With WA playing host to some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes, there is no shortage of waterfalls and hiking trails to explore. Here’s our run-down on waterfall hikes across the state.
Bells Rapids
Swan Valley
If you’re a beginner to hiking and looking for the right trail to try, then Bells Rapids is the place to start. Located about 45 minutes north of the Perth CBD and just next door to the Swan Valley, this hike is family- and dog-friendly. With two hiking tracks to choose from (ninety minutes round trip and two hours round trip respectively). Bells Falls is a picture-perfect waterfall spot along the track for that ideal Instagram photo. There are even a couple of swings along the tracks near the Falls to get that perfect pose.
National Park Falls
National Park Falls
Hovea
About an hour’s drive from the Perth CBD, National Park Falls in John Forrest National Park is a great place to go to see a waterfall in the cooler months. The National Park Falls walk is 2.5km, a one-hour loop that goes past 20-metre-high waterfalls and beautiful railway heritage artefacts. If you’re a lover of hiking and WA fauna too, National Park Falls is a great place to spot some local wildlife. Keep an eye out for the tiny blue wren and the enormous wedge tailed eagle, or even a kangaroo or two.
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine Falls
Serpentine
Serpentine Falls is located within the Serpentine National Park, just an hour’s drive from the Perth CBD. It’s best to arrive at the park before 10am, since the area often fills to capacity quickly. The walking trail is 1km return and is mostly flat even surface with no steps or steep sections. The waterfall flows into a rock-lined pool below, turning it into a popular swimming spot, so make sure to pack some bathers. The park also has everything you need to have a great all-day adventure with the family such as picnic tables, shaded areas, toilets and barbecues.
Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls
Forrestfield
Located in the Perth Hills, about 30 minutes east of the CBD, Lesmurdie Falls is a beautiful spot for a hike with some spectacular views. Being the largest waterfall in the Perth Hills, Lesmurdie Brook falls 40 metres down into the valley. There are four different trails with different difficulties: starting at 640 metres for the novice and 2.5 kilometres for the more adventurous hiker. The area is also home to native wildlife including Western Grey Kangaroos, blue-tongue and bobtail lizards – see what you can spot along the way.
Sixty Foot Falls
Sixty Foot Falls
Perth Hills
Ellis Brook Valley Reserve in Banyowla Regional Park, located about 40 minutes from the Perth CBD, is home to Sixty Foot Falls. Sixty Foot Falls offers unmatched scenery and views of Perth and the valley, with a steep climb to the top (so don’t forget the camera). The hike is just over 2km and includes a variety of smooth and rocky terrain. There are four walk trails catering for every fitness level and each takes around an hour to complete. It’s also a perfect place to see wildflowers, so this is a must-do for your spring bucket list.
