Feature by Julie Hosking


Highlights
  • During the transition from Makuru to Djilba (July – August), Perth's waterfalls come to life, providing stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities.
  • Within an hour from Perth, locations like Lesmurdie Falls and John Forrest National Park, offer accessible hiking trails, picnic spots, and views of cascading waterfalls.
  • Combining visits to waterfalls with wildlife spotting and trips to the Swan Valley's wineries and breweries makes for a perfect day trip from Perth.

As the Noongar season of Makuru slowly makes way for Djilba, the winter rains cast their spell over Perth (Boorloo) and surrounds.  Green hues wash the land anew and native flowers spring up, growing more abundant towards September.  Most majestic of all, waterfalls burst into life – plunging over dramatic cliffs and creating glittering pools.


Although the mornings may still be a little crisp in August, Perth’s mantle as Australia’s sunniest city is not confined to the hotter months, with clean air and often clear blue skies beckoning nature lovers into our extraordinary backyard. Whether you’re looking for an energetic hike through bushland or simply a superb spot for a relaxing picnic, there are many places to go chasing waterfalls within an hour or so of the city. With so much to see on the way, though, it's best to plan a leisurely day trip.


Lesmurdie Falls

Lesmurdie Falls, Perth Hills, copyright Off the Beaten Track


Lesmurdie Falls

Lesmurdie Falls is perhaps Perth’s most accessible waterfall, with a series of metal platforms enabling a closer view of the cascades tumbling 40m over the Darling Range into the valley below. Nestled in Lesmurdie Falls National Park in the Perth Hills, the waterfall trail also offers spectacular views of the city, about 20km away, as you head down to the picnic area. There are several ways to explore this wildflower hotspot, with the 1.5km Lesmurdie Brook Loop the most popular.

Free to enter, the park can get busy, especially on weekends, so if you arrive to find the place already humming, retreat five minutes up the road to the charming hamlet of Kalamunda for sustenance. It’s also the gateway to the diverse attractions of the Perth Hills region, where boutique wineries and orchards, bike and walking trails, as well as one of the world’s great engineering feats, the Mundaring Weir, are all part of the experience.


Noble Falls

Noble Falls, Perth Hills, copyright Travis Hayto


Hovea Falls, National Park Falls and Noble Falls

Western Australia’s first and oldest national park, about 30 minutes east of Perth, has more than 2700ha of natural beauty to explore. John Forrest National Park also boasts two waterfalls that are in full flight during Djilba. Hovea Falls cascade over sheets of granite rock about 800m from the main picnic area, while the 2.5km loop trail takes you past the National Park Falls, which plummet 20m over a sheer rockface. For avid hikers, the 15km Eagle View Walk Trail offers winning views of both – slow down and soak up the serenity as you wander through jarrah and marri trees and scented gums.

Another 25 minutes northeast, just outside the tiny town of Gidgegannup, Noble Falls are as regal as the name suggests. While they don't reach great heights, they spread wide across a series of terraces that provide an imposing backdrop as the waters of Wooroloo Brook rush over the edge.  Surrounded by towering timbers, encased in beautiful blackbutt and replete with wattle, grevillea and a host of other stunning wildflowers, the 3.5km trail takes you along the brook to the falls. With a children’s playground and a picnic area a short walk from the carpark, this is a lovely place to take the family.


Serpentine Falls

Serpentine Falls, Perth Hills


Sixty Foot Falls and Serpentine Falls
Take a trip south-east of the city and discover two cascading queens within one glorious day. First stop: Ellis Brook Valley Reserve, 35 minutes from Perth and home to more than 500 varieties of wildflowers, 116 species of birds, and the impressive Sixty Foot Falls. The 2km climb to see the waterfall in its full glory is challenging but nature rewards each step, with colourful floral displays and birdsong leading you on. Despite the city shimmering in the distance, the cascading water down the formidable cliffs creates a true wilderness experience.

Just 40 minutes further down the South Western Highway, the 4300ha Serpentine National Park is also bound to captivate waterfall and wildlife lovers alike. Follow the 500m trail along the river to Serpentine Falls, where you might spot white-tailed black cockatoos or western rosellas, as well as kangaroos and wallabies. Although the falls aren’t as high as some at just 15m, the way they topple over polished granite is mesmerising and there is a neat rock platform from which to soak it all up.


Bells Rapids Falls

Bells Rapids is a popular picnic and bushwalking spot in the mythical-sounding Brigadoon, about 45 minutes from the city. The natural habitat of the pretty grey kangaroo, the rapids roar into life after heavy rains – so much so that you’re likely to hear the Bells Rapids Falls before you see them as huge volumes of water tumble down the rockface. It’s also one of the best vantage points to watch thrill-seekers race over thrashing whitewater in the annual Avon Descent.

Just 10 minutes or so from the sumptuous Swan Valley, it's also perfectly situated for a side trip into Western Australia’s oldest wine region. You could start the day chasing waterfalls before heading to one of the valley’s many watering holes. Think world-class wineries such as Sandalford and Mandoon Estate, as well as breweries, distilleries and cideries. Or pick up some fresh food from one of the produce stalls or providores on the way up and picnic by the falls. Either way, you’ll return to the city rejuvenated.


Published August 2024