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Hippo’s Yawn, Hyden Hippo’s Yawn, Hyden

Bush Walk  in Golden Outback

  • Less than 1 hour
  • 1.7 km
    • Bush Walk Grade 1

      No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5km.

This trail starts at the main path to the base of Wave Rock then branches left. It goes through casuarina trees on one side and the rock outcrop that Wave Rock is but a small part of. The trail ends at Hippo’s Yawn, a large gaping mouthed shallow cave. It’s a flat easy 1030 metre trail that loops back 680 metres to the car park.

Hippos Yawn 1 Tourismwa
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The end point of this easily followed and marked trail is Hippo's Yawn. The shallow cave is about 13 metres tall at its mouth and looks like the name suggests. Although a worthy attraction in itself, the loop walk is particuarly interesting for wildflower enthusiasts.

Take a stroll in late winter or spring and play close attention to ground level. Look carefully and you will spot patches of tiny ground orchids. Some are very hard to spot such as greenhoods, unlike the more showy spider orchids. Then go to the visitors centre and see if you can spot your orchid on the chart. It's a lot of fun and challenging for the kids.  

Shire of Kondinin

(08) 9889 1006

Wave Rock Tourist Information Centre

08 9880 5182

Other Links

Be trail ready for Hippo’s Yawn, Hyden

Here is everything you need to know before visiting this trail.

Time / Duration

30 to 40 minutes

Length

1.7km loop

What To Pack

Group B (Bushwalks and/or longer trails) required.

Trail Start

Wave Rock carpark, 3km from Hyden, 334km (3.5 hours) east of Perth

Get directions

Trail End

Bush Walk

Grade 1

No bushwalking experience required. Flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. Suitable for wheelchair users who have someone to assist them. Walks no greater than 5km.

Visit Trail Tips for further information.

Facilities

Camping, caravan sites and cabins at Wave Rock
  • Bicycles Prohibited
  • Cafe
  • Camping
  • Car Park
  • Dog Friendly
  • Interpretive Centre
  • Kiosk
  • Lookouts
  • Picnic Area
  • Shaded Area
  • Shop
  • Visitor Information Centre

Best time of year

August, September, October

Fees

Entry fee per car

Trail Access

Drive or fly to Hyden. 2WD accessible.

More tips for being Trail Ready
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Complete Hippo’s Yawn, Hyden to earn badges and points!

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Wildflower Wanderer

Earn the Wildflower Wanderer badge when you complete this trail.

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1 trail goers have rated Hippo’s Yawn, Hyden as 4 out of 5!

We love to hear from people who've been on our Western Australian trails, so it would be most appreciated it if you wanted to leave a review.

Chelle Fisher

Reviewed 6 Jun 2022, 7:27pm

Another of Hydens iconic attractions, so special.

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Trails are free and bring so many benefits to our community by providing opportunities to have fun, get fit, socialise, explore and challenge yourself. But they also have to be managed and maintained which only is made possible through terrific sponsors, donations and/or volunteering.

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