15 Jul 5 Waterfalls to Find in Perth this Winter.
Here are 5 waterfalls you must visit this winter. Perth has long hot dry summers so with the first downpour of winter it is a relief, but also exciting when the waterfalls start flowing again. With a few decent winter downpours the brooks start bubbling, the streams start filling up and the waterfalls start flowing.
There are plenty of places to find waterfalls in Perth if you just know where to look. All of these places are situated in Perth’s hills of foothills, which means they are a good distance from Perth’s CBD. So why not make it a day trip, go explore the national parks and explore what the local suburbs have to offer.
Best time of year to visit
After the 2nd or 3rd large winter downpour. Winter through to early Spring.
July – September.
Waterfall 1) HOVEA FALLS
Hovea Falls is in the John Forrest National Park, 30km / 40 mins from the Perth CBD.
To access this Perth winter waterfall it is a short 1.9km round trip from the car park. The waterfall should flow from approx July-Sep onwards. There is plenty to see in the John Forrest National Park so make sure you explore the park. The park has plenty of bbq’s picnic tables, playground for the kids and plenty of nature to explore. There are numerous hikes to enjoy: eagle view walk a long 16km, eagle view lookout 5km, the easy 3km Swan view tunnel or just enjoy the 1.9km waterfall loop.
If you park in the main car park its $15 entrance fee. Remember these fees go into maintaining the park, paying the rangers that patrol the park, conservation and allow you to have facilities like toilets and playgrounds. You can buy an annual park pass online or just cough up the $15 entrance fee each time.
Waterfall 2) LESMURDIE FALLS
Lesmurdie Falls is perched high up in the perth hills in the suburb of Lesmurdie. Which is only a short 29km / 30min drive out of Perth.
The falls only trickle in summer however will be raging in winter after a big downpour of rain. There is a bottom car park ideal for viewing the waterfall in winter or there is also a car park at the top. There are multiple hikes and walks you can try with different grades depending on your fitness. They are all quite short but dont be fooled, the incline makes it a good test of your fitness.. So be sure to pack your walking shoes.
Also while you are there, get some lunch at the Kalamunda Hotel or head to zig zag hill on your way home, which is a lovely scenic drive that snakes down the hill.
Waterfall 3) SERPENTINE FALLS
Serpentine Falls is a great summer and winter spot just 43km / 5omins from Perth.
In winter this fall is flowing nicely down the large granite boulder. It’s a small but unique waterfall. In summer you will be lucky to get a trickle however great for a dip on a hot day.
There is a great hike Kitty’s Gorge or Baldwin Bluff if you are up for some exercise and want to make the trip out here worth it. Be sure to pack a picnic to enjoy in the national park surrounded by kangaroos or stop off at King Road Brewery (just off of Mundijong Rd)on your way home. Jarrahdale has plenty of other places to eat and drink if you wish to explore the region.
Waterfall 4) NOBLE FALLS
Noble Falls is just east of the Mundaring State National Forest 49 km / 45mins from Perth.
Its a stepped waterfall which is quite impressive to see in winter when it is raging. While most waterfalls rely on their height for the cascading water, Noble has 3 short granite steps. Still beautiful. There is a short walking trail one 3.5km and a 1.5km walk along the bubbling brook. More info on the walks here. It’s lovely all year round however the falls will dry up in summer or be reduced to a trickle.
Save this one for the peak of winter, take a picnic and enjoy the facilities. They have tables and chairs, toilets or you can nip across to the noble falls tavern if you prefer a meal out.
Waterfall 5) BELLS RAPIDS / BELLS FALLS
Bells rapids is in Brigadoon just east of the Swan Valley. 33km / 40 mins from Perth.
Bells rapids are an offshoot of the Avon River. The river runs all year but of course will be reduced to only a trickle in summer. In winter the water level rises and the rapids flow. There are lots of walks in this park to enjoy, the goat track, the river loop and the short walk. Bring the kids and let them walk along the river and explore the amazing rocks that line the river bed.
Most Perth people would have visited Bells Rapids however there is also Bells Falls. This waterfall only really flows in the thick of winter and early spring. You can access the track from the Bells Rapids Lookout however some bushwalking experience is recommended.
Final thoughts
Luckily Perth winter is typically a nice sunny day with cold nights and mornings so there is still loads of time to spend outdoors. After some heavy rainfall in winter its worth heading out to explore the Perth waterfalls in the hills.. Winter is the best time for hiking because there are no snakes and it’s not too hot and the bonus is the waterfall at the end of the walk/hike.
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