Western Australia’s Best Waterfalls

Lesmurdie Falls, Kalamunda

Nestled in the hills of the Darling Range escarpment, Lesmurdie Falls is one of Perth’s larger and more accessible natural wonders. Overflowing during the colder months, the towering falls plunge 40 metres south into the verdant valley below. Best viewed during spring, take the 2km loop trail from the top to the base to experience this spectacular waterfall in all its glory. Several lookouts are scattered throughout the park, offering up front-row seats to all the action and a great opportunity for a few happy snaps. A great place to bring the family, pack some lunch and soak up the sunshine in this idyllic setting, with a wonderful picnic area at the base. 

Serpentine Falls, Jarrahdale

One of Perth’s most popular local waterholes, Serpentine Falls, an hour’s drive south of Perth features an enchanting cascading waterfall falling 15 metres over a large rocky outcrop. A place of leisure for many couples and families, the park offers more than just the falls with visitors flocking during the warmer months for a swim, picnic or wander along the various walk trails. Western Grey Kangaroos are often sighted grazing along the lush grasses during the late afternoon with a spectacular wildflower display present during the spring. 

Mitchell Falls, Kununurra

One of the Kimberley’s most alluring hidden treasures, Mitchell Falls near Kununurra offers a unique series of sparkling waterfalls, naturally tiered into 4 levels. Cascading 80 metres from top to bottom into a gorgeous emerald-green freshwater lake, it’s no wonder this surreal place is one of the most photographed locations in Australia’s Northwest. Getting here can be a little tricky requiring a 4WD to get to the foot of the campground. An 8.6km round trip proceeds weaving through several rocky outcrops and rugged terrain. On your journey, you will pass several impressive Aboriginal rock art sites along with Little Mertens Falls and Mertens Gorge. Swimming is not permitted in the lake below the falls due to crocodile sightings although there are several amazing water holes dotted along the Punamii-Uunpuu Trail. For those of us not adept to tackle the challenging conditions, daily helicopter flights provide a bird’s eye view of the stunning scenery within the Mitchell River National Park.

Quinninup Falls, Wilyabrup

The Quinninup Falls in Wilyabrup, 30kms north of Margaret River is a small but charming winter waterfall. Best visited during the winter months/early spring, when rainfall is a plenty, this magical waterfall surges down a series of steps into a serene little rock pool. A great place to visit on your next expedition through the Margaret River Region, park your car at the Moses Road carpark then set off on foot along the designated track. Allow at least an hour each way with a reasonable level of fitness required to make the trip through the moderately challenging terrain. 

Fortescue Falls, Karijini

A hidden gem in a sea of vast unforgiving desert, the otherworldly Fortescue Falls situated within the Karijini National Park is the only waterfall in the region to flow all year round. Fed above by a natural spring, the 20m waterfall cascades down a flight of mildly terraced rocks into a stunning turquoise pool – a great place to cool off on a hot summer’s day. Only a 150m walk from the Fortescue Falls carpark to the lookout, a steep trail of stairs further descends into the gorge to the Falls and accompanying pool. The towering ancient red-hued gorges are a stunning contrast to the angelic waterfall, this is one place you can’t miss on your next trip to Australia’s Northwest. 

Horizontal Falls, Kimberly

Once labelled “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world” by Dave Attenborough, the Horizontal Falls in Talbot Bay are a natural phenomenon that must be seen to be believed. Only 2 of its kind exist on the planet, both residing in the Buccaneer Archipelago in WA’s Kimberly region.  Horizontal Falls is exactly as the name suggests, a horizontal waterfall. The falls occur as a result of intense tidal currents powering through two narrow coastal gorges of the McLarty Ranges, creating a ‘waterfall effect’ as excess water builds up on one side faster than it can flow through. Extreme tides upwards of 10 metres dominate the area during peak periods, making it difficult to navigate for untrained professionals. Only accessible via boat or air, it’s recommended to give the local tour company a call before your arrival to observe the best time of year to experience the falls in full flight.