The Humps is a granite rock formation known as a "stepped

bornhardt A bornhardt () is a dome-shaped, steep-sided, bald rock outcropping at least in height and several hundred metres in width. They are named after Wilhelm Bornhardt (1864–1946), a German geologist and explorer of German East Africa, who first ...

inselberg An inselberg or monadnock () is an isolated rock hill, knob, ridge, or small mountain that rises abruptly from a gently sloping or virtually level surrounding plain. In Southern Africa a similar formation of granite is known as a koppie, a ...

". It is located within The Humps Nature Reserve approximately east of

Perth Perth is the capital and largest city of the Australian state of Western Australia. It is the fourth most populous city in Australia and Oceania, with a population of 2.1 million (80% of the state) living in Greater Perth in 2020. Perth is ...

and north east of Hyden in the eastern wheatbelt region of

Western Australia Western Australia (commonly abbreviated as WA) is a state of Australia occupying the western percent of the land area of Australia excluding external territories. It is bounded by the Indian Ocean to the north and west, the Southern Ocean to th ...

. Rising about above the surrounding plains, The Humps is one of numerous rock formations in the area. Approximately to its south is Hyden Rock whose northern side features the

Wave Rock Wave Rock ( nys, Katter Kich) is a natural rock formation that is shaped like a tall breaking Wind wave, ocean wave. The "wave" is about high and around long. It forms the north side of a solitary hill, which is known as "Hyden Rock". This ...

formation. Also in the area are Scrivener Rocks and Camel Peaks roughly west of The Humps, Anderson Rocks about north, and King Rocks approximately east of The Humps.

Mulka's Cave

On the north-eastern edge of The Humps is Mulka's Cave, also known as Bate's Cave. The cave contains

Aboriginal rock art Indigenous Australian art includes art made by Aboriginal Australian and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including collaborations with others. It includes works in a wide range of media including painting on leaves, bark painting, wood carvin ...

comprising over 450 hand prints and images. Most sites of Aboriginal art in the region contain fewer than 30 motifs. While visitation has damaged the site, mitigation strategies put into place appear to have arrested further damage. Mulka's Cave is protected under the Aboriginal Heritage Act. It is also both a Protected Area and listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Walks

The Humps Nature Reserve has two marked walking trails. Gnamma Trail is approximately long over flat terrain. In contrast, Kalari Trail is approximately long and ascends to the summit, and permits focus on the geology and vegetation along the way.

Reservoir

Water run-off from The Humps is directed into the

Hyden Humps Dam Hyden Humps Dam is situated at the southern base of The Humps, approximately north east of Hyden and north of Wave Rock. Water The dam is filled with rainwater runoff which is channeled off the Humps mountain. Characteristics The water sourc ...

reservoir. The reservoir is situated approximately south of The Humps.

References

{{Commons category-inline Rock formations of Western Australia Monoliths of Australia

Mulka's Cave

Walks

Reservoir

See also

References