List of rocks in Western Australia, L-N facts for kids
Western Australia is home to many amazing natural rock formations! This page is like a special list of all the officially named rocks, boulders, tall pinnacles, crags (steep, rugged rocks), needles (thin, pointed rocks), pillars, and other cool rock shapes found across the state. This includes rocks on land and those found offshore in the ocean.
It's important to know that this list doesn't include huge rock formations that are officially called "mounts" or "hills," even if they are just one giant rock. For example, a famous one like Mount Augustus isn't on this list because it's called a "mount."
This list was put together using official government records from 1996, called the Gazetteer of Australia. We've checked the names against newer information from 2004 to make sure they are correct. However, if any new rocks have been named or old ones removed since 1996, they might not be on this list yet. Usually, official place names are written in all capital letters, but here they are written with normal capitalisation to make them easier to read. The locations are as they are officially recorded; some very large rock formations might cover a big area!
For a complete list of all rocks, you can visit List of rocks in Western Australia.
Contents
Discovering Western Australia's Unique Rocks
Western Australia is a massive state with incredible landscapes, and many of its most striking features are its rocks! These rocks come in all shapes and sizes, from small boulders to towering formations. They are important for many reasons, including their natural beauty, their role in the environment, and sometimes their cultural significance to local Indigenous communities.
What Kinds of Rocks Are Listed?
This list covers many different types of rock formations. Imagine:
- Boulders: Large, rounded rocks that might have broken off a bigger formation.
- Pinnacles: Tall, pointed rock spires that stick up from the ground.
- Crags: Rough, steep rock faces, often found on mountains or cliffs.
- Needles and Pillars: Very thin, tall rocks that look like giant needles or columns.
- Tors: Large, free-standing rock outcrops that often look like piles of boulders, usually found on hilltops.
These formations are found all over Western Australia, from its dry inland areas to its beautiful coastline and offshore islands.
Why Are Rocks "Gazetted"?
When a rock or any other natural feature is "gazetted," it means its name and location have been officially recorded by the government. This is important for maps, navigation, and making sure everyone uses the same names for places. It helps people find their way around and understand where things are.
Some Interesting Rock Names (L-N)
Western Australia has thousands of named rocks! Here are just a few examples from the official list, showing how diverse and sometimes fun their names can be. While we can't list all of them here, this gives you a taste of the many unique rock formations across the state.
- La Perouse Rock: Named after a famous French explorer.
- Lemon Rock: We wonder if it looks like a lemon!
- Lightning Rock: Perhaps it was struck by lightning, or its shape reminds people of a lightning bolt.
- Little Devil: A fun and intriguing name for a rock formation.
- Lone Rock: Standing by itself, perhaps in a vast landscape.
- Lookout Rocks: Likely a place with a great view.
- The Lumps: A group of rounded rock formations.
- Madmans Rock: A very curious name!
- Mallee Hen Rocks: Named after the Australian bird, the Mallee Fowl.
- The Man In The Boat: Imagine a rock that looks like a person in a boat!
- Marble Bar: A famous town in Western Australia, known for its "marble bar" of jasper rock.
- Mewstone: A rock often found offshore, sometimes named for its shape or location.
- Moby Dick: Named after the famous whale, perhaps because of its size or shape.
- Monkey Rock: Does it look like a monkey, or are monkeys found there?
- Monument Rock: A rock that stands tall like a monument.
- Moon Rock: Maybe it has craters like the moon, or a pale colour.
- Mushroom Rock: A common name for rocks that have a wider top and a narrower base, looking like a mushroom.
- Natural Bridge: A rock formation where erosion has created a bridge-like arch.
- Needle Eye Rocks: Rocks with a hole or opening that looks like the eye of a needle.
- The Needles: A group of sharp, pointed rock formations.
- New Year Rock: Perhaps discovered or named around New Year's Day.
- Northumberland Rock: Named after a place in England, showing historical connections.
These names often tell us something about the rock's appearance, its location, or even a story from the past!
See also
