Located 48 kms west of Cue, Walga Rock is definitely a worthwhile day trip when in this area. At 50 metres high, 1.5 kms long, and approximately 5 kms around the base, its reportedly the 8th in size of the monoliths in Australia. In case you’re not familiar with what a monolith is, its basically one very big rock. I’ve heard conflicting reports on where this one is in the order of size, including one local report that claims it’s second to Uluru – but research indicates 8th is nearer to the truth. The rock itself is impressive as you approach it, and there’s a track that runs around it’s base, and it’s definitely worth the drive around to see it from all angles. I believe it’s relatively easy to climb too, but I can’t vouch for that.

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As you approach the rock you’ll notice a high but shallow cave.

Inside the cave is a very impressive collection of early Aboriginal art, making the site of deep cultural and spiritual significance to the local indigenous people. The gallery, painted with ochre, is predominantly motifs that are non-figurative. One outstanding sketch stands out:

The ship shows two masts, rat lines, rigging, and square portholes in the hull, and is believed to depict one of the Dutch ships that would have visited the coast in the 17th century. However the site of the cave is more 300kms inland which raises questions as to whether or not the artist could perhaps have been a sailor from one of the ships. I guess we’ll never know.

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Its amazing the things you find when you stop over in some of Australia’s small towns. Walga Rock was definitely worthwhile stopping over to see.