Wave Rock Walk Circuit, Hyden

Kaarta Kitj (or Wave Rock) an it's surrounds is a culturally significant place for Noongar people because it is a Noongar keniny (dancing) place, and a known camping place along what was once a thriving trading route. Trade was an important part of Noongar lifestyle and was essential to maintaining the economic, social and cultural aspects of Noongar culture. 

Gnamma holes (or gnammas) 

Gnammas can be found in this area and are a feature of Aboriginal camping places in Western Australia, especially along trade routes. These holes are cavities found in hard rock surfaces or outcrops, especially granite. 

For Aboriginal people, gnammas were vital to survival and travel through the landscape. Water in these natural rock holes was carefully protected and maintained, particularly during hot summers and periods of drought. Some gnammas were covered with stone slabs or branches to reduce evaporation and prevent animals from fouling the water. Others were deepened or cleaned to improve their ability to store water after rain.

Many granite outcrops across the Great Southern and Wheatbelt regions contain networks of gnammas, often hidden among exposed rock surfaces and heathland vegetation. These ancient water sources provided reliable camping spots for travelling groups moving between country, and many remain culturally significant today.

The Milky Way is best seen when there is little or no moonlight and you are away from bright city lights. Look for a cloudy or dusty-looking band of light stretching across the night sky. This is the combined glow of billions of stars in our own galaxy.

In Western Australia, the bright core of the Milky Way is generally best viewed from autumn through spring. In early evening, it begins rising in the south-east during autumn, appears high overhead through winter and starts setting earlier in the west during spring.

For the best view, choose a clear night close to a new moon, allow your eyes 10 to 20 minutes to adjust to the dark and keep torchlight to a minimum. A red-light torch is best for protecting your night vision.