Hyden, Western Australia

The town of Hyden is located 292 kilometres (181 mi) east-southeast of Perth, Western Australia in the Shire of Kondinin. Hyden is home to Wave Rock, Mulka's Cave and Hippos Yawn, all popular local tourist attractions.

Hyden Western Australia
The Hyden Memorial Hall in 2020
Hyden
Coordinates	32.45°S 118.86°E / -32.45; 118.86
Population	377 (2016 census)[1]
Established	1932
Postcode(s)	6359
Elevation	305 m (1,001 ft)
Location	292 km (181 mi) ESE of Perth 56 km (35 mi) E of Kondinin 121 km (75 mi) SE of Merredin
LGA(s)	Shire of Kondinin
State electorate(s)	Wagin
Federal Division(s)	O'Connor

The traditional owners of the area are the Indigenous Australian group the Njakinjaki peoples who have inhabited the region for thousands of years. The many granite outcrops, land formations, waterways as well as flora and fauna are still culturally significant to them.[2]

Sandalwood cutters were thought to be the earliest European visitors in the area.[3]

The land in the surrounding area was opened up for agriculture in the 1920s. A railway was built between Kondinin and Hyden Rock in 1930. The townsite was gazetted in 1932 following demand for land around the railway terminus.[4]

The first wheat crop was harvested in Hyden in 1927.[5]

The Hyden Progress Association was established prior to 1931 when the town was home to about 100 settlers. In 1931 the town had another large wheat crop which was transported from the railway terminus at Lake Grace. The town was being surveyed and already had an oil depot, tea rooms and an agency with a store being constructed. A large catchment of water had also been built at Hyden Rock.[6]

By 1933 the railway line from Lake Grace to Hyden was also completed.[7]

Also in 1933 the Progress Association built a pavilion at the existing sports ground and plans were made to construct a town hall.[8] The hall was completed prior to 1935.[9]

The town's economy continues to rely on agriculture but mostly in the form of cattle and sheep production that has a current value of approximately $35 million. The town also benefits from mining and tourism.[5]

The surrounding areas produce wheat and other cereal crops. The town is a grain receival site for Cooperative Bulk Handling.[10]

Around 100,000 tourists visit the town throughout the year while travelling to Wave Rock which is found 4 km (2.5 mi) to the east of the townsite. Other visitors arrive during the wildflower season between September and December to see the many wildflower species that bloom at the time and the birds that feed on the blossom.[3]