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6 Beautiful Waterfalls in Perth (Within an Hour’s Drive)

Serpentine falls Western Australia Western Australia is known for its iconic falls in the Kimberley and Pilbara (think Mitchell and Fortescue Falls) but around Perth? Many people don’t know that there are some beautiful waterfalls in Perth (or within an hour’s drive). Perth’s waterfalls make great locations to go for a walk, hike or an interesting picnic location. They can keep the kids entertained for hours, and some even allow your furry friend to visit too so they’re ideal for the whole family. Best of all, these waterfalls are within a stone’s throw from Perth. Here is a wrap-up of the watery wonderlands to help plan your visit.

The Best Waterfalls in the Perth Hills

Four of the waterfalls on our list are located in the Perth Hills area.

#1 Lesmurdie Falls

Location: 160/186 Falls Road, Kalamunda Distance from Perth: 22 km east of Perth The best known and arguably the most spectacular Perth hills waterfall is Lesmurdie Falls with a drop of 50 metres, But it’s not just the beautiful waterfall this location has going for it. The view across the Darling escarpment to Perth city is spectacular. In late winter and early spring, there are plenty of wildflowers out to admire. The 1.5 km Lesmurdie Brook Loop walk is a grade 2, 1-hour walk. It can get hot in the hills, so it’s best to do the walk between June to November. If you visit in summer, walk early before the midday sun and take plenty of water with you. Other walk trails around around the falls take between 30 minutes and 2 hours to complete. There are three big shelters for eating lunch but if they are busy, find a rock to perch on or go for a drive to one Kalamunda’s parks less than a 10-minute drive from the falls. Lesmurdie Falls is part of the Mundy Regional Park. Dogs on a leash are welcome to visit the falls and do the loop walk.

#2 Hovea Falls

Location: Park Road, Hovea Distance from Perth: 24 km east of Perth Water cascades down a sheet of granite rock at Hovea Falls. Located in the John Forrest National Park, there is plenty to see including native mammals, reptiles, birds and frogs living amongst the stunning jarrah and marri trees. During wildflower season you can see up to 500 species. The historic Heritage Railway Tunnel and track is also well worth a visit. The Railway Reserves Heritage Trail is 41 km long running through Darlington, Parkerville, and Mundaring communities. Barbecue, picnic tables and toilet facilities are available in the park. National park entry fees apply. Dogs are not permitted in the park.

#3 National Park Falls

Location: Park Road, Hovea Distance from Perth: 31 km east of Perth If you are keen to check out another waterfall after Hovea, take the John Forest Eagle Trail to see National Park Falls. With its 20-metre drop off sheer rock face, you will want to visit the falls in winter or spring to ensure water is flowing. The full loop trail is 15 kilometres long but walking between the falls will only take you 40 minutes while the drive takes 7 minutes.

#4 Sixty Foot Falls

Location: Rushton Road, Ellis Brook Valley, Martin Distance from Perth: 24 km One of the Perth’s largest waterfalls, Sixty Foot Falls can vary from raging after heavy winter rains to a trickle or dry during the summer months. The fast-flowing water looks magnificent against the bright coloured rock face. There are four walk trails in the Ellis Brook Valley of the Banyowla Regional Park. The Sixty Foot Falls Trail is a 2km loop walk from the Valley Head car park and is the most difficult of the four. The walk includes plenty of steps to get to the top of the falls and to take in the views of the valley along the way. Check out the Barrington Quarry and the beautiful green pool on the way back down. Be prepared for a rough track that is steep in parts. The variety of walks provide something for every level of fitness. The Easy Walk Trail is a 500-metre loop walk through Wandoo Woodland. The Easy View Trail is a moderate 430-metre walk that ascends the Heathland with views of the Swan Coastal plain and valleys. The Blue Wren Ramble Trail is a 2.8 km return walk along Ellis Brook from either Honeyeater Hollow or Valley Head car park. Look for nesting birds in the Wandoo Woodland. The trees provide a shaded walk, so it’s still pleasant in the summer months, even if the waterfall isn’t flowing. Facilities include an interpretive centre, lookouts, picnic area, toilets, shade and shelter. Dog-friendly.

Best Waterfall East of Perth

#5 Noble Falls

Location: Toodyay Road, 5.5 km from Gidgegannup Distance from Perth: 47 km east of Perth While Noble Falls isn’t a tall waterfall, its pleasant walk along a quiet brook makes it a worthwhile visit. There is a 3.5 km trail from the Noble Falls car park along Wooroloo Brook. The 45-minute walk is flat with a good surface, suitable for most visitors. Trees in the area include marri, jarrah, Swan River blackbutt and flooded gums. The wildflowers are out between August and October. The Noble Falls car park is opposite the Noble Falls Tavern and near Gidgegannup Village. Electric barbeques, picnic tables, a playground and toilets are available. The barbecues are free, and there is no entry fee. Dog-friendly.

Best Waterfall South of Perth

#6 Serpentine Falls

Location: 100 Falls Road, Serpentine Distance from Perth: 65 km south of Perth These falls are popular in the summer months as crowds flock here for a swim in the pool. The Serpentine Falls Walk is a short one to the viewing platform to see the water run down a granite outcrop and into the pool. For a longer walk, the Kitty’s Gorge Walk Track is 16-km from the town of Jarrahdale. The carpark is located opposite the cemetery. Being a grade 3, it’s suitable for the whole family. For a more challenging walk, try the Baldwin’s Bluff Nature Track. Gravel tracks take you to the bluff passing through woodlands and over exposed granite. You will take in views of the Swan Coastal Plain and the falls on this 2-hour walk. There are no less than 28 trails in the area, so you are sure to find one that suits you. Serpentine Falls has a grassed area for picnics, shaded tables, barbeques and toilets. The local wildlife includes grazing Western Grey kangaroos. If you are visiting the falls on the weekend, it’s best to arrive before 10am because once the area is full, it’s closed to visitors. National park entry fees apply. No dogs allowed. So if you are keen to get back in touch with nature, you have easy access to six beautiful falls set in native bush settings. For more info about walking trails around Perth, check out Perth’s Best Bush, Coast & City Walks, More Family Walks in Perth Outdoors, and Rediscover Perth Outdoors: A Guide to Natural Recreation Areas in and around Perth. If you are looking for a book, map or a recommendation, don’t hesitate to ask the expert staff at The Chart & Map Shop by calling (08) 9335 8665 or contact us online.
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