It’s been another winter of strong rainfall for Perth — and with bursts of blue-sky days scattered between showers, we’re in the middle of peak waterfall season around Perth.
There’s no better time to get outside. The trails are cool, the bush is alive, and the waterfalls? Flowing better than ever.
With six stunning waterfalls near Perth located less than an hour’s drive from the city, we’re truly spoiled for choice. Whether you’re uncovering a hidden city oasis, looking to enjoy a post-rain hike, or make a day of it with a weekend wander paired with a local tavern, these local Perth waterfalls deliver.
Here are Perth’s best waterfall walks worth exploring this winter and into spring.
John Oldham Park
Perth CBD
The first waterfall to tick off is a hop and a skip from the Perth CBD, and a beautiful spot to escape the fast pace of city life. A small waterfall that’s not one to miss. John Oldham Falls is an urban gem and one of the most underrated waterfalls in Perth. Tucked away just off Mounts Bay Road, John Oldham Park offers a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city, making it a popular stop for those on their lunch break, as well as city walkers and cyclists passing through.
This lush park, offering stunning city views, is part of the Narrows Interchange Parkland and can be enjoyed as part of a short walk, a quick hike from Kings Park, or as part of a longer hike around Elizabeth Quay and the South Perth Foreshore. If you don’t want to travel far out of Perth to get your waterfall fix, John Oldham Park is one to check out.
Noble Falls
Gidgegannup
The next Perth waterfall on our list is along Toodyay Road in Gidgegannup, about an hour’s drive from Perth. A small but precious waterfall, Noble Falls is one of the first to fill and flow with a drip of rain. So if you want an easy-access waterfall near Perth, this child-friendly and dog-friendly spot ticks the box. Plus, with a dedicated picnic area and BBQ facilities you can enjoy a full day out.
This popular trail will have you meander next to Wooroloo Brook on a 2km loop and enjoy this peaceful and beginner-friendly waterfall wander. Another bonus? Make a complete afternoon of a trip to Noble Falls with Noble Falls Tavern located directly opposite the waterfall. This classic tavern is a favourite amongst locals to soak up some further sun in the beer garden and to cure their hunger after a day of exploring.
Hovea Falls and National Park Falls
Hovea
Want two waterfalls in one day? Only 20 minutes south of Noble Falls, we hit John Forrest National Park, which has the most diverse range of trails in Perth. John Forrest National Park holds a rich history and is WA’s first National Park. It’s home to two waterfalls on Jane Brook, and Glenbrook Dam and the iconic Swan View Tunnel to add to your adventures.
You can access the park from the east, west, and through the main entry to John Forrest National Park. We recommend heading to the main hub to find the starting point of multiple walking trails, and to say a quick g’day to the very friendly family of kangaroos residing by the John Forrest Tavern. From there, you can pick a trail and start exploring all this wonderful national park has to offer.
Hovea Falls traverses over smooth granite rock and flows downstream to the steeper National Park Falls. You can walk from one to the other with just a 2km distance between them, and it’s a beautiful wander along the Railway Reserves Heritage Trail.
With plenty of facilities like a picnic area, shaded tables, BBQs, toilets and a cafe, you can make a day out of waterfall chasing by also exploring the Eagle View Trail or Christmas Tree Creek Trail for the more adventurous soul, and the 2km Glenbrook Dam for the whole family.
Lesmurdie Falls
Forrestfield
No list of Perth waterfalls is complete without a trip to Lesmurdie Falls. As we head further south towards Kalamunda, be prepared for iconic Perth city views and the loud gushing of water down the Darling Escarpment at one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Perth Hills, Lesmurdie Falls National Park.
It’s the perfect spot to visit in winter, especially after a good Perth downpour. The heavy rain leads to an impressive surge of water tumbling over the escarpment, creating a dramatic waterfall that can be seen and heard from the surrounding trails and lookouts. The spray, the sound, and the sweeping valley views all combine for an unforgettable experience.
For those looking to get their steps in, Lesmurdie Falls is the perfect sweet treat after completing one of the numerous Lesmurdie Falls trails that tour the top and bottom of the falls, such as a 5km Pal Terrace hike or a short and sweet wander to the top of the falls. Pack a picnic and enjoy a stunning view of the beautiful Perth city skyline at sunset with friends, or enjoy the falls to yourself with an early sunrise visit.
Sixty Foot Falls
Martin
Here at Sixty Foot Falls, you’ll not only find one of the most popular Perth waterfalls but also one of the best views of Perth. Heading towards Gosnells and into Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, we arrive at the Old Barrington Quarry and prepare for a challenging but beautiful experience to the top of the Sixty Foot Falls.
Sixty Foot Falls is a seasonal waterfall, best seen after consistent rainfall in winter and early spring. The Sixty Foot Falls Circuit Trail, a 2.1 km loop graded as moderately difficult, takes you past rugged granite outcrops, through jarrah and marri bushland, and along narrow tracks that open up to stunning valley and city views.
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine
Our last stop on the best Perth waterfalls wanders takes us south of the river to Serpentine National Park. The Serpentine Falls is a popular summer spot for picnicking and swimming, although the falls in winter definitely take the top spot.
You will be sure to find plenty of walking trails to explore on your visit to Serpentine Falls National Park, with a 6km Baldwins Bluff adventure, named after the original homeowners of the house at the base of the bluff, or you can head out on a 15km return day trip along Kitty’s Gorge. For the ultimate adventure, why not combine the two for the ultimate Serpentine experience and then enjoy a well-earned picnic by the waterfalls to conclude your day?
Tips for chasing Perth’s best waterfalls
- Timing: Visit during or shortly after rainfall (such as this week) for optimal flow. Perth’s winter rains are the best for this.
- Footwear: Walk trails located near the waterfalls can be muddy and slippery — wear good shoes or consider specialised hiking shoes.
- Facilities: Some sites have toilet facilities, BBQs, and picnic areas; others are more rugged and may require some preparation ahead of time before visiting.
- Pets: Check whether dogs are permitted — many trails allow leashed dogs, but some national parks, such as John Forrest National Park, do not.
- Safety: Stay on marked walk trails and supervise children near water at all times.
Keep exploring Perth and WA:
- The 30 Best Perth Hikes & Walking Trails
- Guide to Glamping: Western Australia’s Top Glamping Spots
- The Most Instagram Famous Spots In Esperance
- Collie Road Trip: 4 Swimming Holes In Collie That Aren’t Black Diamond Lake
- Lake Leschenaultia Camping
Get ready to explore Perth’s beautiful waterfalls
Whether you want a short and sweet detour on your way to the beautiful vineyards, orchards, or cafes in the Perth hills, or you are looking for an all-day trail adventure, there is a waterfall wander in Perth for everybody in the family, and now is the perfect time to get exploring!
