Western Australia’s South West region is synonymous with stunning landscapes, and waterfalls are without a doubt among the highlights. These magnificent natural spectacles are well and truly flowing, creating the perfect backdrop for an Insta-worthy snap or serene spot to sit while lapping up the sights and sounds of nature.
These waterfalls are best visited during the wetter months — from late autumn to early spring — when they’re at their fullest. Each offers a unique experience, from easy-access viewing platforms to more challenging hikes through magnificent natural landscapes. So, dust off those boots and pack your backpacks, because here are the waterfalls well worth adding to your hit list.
Quinninup Falls, Margaret River
In the language of the Wadandi (Saltwater) people, the land’s traditional owners, Quinninup means place of the Zamia Palm. The falls and the surrounding area are also of immense importance to Wadandi culture. Located not far from the coast near Moses Rock, Quinninup Falls is a beautiful waterfall best enjoyed in winter or early spring when it’s flowing. The hike to the falls offers picturesque coastal vistas, and while rewarding, can be quite physically challenging. Depending on your level of fitness, it takes around 45 minutes to walk to the falls and almost an hour to walk back.
Beedelup Falls, Pemberton
If you have a penchant for waterfalls, add Beedelup Falls to the top of your list. Nestled within Beedelup National Park, half an hour by car from the Pemberton town centre, the falls are present year-round. But if you want our two cents, the winter or early spring months are the best time to see them in full flow. Enveloped by karri forest, there’s also a suspension bridge that crosses over Beedelup Brook and provides excellent views of the enchanting falls and surrounding greenery. Word to the wise: if you visit during the springtime, you’ll also witness some of the region’s most spectacular wildflowers.
Fernhook Falls, Walpole
Tucked away in the forest near Deep River, the quaint Fernhook Falls Campsite is home to eight tent sites and a couple of camp huts. It’s the perfect base for exploring the falls which are known to gush furiously over the granite boulders creating a whitewash of froth during winter. Conversely, in summer, the flow is reduced to a trickle and Rowell’s Pool is a much calmer and peaceful place. The walk trails and boardwalks have been designed to give you a fabulous view of the cascading falls and the pristine forest surrounding them while allowing wheelchair access to parts of the site.
Ironstone Gully Falls, Bunbury
Set southeast of Capel, towards Donnybrook along Goodwood Road, Ironstone Gully Falls is the ultimate place to pull in for a picnic. In winter, the stream — having followed a course through one of the region’s many jarrah forests — crosses under the road, and gently rambles over a series of rapids, dropping over a nine-metre ledge. From August to October, the surrounding countryside abounds with a technicolour display of wildflowers.
Waterfall Beach, Denmark
If you’re travelling even further south, head to Waterfall Beach in Denmark. Perched just a few kilometres east of tourism hotspot Greens Pool, the small waterfall tumbles down the weathered rocks onto the beach below. When it’s in full flow, it creeps along the white sand toward the crystal blue water of William Bay National Park. While you don’t get quite the same effect during the summer months, the beach itself and the turquoise waters are more than worth the trek, if we do say so ourselves.
Yalgardup Falls, Margaret River
Yalgardup Falls, also known as Kevill Road Waterfall, is a convenient five-minute drive west of Margaret River. While the waterfall isn’t tall, it’s wide, and the thundering flow of water over the rocks makes it a dreamy place to visit after the winter rains. For those who are a little more daring to embrace the chill, you’ll find a couple of hidden spots along the falls to swim. At other times of the year, when the flow reduces to a gentle stream, you can rock-hop or walk right across the river. You can find Yalgardup Falls along Kevill Road. As it’s not a well-known tourist spot, there’s no signpost, but the waterfall is visible from the road near the parking area.
Marrinup Falls, Dwellingup
Surrounded by native bushland and on the way into Dwellingup, Marrinup Falls is a seasonal set of rapids that are a delight to visit during spring. Here, you’ll explore the forest lining Marrinup Brook as you make your way past several small rapids and down to the main section of the falls. Keep your eyes peeled for vibrant wildflowers and orchids along the edge of the trail, and if you get the timing right, the Hotham Valley tourist train. The falls are a must-visit for any trip to the Dwellingup region, and particularly during the spring.
