While Perth Western Australia isn’t best known for waterfalls, there are lots of watefalls to explore in and around Perth. Many are accessible in under an hours drive from the city. Some you’ll need to hike a little way to find and others can be viewed with just a short walk to the lookout. Waterfalls in Perth are best visited during winter or early spring when there is more water flowing and milder temperatures make hiking more pleasant.
Note: Access to these waterfalls can be busy during peak winter and spring seasons and parking can be difficult. Plan your visit during the week or if visiting on the weekend, arrive as early as possible or perhaps plan a sunset visit to secure parking and avoid the crowds.
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Bells Falls @ Bells Rapids Brigadoon
The Bells Falls are located in Brigadoon near the Swan Valley not a far from the better know Bells Rapids. The Bells Falls Lookout is just a 20km drive from Perth city, and can be viewed from the lookout. You can also take in the short, but steep hike down to the bottom of the falls and back or do the full 2.9km Bells Falls Loop Trail.
Serpentine Falls @ Serpentine National Park
Located within the beautiful Serpentine National Park approximately 65 km’s south east of Perth, Serpentine Falls makes a great Perth day trip waterfall destination. You’ll need to visit during the Serpentine National Park opening hours (Monday – Sunday, 8.30am – 5pm) and National Park entry fees apply.
The Serpentine Falls are accessible via a short 500m sealed walk from the carpark. Serpentine Falls is also a popular swimming spot in the warmer months with easy access to the water via steps and a handrail. The National Park features a lovely picnic area with toilets and BBQs and is very popular with visitors on weekends and public holidays.
If you fancy hiking to see some smaller waterfalls in the area, the 14km return Kitty’s Gorge Walk Trail starts here and takes you to Jarrahdale and back.
Please note the Serpentine National Park does close it’s gates when it is at capacity which can be as early as 10am on busy days. Plan to arrive as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Lesmurdie Falls @ Mundy Regional Park
One of Perth’s best known and more popular tourist falls, Lesmurdie Falls are located on the Darling Escarpment in the Mundy Regional Park (so no National Park entry fees apply), approximately 25 mins drive from Perth. The falls can be seen from the lookout platform which is a 640m return walk from the upper Falls Road carpark. Toilets and picnic facilities are located near the carpark.
If you want to go to the base of the falls but don’t want to do the climb down, park at the lower carpark on Palm Terrace. There are a few walk trails around the falls, including the 3km Valley Loop Trail.
National Park Falls @ John Forrest National Park
Hike or bike to the National Park Falls on the 2.5km round trail from the John Forrest National Park picnic area along the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail. You can park your bike at the bike rack at the top of the falls and wander down to the bottom to see the water cascading down the 20m of rock face. Entry fees apply to the John Forrest National Park which is located approximately 30km east of Perth.
Hovea Falls @ John Forrest National Park
Also in the John Forrest National Park is the Hovea Falls found via a 1.6km round walk or bike from the John Forrest National Park picnic area. These falls have less of vertical drop however the sight of water flowing gently down these series of smooth granite rock is unique and spectacular.
Sixty Foot Falls Ellis Brook
This is another good one for the keen hiker. There are four walk trails in the Ellis Brook Valley Reserve of which the 2km loop Sixty Foot Falls Trail is the hardest. The walk not only includes the amazing Sixty Foot Falls but also incredible views of Perth city along the way. Ellis Brook Valley Reserve is located approximately 35km south east of Perth city and entry is free.
Numbat Trail @ Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary Gidgegannup
Only accessible from May to October each year when the Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary opens to the public. The stunning Paruna Gorge waterfall is located on the shorter 6.5km Quenda Trail. A smaller waterfall can be found on the longer 12km Numbat Trail. Look out for the waterfall sign so you don’t miss it. You will need to book this hike to get a code for the entry gates, and cost of entry is $10 per person. Find more information in my Paruna Wildlife Sanctuary Numbat Trail guide.
Noble Falls Gidgegannup
If you are looking for a waterfall spotting and pub lunch combination, Noble Falls is the perfect destination. Noble Falls is located approximately 50km north east of Perth and right across the road is the Noble Falls Tavern. The falls are smaller in scale in comaprison to other waterfalls in Perth but the wildflowers and surrounding bushland make this a beautiful and tranquil location. With a picnic area near the falls as well as the 3.6km Noble Falls Walk Trail, you can choose to just visit the falls or explore more of the surrounding area.
John Oldham Park Perth City
Want to get a waterfall fix without having to leave the city? Well John Oldham Park features a small man made waterfall within this beautiful and tranquil inner city park, that flows all year round. It’s located along one of the city’s cycleways that connects the Swan River cycle ways with the city, so it makes a nice stop to enjoy a break along the way.
Need a hire car to get you around to explore Perth’s waterfalls? Check out the rates and specials at Europcar! If you are looking for more adventure, find more Perth Adventures here.
Lauren Angove is an adventurous Perth (Western Australia) Mum of two boys who loves to blog about her experiences to inspire other mid-lifers to choose their most adventurous lives now. Keep up to date with her latest adventure inspiration and advice at Always Adventure Ready on facebook.