert, The Pinnacles Desert, Nambung National Park
Location : Pinnacles Dr, Cervantes WA 6511, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Pinnacles Dr, Cervantes WA 6511, Australia or
3. Take bus from Wellington St Forrest Place R10 / Y14 (in Perth) then transfer to Cervantes Post Office to take taxi and drop-off at The Pinnacles Desert or
4. Take bus from Wellington St Forrest Place R10 / Y14 (in Perth) then transfer at Vins Wy Lancelin and take taxi to The Pinnacles Desert
Official Website : The Pinnacles Desert

Panoramic View : Lancelin Coast

Panoramic View (Post#41) : Lancelin Coast

Photos of the day are all about a part of the small fishing and tourism town named Lancelin which can be found more than 75 kms north of Yanchep Nationals Park. We went to this town to have our lunch at Kerfuflle By The Jetty (just permanently closed last July 2017) and to enjoy a bit of the beauty of the scenic coast with beautiful turquoise water. The town is famous for its sand dunes where 4WD and sandboarding activities are popular. And honestly, I love the beach. These photos are part of Yanchep National Park, The Pinnacles and Lancelin Beach Trip October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : beach, jetty, coast, Lancelin Jetty, Lancelin,
Location : Lancelin WA 6044, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Lancelin WA 6044, Australia or
3. Take bus from Wellington Street Forrest Place (in Perth) and drop-off at Lancelin YHA or
4. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then transfer to Jundaloop Station and take bus to Geraldton, and drop-off at Vins Wy Lancelin or
5. Take Integrity Bus to Broome and get off at Lancelin YHA
Official Website : Lancelin

Yanchep National Park – One of the Oldest Park in Western Australia

That day was quite a gloomy day because it was raining early morning in Perth, but since the tour was a confirmed one, even there was drizzling, I booked an Uber so I can reached the pick-up location which is at the front of Perth City YHA hostel in Wellington Street. At first, I thought that I have to check and asked hostel lobby about the tour, but after I inquired inside, they told me that the pickup was just outside of the hostel. I went outside and had uncertainty about the tour though I was in correct pickup location. I felt that way because I did not see signs such as bus tour or even tour guide nearby. I decided to wait.

There was a car arrived at the parking area of the hostel just beside of the building. Then, a woman came in and then, went out and asked my name. Then, I realized that I was talking to the operator of the tour. She introduced herself to me and her name is Patricia. She explained to me the situation of the tour and told me that she decided to push the tour instead of canceling it, even she just had two visitors for the tour. She told me that there was another guest and we waited a bit inside her car.

The second guest arrived and we were introduced to each other. I forgot her name but I recall she is a Singaporean doing solo travel like myself. After few more minutes passed, when Patricia was ready, we started moving towards the first destination. While we were on the road, I was hoping it’s not raining on places that we will visit that day.

If the first tour that I joined headed south of Perth and the second tour was headed east of Perth, this time, the tour headed north of Perth.

We took Mitchell Freeway, Hester Avenue and Wanneroo Road to reach Yanchep National Park. We parked properly and then walked inside the park. While inside, we went straight towards the Koala Board Walk, where we discussed about Koalas. Patricia mentioned that Koalas was not native animals in Western Australia due to mostly dried weather of the states. And while walking on the board, we found some of Koalas resting in the tree branches. I was able to see again the sleepy head Koala Bears. Even though I had seen Koalas for a couple of times while traveling around Australia, it still great to see them again and again specially if they were sleeping in the tree.

Koalas Board Walk

Some Koalas in the trees

After enjoying Koalas, we explored the park and our tour guide discussed some of the wildflowers and we looked for them, and we found some immediately which just visible at the ground. The first batch of wildflowers that we had seen were : Weeping Bottlebrush and Red-and-Green Kangaroo Paw.

Weeping Bottlebrush / Creek Bottlebrush (Melaleuca Viminalis / Callistemon Viminalis)

Red-and-Green Kangaroo Paw, Mangles Kangaroo Paw or Kurulbrang (Anigozanthos Manglesii)

Our walks continued in Yanchep National Park. While walking casually, the next thing we found was great moment for me. We saw a mother and child western grey kangaroos which I dreamed to see by my naked eyes. Same with Koalas, seeing Roos became a pretty common for me. What’s special about these kangaroos? I wanted to see a mother kangaroo and its young ones called joeys inside the special pouch called marsupium. And that day, I was lucky to see one and able to capture it with my camera.

Female kangaroo carrying joey inside its marsupium (special pouch)

So far for me, the day was nice and great, some wishes that I had has been accomplished. Then, we walked towards Crystal Cave which located at the underground of the national park.

Crystal Cave

When we reached the location of Crystal Cave, there was couple already waiting on the entrance shed. At first, I was wondering where was the entrance of the cave, then I just realized that since its underground cave, the path to the cave is not pretty obvious. While waiting, I read some information displayed in the waiting shed.

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We waited for few more minutes inside the shed. Then, the cave tour guide and other tourist came out from the ground. Then, he counted the waiting visitors which means that the tour session is open for limited numbers at a time.

We entered the cave through passing a restricted fence and we stepped down the stairs. The moment we were down, I felt the cold weather that circulates at the underground cave.

The first scenery that greeted us the moment we stepped down the stairs from the entrance.

Here we first stopped for a moment while our cave tour guide explaining about the cave. Here, it was mentioned that Henry White whom the first entered the cave in 1903. Then, we took a few steps stairs towards the one of cave chamber.

Water drips from the cave roof to the ground

Chamber where it was emphasized to us some of the formations that can be found in the cave. It was also mentioned here the fauna that lives here. And one of them is stygofauna.

Stalactites

Stygofauna

Stalactites

Stalagmites

Stalactites

Columns (with our cave tour guide)

A sample of water dripping that forms stalactites and the water formed in the ground will result to stalagmites. But these formations cannot be seen immediately at it requires hundred years or more to have even an inch of stalactite or stalagmite.

Some columns

Stalactites

Flowstone

Stalactites and Shawls

Stalactites and Columns

Flowstone

Stalactites

Stalactites with Shawls

Shawls

Flowstone

Stalactites

Stalactites with Shawls

Columns

Flowstones with Stalactites

Stalactites, Stalagmites and Columns

Flowstones, Columns, Shawls, Stalactites and Stalagmites

Columns, Stalactites and Stalagmites

Fossils

Crystal Cave Photos

After exploring Crystal Cave, before we leave the park, we did a bush walking to see and discover the second batch of wildflowers exists in Yanchep National Park. The following wildflowers found were : One-Leaf Cape Tulip, Bristly Cottonhead, Showy Eremophila, Parrot Bush, Common Smokebush, Milkmaid, One-sided Bottlebrush, Posy Trigger-Plant, Yellow Buttercup, Showy Dryandra, Flame Pea, and Cape Marigold.

One-Leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea Flaccida)

Bristly Cottonhead (Conostylis Setigera)

Showy Eremophila (Eremophila Racemosa)

Parrot Bush (Banksia Sessilis)

Common Smokebush (conospermum stoechadis)

Milkmaid (Burchardia congesta)

One-sided bottlebrush – (Calothamnus quadrifidus)

Posy Trigger-Plant (Stylidium crossocephalum)

Yellow Buttercup (hibbertia hypercoides)

Showy Dryandra (Dryandra formosa)

Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum)

Arctotheca calendula capeweed, plain treasureflower, cape dandelion, or cape marigold

Other unidentified wildflowers

One more thing that I was fascinated while inside Yanchep National Park, they call it Grass Trees. Literally, they look like just normal grass from the ground at the start but they grow tall as trees.

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Grass Trees

Before leaving the national park and before the heavy rain fell, I had a chance to enjoy the Yanchep Lake which also called as Loch Mcness.

Loch McNess

That’s how we enjoyed the exploration of Yanchep National Park. Until then.

Notes :
1. Plan to visit Yanchep National Park ? Please check latest information here.
2. Location : Yanchep WA 6035, Australia
3. Directions to the town of Hyden:
Transportation :
a. Join Day Tours from Perth or
b. Drive towards Yanchep WA 6035, Australia or
c. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then get off at Butler Station and take taxi to Yanchep National Park or
d. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then transfer to Butler Station and take bus to Marmion Avenue After Revolution Avenue, and take taxi to Yanchep National Park
Official Website : Yanchep National Park

Bloom : Wildflowers at Yanchep National Park

Bloom (Post#2) : Wildflowers at Yanchep National Park

Photos of the day are all about wildflowers that we found while strolling around Yanchep National Park. And it was amazing to see some unique flowers that were just popping out of nowhere. Some of the wildflowers that I were able to capture are: Weeping Bottlebrush, Red-and-Green Kangaroo Paw, One-Leaf Cape Tulip, Bristly Cottonhead, Showy Eremophila, Parrot Bush, Common Smokebush, Milkmaid, One-sided Bottlebrush, Posy Trigger-Plant, Yellow Buttercup, Showy Dryandra, Flame Pea, and Cape Marigold. These photos are part of Yanchep National Park, The Pinnacles and Lancelin Beach Trip October 2016.

Weeping Bottlebrush / Creek Bottlebrush (Melaleuca Viminalis / Callistemon Viminalis)

Red-and-Green Kangaroo Paw, Mangles Kangaroo Paw or Kurulbrang (Anigozanthos Manglesii)

One-Leaf Cape Tulip (Moraea Flaccida)

Bristly Cottonhead (Conostylis Setigera)

Showy Eremophila (Eremophila Racemosa)

Parrot Bush (Banksia Sessilis)

Common Smokebush (conospermum stoechadis)

Milkmaid (Burchardia congesta)

One-sided bottlebrush – (Calothamnus quadrifidus)

Posy Trigger-Plant (Stylidium crossocephalum)

Yellow Buttercup (hibbertia hypercoides)

Showy Dryandra (Dryandra formosa)

Flame Pea (Chorizema cordatum)

Arctotheca calendula capeweed, plain treasureflower, cape dandelion, or cape marigold

Notes :
Photo : wildflowers, Weeping Bottlebrush, Red-and-Green Kangaroo Paw, One-Leaf Cape Tulip, Bristly Cottonhead, Showy Eremophila, Parrot Bush, Common Smokebush, Milkmaid, One-sided Bottlebrush, Posy Trigger-Plant, Yellow Buttercup, Showy Dryandra, Flame Pea, and Cape Marigold
Location : Yanchep WA 6035, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Yanchep WA 6035, Australia or
3. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then get off at Butler Station and take taxi to Yanchep National Park or
4. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then transfer to Butler Station and take bus to Marmion Avenue After Revolution Avenue, and take taxi to Yanchep National Park
Official Website : Yanchep National Park

Name Of The Place : Crystal Cave (Yanchep National Park)

Name Of The Place (Post#59) : Crystal Cave (Yanchep National Park)

Photo of the day is about the name of Crystal Cave inside Yanchep National Park. It is one of the cave that exist in the park that can be enjoyed and one of the beautiful caves to appreciate crystals and other cave formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, columns, shawls and flowstones. Other cave life forms are also emphasize, a worthy cave to explore. The photo is part of Yanchep National Park, The Pinnacles and Lancelin Beach Trip October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : Name of the Place, Crystal Cave
Location : Yanchep WA 6035, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Yanchep WA 6035, Australia or
3. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then get off at Butler Station and take taxi to Yanchep National Park or
4. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then transfer to Butler Station and take bus to Marmion Avenue After Revolution Avenue, and take taxi to Yanchep National Park
Official Website : Yanchep National Park

Life Of Others : Western Grey Kangaroo

Life Of Others (Post#25) : Western Grey Kangaroo

Photos of the day are all about Western Grey Kangaroo. This type of kangaroo are common all over the country and also known as black-faced kangaroo, mallee kangaroo, and sooty kangaroo. I had seen kangaroo many times but the one thing that I was looking for was a kangaroo having its baby in its pouch and to my surprise my wish came true that day when I was able to capture these creatures in a settings thats back of my mind. These photos are part of Yanchep National Park, The Pinnacles and Lancelin Beach Trip October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : animals, kangaroo, western grey kangaroo
Location : Yanchep WA 6035, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Yanchep WA 6035, Australia or
3. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then get off at Butler Station and take taxi to Yanchep National Park or
4. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then transfer to Butler Station and take bus to Marmion Avenue After Revolution Avenue, and take taxi to Yanchep National Park
Official Website : Yanchep National Park

Life Of Others : Koalas

Life Of Others (Post#24) : Koalas

Photos of the day are all about Koalas. While walking in Koala Board Walk inside Yanchep National Park, we saw different Koalas resting at the tree branches and some kind of lazy creatures while in the tree. Koalas are not native animals in Western Australia but in national park where care exist, these creatures are able to live in their habitat similar to eastern side. These photos are part of Yanchep National Park, The Pinnacles and Lancelin Beach Trip October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : animals, koalas, mammals, marsupials
Location : Yanchep WA 6035, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Yanchep WA 6035, Australia or
3. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then get off at Butler Station and take taxi to Yanchep National Park or
4. Take train (Joondalup Line) from Perth Underground Station, then transfer to Butler Station and take bus to Marmion Avenue After Revolution Avenue, and take taxi to Yanchep National Park
Official Website : Yanchep National Park

Where to go in Wheatbelt Region?

It was another fulfilling journey that I had in my third day in Perth which was my second day tour. As I am searching what’s common to all towns that we visited in the tour that will describe most of the areas, I found the common thing that I can say about the towns of York, Quaraiding, Corrigin and Hyden. I learned that all of the towns are belong in one region named Wheatbelt Region. It is one of the major regions in Western Australia that most of its land area are focused in agriculture.

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Perth Convention Exhibition Centre

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Perth Arena

From my hotel in Perth, I was picked-up by big tour bus, which I thought after I jumping into it and after picking up other passengers, we will be driving straight to the tour, but our bus dropped off us at Perth Convention Exhibition Centre, which for me a few minutes opportunity to see the other parts of Perth. The location became the hub of all the tourist that will join tours for that day in the same company tour. And its a good strategy as all their tourist, whichever tour they will join, just need to switch to another bus that assigned for the right tour and voila, all where picked-up in one place before heading to the tour. Therefore, after I went outside the bus that picked me up in the hotel, I checked which bus will go to my tour which not hard to see and we just queued for few minutes. Then, our tour guide calls the name on his list and when my name was called, I jumped into the bus, the bus that will bring me to my next travel tour in Wave Rock located in Hyden.

Windan Bridge and Swan River

Windan Bridge and Optus Stadium

From Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre, we took Graham Farmer Freeway, Windan Bridge, Great Eastern Highway Bypass, Great Eastern Highway and Great Southern Highway to reach York.

Our driver and tour guide, while we took Graham Farmer Freeway or Northbridge Tunnel just mentioned that tunnel itself has town above it, which an amazing information that was given to us that time. Well it was not surprising anymore that around the world, the tunnels in the metro or the city has buildings and establishments above it.

1. York

First inland town in the state of Western Australia found near the Avon River and part of Avon Valley. This town is full of historical and heritage buildings along Avon Terrace. Stopping here is a worth thing to do and will not regret visiting the historical town.

York Town Hall

After stopping at York, the tour continues. And we had few stops between York and Hyden for some unique tourist spots and discovered things along the way.

2. Quaraiding

Quaraiding is a farming community which can be found along York-Quaraiding Road which both sides offers beautiful green scenery. The name Quairading, is derived from the Aboriginal word ‘Kwirading’ meaning the home of a small bush kangaroo.

Rabbit-Proof Fence (State Barrier Fence of Western Australia) – World’s Longest Fence

3. Corrigin

Corrigin is widely known as a ‘Town of Windmills’ due to the abundant supply of ground water. Almost every home had a windmill until 1960 when the town was supplied with scheme water. Like Quaraiding, the community is also located at the central Wheatbelt region.

After a quick stop at Quaraidang, we returned to the bus and we were back in the road. When we were at Corrigin-Quaraiding Road, we turned left to Brookton-Corrigin Road, and stopped along that road near Jose Road where saw a unique and interesting cemetery.

Corrigin Dog Cemetery

4. Hyden

The last town that we had visited was Hyden, the home of major tourist spots such as Hippo’s Yawn, Wave Rock and Mulka’s Cave. This town in Wheatbelt Region enjoys the visits of more than hundred visitors every year. The town has been part of ancient river system that exist in Western Australia where its visible remnants are the salt lakes astray in the town.

a. Hippo’s Yawn

b. Wildflower Shoppe Cafe

c. Wave Rock Wildlife Park

d. Hyden Rock

e. Wave Rock

f. The Humps and Mulka’s Cave

Hyden – Home of Spectacular Wave Rock

When we reached Hyden, the town where the famous Wave Rock and other tourist spots such as Hippo’s Yawn and Mulka’s Cave are located, my excitement heightened. Because of the same interesting tourist spots, the town became famous to visitors and guests, and being enjoyed with over hundred fifty thousand visitors every year.

Hippo’s Yawn

Our first stop in Hyden was not far from Wave Rock. We stopped here to have a quick look of the famous rock called Hippo’s Yawn which said to be connected to Wave Rock. Many visitors are curious to see the rock as it is one of the tourist spot to enjoy in the area and a great place for photo souvenir. The name of the rock derived as it is because the rock shape shows its resemblance to the yawning hippopotamus.

Hippo’s Yawn

After a short visit at Hippo’s Yawn, the next destination of our group was for our lunch. We arrived at the Wildflower Shoppe and Wave Rock Cafe where it consist of many establishments inside of it, all of businesses inside are related to tourism. Its location is just at the other side of Wave Rock Road and incorporates the Wave Rock Visitor Centre, Cafe and Country Kitchen, Wildlife Park, Wildflower and Souvenir Shoppe, Lace Place, and Tours and Airport Booking Office.

Along Wave Rock Road

Wildflower Shoppe Cafe

Our group had pre booked lunch at Country Kitchen where we had a buffet lunch. During lunch, I was able to mingle with other tourists. When I was done with my lunch, I explored the place and found lots of interesting stuff inside it. The shops inside sells different kinds of unique things as souvenirs and gifts.

Model T Ford (1919)

One of the noticeable displays seen inside the Wildflower Shoppe & Wave Rock Cafe is a vintage car that is Model T Ford (1919). The classic vehicle became a great spot for visitors photo souvenir shot where I had one for myself.

Model T Ford (1919)

Wave Rock Wildlife Park

The entrance of Wave Rock Wildlife Park is in Wildflower Shoppe, I explored it after lunch time. I thought its just like a mini-zoo, but the park is three hectares of natural bush land which nice haven for the native and exotic animals. During the visit, I found an interesting creatures that I haven’t seen by my naked eyes before.

At the Entrance to the Wildlife Park

Bobtail Lizard (Tiliqua rugosa)

I found a little creature called bobtail lizard, while exploring the park and it’s not inside of any fence. I had a chance to see it up close and its like wildlife animal enjoying its freedom. This Tiliqua rugosa which is another name of it is also known as shinglebacks, stumpy tails, pinecone lizards and boggi.

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Bobtail Lizard

Some of the animals that I was able to capture with my camera in Wildlife Park were black swan, sulphur-crested cockatoos and wombat.

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Black Swan

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Sulphur-crested Cockatoos

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Wombat

Hyden Rock

After visiting the Wildlife Park, we returned to our bus to visit Hyden Rock where the Wave Rock can be found. The drive towards the rock was just few minutes from Wildflower Shoppe since it’s just around the corner. We reached the parking lot and then we walked towards Hyden Rock. I was really excited at that time because I knew for myself that in few minutes I will be able to reach and see the main feature of the tour which is the Wave Rock. During the visit in the area, I was able to do Wave Rock Walk and Hyden Rock Walk.

At Parking

Wave Rock Walk

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Information Board

Looking towards the parking

Looking towards the Wave Rock

Wave Rock

The Wave Rock Walk starts from the parking lot up to the Wave Rock itself. Wave Rock is a natural rock formation, a granite cliff with 15 meters high and 110 meters longs with a shape of tall breaking ocean wave. Its shaped has been caused by weathering and water erosion which have undercut the base and left the rounded overhang. It has cultural significance to one of the aboriginal people called Ballardong, and they believed to be created by rainbow serpent (often seen as creator god in aboriginal religions in Australia) when it dragged its swollen body after consuming all the water in the land.

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Wave Rock

After enjoying the Wave Rock, I had a chance to trek the Hyden Rock following the Hyden Rock Walking Trail which gave me a chance to see more about the rock and its surrounding areas from the top. I enjoyed my time and took a lot of photos including the Lake Magic from a distance and other chain of salt lakes.

Hyden Rock Walk

Walking Trail Towards the top of Hyden Rock

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Hyden Dam – are now used as backup to the town water supply

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Chain of salt lakes

Lake Magic and The Humps

Some information learned about the said lake are its clear salty water and the its base is made of gypsum which also used as fertilizer. The lake is just 1 km distance from Wave Rock.

From a distance, I had seen what they used to call The Humps where Mulka’s Cave can be found and also features walking trails similar to Hyden Rock.

Lake Magic (at the middle) and The Humps (hill from a distance)

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Some parts of Hyden Rocks

Low stone walls above Hyden Rock was built in 1928 to channel water to Hyden Dam, up on the outcrop.

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Catchment Walls

Farms

The Humps and Mulka’s Cave

After spending time in Wave Rock, the next destination we visited is what they call “The Humps” which is another similar large granite outcrops exist just 16km distance. It is the location where Mulka’s Cave is located. And the details of the legend of Mulka are displayed.

Old Salmon Gums

The Legend of Mulka

The legend of Mulka has major regional importance. Different aspects focus on different parts of Noongar culture, but the story that follows contains the key elements of the myth:

Mulka was the fruit of love between man and woman with forbidden marriage. He was born with crossed eyes that hinders him to become successful hunter. Because of this, he turned to eat children that caused his community to condemn him. Then, he lived in Mulka’s Cave. He even killed his own mother whom really worried about him. Aboriginal people hunt him down until he was caught in Dumbleyung. They left his body for the ants – a punishment for those who break the law.

“Mulka was the illegitimate son of a woman who fell in love with a man to whom marriage was forbidden. As a result, Mulka was born with crossed eyes. Even though he grew-up to be outstanding man of colossal height, his crossed eyes prevented him from aiming a spear accurately and becoming a successful hunter.

Out of frustration Mulka turned to catching and eating human children, and he became the terror of the district. He lived in Mulka’s Cave, where the impressions of his hands can still be seen much higher than those of an ordinary man.

His mother became increasingly concerned with Mulka, and when she scolded him for his anti-social behaviour, he turned on his own mother and killed her. This disgraced him even more and he fled the cave, heading south.

Aboriginal people were outraged by Mulka’s behaviour and set out to track down the man who had flouted all the rules. They finally caught him near Dumbleyung, 156 km south west of Hyden. Becaue he did not deserve a proper ritual burial, they left his body for the ants – a grim warning to those who break the law”

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Mulka’s Cave

To Mulka’s Cave

Mulka’s Cave

The Art Work of Mulka’s Cave

Below are the excerpt that I got from the information board that I had chance to capture.

Mulka’s Cave contains the largest collection of Aboriginal paintings in the south-west of Western Australia. Hand stencils and other motifs occur quite commonly in the region, but while most other sites have fewer than 20 there are over 450 at Mulka’s Cave. This is a clear indication of the significance of the site and the associated myths that connect the areas from the desert of the coast.

Most of the artwork takes the form of hand stencils. These are made by placing the hand on the rock then blowing over with pigment. When the hand is removed a negative impression remains. The reason for making hand stencils are many, but principally they are a form of signature left by those who had rights to an area.

When the cave was studied through mapping and recording, they were able to summarize the result:

A Summary Of The Artwork In The Cave

1. Total of 452 motifs were recorded – front chamber has 131, main chamber has 318 and rear shelter has 3

2. Eighteen distinct motif types plotted, 69% of total (313 in all)

3. Solid sprayed areas are another feature, while other motifs are small simple graphics.

4. Left hand outnumbered right hand with a ration of 3:2

5. Four different techniques were recorded, with stenciling dominating (86%)

6. Printing for 8%, painting for 5%, and drawing for 1%

7. Seven colors were recorded, purple-red for 50%, white for 25%, orange-red for 10% and the remaining being divided between brown red , yellow, cream and orange.

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The Art Work of Mulka’s Cave

Before we finally return to Perth, along Lovering Road near Lake Gounter Nature Reserve before reaching the town center of Hyden we did stop along the way to checkout some wildflowers which only blossom during spring season. And there we found lots of pigface flowers or carpobrotus. The other name used for this flower are ice plant, sour fig, and hottentot fig.

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Pigface (Carpobrotus)

Spending time in Hyden for me was a well worth one. There are other places that I haven’t seen due to time limit that we had. I suggest to spend at least whole day in the town to appreciate it more.

Until then.

Notes :
1. Plan to visit Hyden ? Please check latest information here.
2. Location : Hyden, Western Australia, Australia
3. Directions to the town of Hyden:
Transportation :
a. Join Day Tours from Perth or
b. Drive towards Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official Website : Hyden , Wave Rock

Bloom : Pigface (Carpobrotus)

Bloom (Post#1) : Pigface (Carpobrotus)

Photos of the day are all about pigface flower or simply carpobrotus. After leaving Mulka’s Cave, we stopped along the road and found these flowers near Lake Gounter Nature Reserve. This is one of the wildflower that can be found in the area during spring season. These photos are part of Wheatbelt Region Tour October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : flowers, pigface flowers, spring time flowers, carpobrotus, ice plant, sour fig, hottentot fig.
Location : Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official Website : Wave Rock Wildflower

Featuring Our World : Hyden Rock

Featuring Our World (Post#21) : Hyden Rock

Photos of the day are all about Hyden Rock where the famous Wave Rock can be found. Wave Rock is the main feature of Hyden Rock but one of the activity to appreciate Hyden Rock is to trek itself like climbing a hill. Well Hyden Rock is considered as hill. And when reaching the top, a beautiful scenery of landscapes that surrounds the rock can be seen. Lake Magic is one of the existing lakes that can be seen from the top. And the salt lakes remnants (seen as white areas in the photos) as the area were known to be part of ancient river system. Hyden Dam can also found within Hyden Rock and visible at the top of the rock where its water are collected during rainy season through catchment walls from the two main domes. These photos are part of Wheatbelt Region Tour October 2016.

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Hyden Dam

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Catchment Walls

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Chain of salt lakes (dried white land) and Lake Magic (largest lake in some photos)

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At the top of Hyden Rock and landscape scenery from it

Notes :
Photo : Hyden Rock Top Scenery, landscape
Location : Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official Website : Hyden Rock Walk

Arts and Craft : The Art Work of Mulka’s Cave

Arts and Craft (Post#25) : The Art Work of Mulka’s Cave

Photos of the day are all about “The Art Work of Mulka’s Cave”. Below are the excerpt that I got from the information board that I had chance to capture. These photos are part of Wheatbelt Region Tour October 2016.

Mulka’s Cave contains the largest collection of Aboriginal paintings in the south-west of Western Australia. Hand stencils and other motifs occur quite commonly in the region, but while most other sites have fewer than 20 there are over 450 at Mulka’s Cave. This is a clear indication of the significance of the site and the associated myths that connect the areas from the desert of the coast.

Most of the artwork takes the form of hand stencils. These are made by placing the hand on the rock then blowing over with pigment. When the hand is removed a negative impression remains. The reason for making hand stencils are many, but principally they are a form of signature left by those who had rights to an area.

When the cave was studied through mapping and recording, they were able to summarize the result:

A Summary Of The Artwork In The Cave

1. Total of 452 motifs were recorded – front chamber has 131, main chamber has 318 and rear shelter has 3

2. Eighteen distinct motif types plotted, 69% of total (313 in all)

3. Solid sprayed areas are another feature, while other motifs are small simple graphics.

4. Left hand outnumbered right hand with a ration of 3:2

5. Four different techniques were recorded, with stenciling dominating (86%)

6. Printing for 8%, painting for 5%, and drawing for 1%

7. Seven colors were recorded, purple-red for 50%, white for 25%, orange-red for 10% and the remaining being divided between brown red , yellow, cream and orange.

Notes :
Photo : arts, craft, aborignal arts, stencil arts, hand stencil arts, aboriginal paintings, The Art Work of Mulka’s Cave
Location : Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official Website : Wave Rock

Something To Look At : The Legend of Mulka

Something To Look At (Post#21) : The Legend of Mulka

Photo of the day is about “The Legend of Mulka”. Mulka was the fruit of love between man and woman with forbidden marriage. He was born with crossed eyes that hinders him to become successful hunter. Because of this, he turned to eat children that caused his community to condemn him. Then, he lived in Mulka’s Cave. He even killed his own mother whom really worried about him. Aboriginal people hunt him down until he was caught in Dumbleyung. They left his body for the ants – a punishment for those who break the law. The photo is part of Wheatbelt Region Tour October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : legend, story, The Legend of Mulka
Location : Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official Website : Wave Rock

Natural Wonders : Wave Rock

Natural Wonders (Post#7) : Wave Rock

Photos of the day are all about Wave Rock which is part of Hyden Rock. It is a natural rock formation, a granite cliff with 15 meters high and 110 meters longs with a shape of tall breaking ocean wave. Its shaped has been caused by weathering and water erosion which have undercut the base and left the rounded overhang. It has cultural significance to one of the aboriginal people called Ballardong. And believed to be created by rainbow serpent (often seen as creator god in aboriginal religions in Australia) when it dragged its swollen body after consuming all the water in the land. These photos are part of Wheatbelt Region Tour October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : rock, Wave Rock, Hyden Rock
Location : Wave Rock Rd, Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Wave Rock Rd, Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official Website : Wave Rock

View At My Window : Lake Magic

View At My Window (Post#42) : Lake Magic

Photo of the day is about Lake Magic which I only had a chance to see from a distance when I reached the top of the Wave Rock. Some information learned about the said lake are its clear salty water and the its base is made of gypsum which also used as fertilizer. The lake is just 1 km distance from Wave Rock. The photo is part of Wheatbelt Region Tour October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : lake, Lake Magic
Location : Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official Website : Wave Rock

Theme : Classic Car – Model T Ford (1919)

Theme (Post#20) : Classic Car – Model T Ford (1919)

Photos of the day are all about Model T Ford (1919) vintage car. This has been displayed inside the Wildflower Shoppe & Wave Rock Cafe. And this vintage car became a great spot for visitors photo souvenir shot. These photos are part of Wheatbelt Region Tour October 2016.

Notes :
Photo : car, vintage car, classic car, Model T Ford (1919)
Location : Wave Rock Rd, Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Transportation :
1. Join Day Tours from Perth or
2. Drive towards Wave Rock Rd, Hyden WA 6359, Australia
Official Website : Wave Rock