6 waterfalls within an hour's drive of Perth

Travel & Touring | WA Things To Do

Whether you’re up for a hiking adventure in the hills or simply want to set up a picnic with a gorgeous backdrop, there are plenty of flowing falls around an hour out of the CBD.

Here are six beautiful Perth waterfalls to visit on your next day trip.

RELATED: 10 of WA's best waterfalls »

1. Sixty Foot Falls

Located in Ellis Brook Valley Reserve within Banyowla Regional Park, the Sixty Foot Falls are an impressive sight after heavy rainfall. For the best views, take the 2.1km Sixty Foot Falls Trail loop to the very top of the waterfall where the views over the valley and all the way out to the city are spectacular. This looped trail also takes you past the Old Barrington Quarry.

Although it's short, the trail to the top of the falls is steep and can be challenging so take care. Care should also be taken around the quarry.

If you'd rather relax and enjoy the views from ground level, the reserve has a picnic area with barbeque facilities. There are also some easier walk trails through the area that are worth exploring, especially as the wildflowers start to bloom.

To reach the falls, take the Gosnells Road East turnoff from Tonkin Highway to reach Rushton Road. Access to the reserve is at the end of Rushton Road in Martin.

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2. Serpentine Falls

One of Perth's best-known waterfalls, Serpentine Falls in the Serpentine National Park has a long history as a popular local picnic spot.

While the falls are not high, at just 15m, watching the water cascade across the wide granite rock face, which has been polished smooth by the water flow overtime, is quite striking. The waters of the Serpentine River feed into an expansive rock pool below. On the other side, there are stairs leading down to a flat rock platform from where you can view the falls.

There are also other smaller falls within the park, many of which you'll see along the 7km Kitty’s Gorge walk trail. The trail follows the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook, passing small granite outcrops where the water cascades over the edge.

The trail can be accessed from the Serpentine Falls car park within the national park, or from the car park opposite the cemetery in Jarrahdale. To reach the falls directly, take Kwinana Freeway to Mundijong Road, then South Western Highway south to Falls Road.

RELATED: National parks within two hours of Perth »

3. Noble Falls

Located near the township of Gidgegannup, Noble Falls is fed by the waters of Wooroloo Brook which cascades over a series of low and wide rock terraces. While the scale of the falls here is quite different to that of other higher waterfalls around Perth, after a good amount of winter rain, Noble Falls can put on quite a show as the water rushes over the large granite rocks and boulders scattered across the brook.

Access is from the Noble Falls walk trail which starts at the car park just opposite the Noble Falls Tavern.

To explore the surrounding parkland further, follow the 3.5km trail in a loop which will take you around and across Wooroloo Brook. If you're planning a picnic, the Noble Falls picnic area is just near the car park and has barbeques, picnic tables and a children’s playground area.

Noble Falls are located 5.5 kilometres from Gidgegannup, just off Toodyay Road.

4. Hovea Falls and National Park Falls

Located within the John Forrest National Park, the oldest national park in WA, both of these falls flow along Jane Brook. The National Park Falls are the tallest of the two, dropping sharply over 20 metres of granite rock. Both falls are a fantastic spot for a picnic, and each offer stunning views of the park’s plentiful wildflowers, woodlands and wildlife.

To see Hovea Falls up close, hop onto the 15km Eagle View Walk loop. It initially follows Jane Brook down into the valley, passing Hovea Falls, then weaves its way up and down hills past a few picturesque picnic areas (remember to bring a packed lunch with you).

If you’re eager for a shorter hike, hop onto the 10.5km looped Christmas Tree Creek walk trail. It encompasses sections of the Eagle View Walk Trail, then makes its way to Hovea Falls via a steep and challenging incline. Keep an eye out for kangaroos as you make your way through wandoo woodlands and thick jarrah forest.

The park sits at the north end of the Great Eastern Highway, and there are three well-signposted entrance points off the highway – just take note of the scenic drive gate that is locked each afternoon.

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5. Bells Rapids Falls

Not far from the rushing white waters of the Swan River at Bells Rapids, you’ll also find the Bells Rapids Falls. The falls are located to the west of the rapids, and depending on which direction you’re coming from, can be hidden from view but you are likely to hear them - the waterfall is quite high and after heavy rain sends huge volumes of water plunging down the rockface. Access is best via Campersic Road (avoid crossing the rail line to get to the falls from Bells Rapids). 

The Bells Rapids area itself is a picturesque spot for picnics and at certain times of the year, you may also be enjoying your lunch alongside beautiful Western grey kangaroos.

The rapids mark the start point of a series of walk trails that follow the river and reveal hundreds of wildflowers in springtime. Hop on the 2.7km looped River Walk trail for views of the river and the Swan Coastal Plain below, or, if you want a more challenging walk, the 3km Goat Walk trail loop has steep hills with views that are well worth the climb. Dogs are permitted on both trails, but must be kept on a leash at all times.

The Bells Rapids area is at the end of Cathedral Avenue off Great Northern Highway, Brigadoon.

6. Lesmurdie Falls

Flowing over the edge of the Darling Scarp within the Lesmurdie Falls National Park, the towering Lesmurdie Falls plummet 40 metres down into a valley.

There are several walk trails to choose from to view the falls up close, ranging from 45min to two hours. The most popular trail is the 1.5km Lesmurdie Brook Loop. This moderately easy trail follows Lesmurdie Brook as it winds its way towards Lesmurdie Falls. The trail is at its best during winter and spring, when there are plenty of wildflowers and the falls are flowing.

The falls area features a series of metal platforms that allow you to get up close to the action. Here, you’ll also be treated to sweeping views over the Swan Coastal Plain, and out towards the Perth CBD.

To reach the looped walk tail, park at the Palm Terrace car park on Lewis Road off Welshpool Road East. Alternatively, turn onto Lesmurdie Road from Welshpool Road East, up the hill, until you reach the car park on Falls Road. Both routes are well-signposted.

Please note: The public access areas around Perth's waterfalls can get very busy at certain times, especially on weekends. Try to plan your visit early in the day or during the week during busy periods.

Last updated: July 2022
Tile image credit: Suzanne Jones and Visit Mandurah