7 Waterfalls of Perth that you must see
Perth has 7 great waterfalls that come alive during the winter months and even a hidden fall right in the city itself.
1. Bells Falls
Bells Falls in adjacent to Bells Rapids. The falls are in Brigadoon which is a short drive from the Swan Valley.
There are two ways to access the falls. The easiest way is to walk down the hill from Campersic Road. This side gives you amazing views of the falls that flow there way through the valley.
Bring out your inner child on the swing or walk to the top of the falls for a view of the valley.
The second option is to hike from Bells Rapids itself. From the south side of the bridge follow the trail until you reach a storm water drain/tunnel. Walk through the tunnel other then crossing the train tracks above as that is illegal.
Follow the river on the east side until you can find a good point to jump or climb to the west side once the waterfall comes into view.
You can walk right up the bottom of the waterfall. There is also another swing that hangs bellow.
On my last visit the ropes where sitting a little low but I have heard someone has adjusted them to allow you to swing again.
2. Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls is probably the tallest waterfall we have in Perth. The falls are within the Lesmurdie Falls National Park adjacent to Mundy Regional Park.
The falls also have two ways to see the beauty but the first way is the best. Starting at the Lesmurdie Falls picnic area along Falls road you can follow a hiking trail that gives you many spots to view the falls.
Follow the trail that takes you down the hill following the sounds of the rushing water.
The bottom of Lesmurdie Falls is a popular spot of nature enthusiasts. The view from the bottom of the falls is not only beautiful but also refreshing after finishing the hike.
You can also take a shorter hike to the bottom of the falls from Palm Terrace , not too far from Welshpool Road.
Once you reach the falls you can climb about the rocks or try and stand under the water if you dare.
3. Sixty Foot Falls
Sixty foot falls is an impressive waterfall that is situated within the Ellis Brook Valley reserve in Gosnells. I recommend to take the 2km loop walking trail that starts and ends at the Valley Head car park.
Ellis Brook reserve is home to over 500 species of different wildflowers. It is also full of plenty of bird life that you will most likely see along the trails. There are also other native animals like Kangaroos. Echidnas and Possums also inhabit the area but I have not seen them for myself yet.
The first section of the trail may be difficult for some but it is what gives you the best views of the falls. There are many places along the steep climb to stop and catch your breath as you admire the landscape.
You can walk to the bottom of the falls but be careful as snakes also live about the area too. Some of these paths are over grown but please be mindful of the native flowers as some, like the Donkey Orchid’s are small.
The Ellis Brook loop walking trail also takes you past the Old Barrington quarry. When there has been heavy rain water can be seen flowing into the Quarry. Though this is not a technically a noted waterfall, it is impressive to see when it happens.
4. Kitty's Gorge
Kitty’s Gorge is a small but impressive waterfall that can be found along the Kitty’s Gorge hiking trail. The 14km there and back trail starts at the Jarrahdale Cemetery and takes you to Serpentine falls.
If you have teamed up with a friend you can have a car parked at each end so you only need to walk half the distance. Take note that the gates at Serpentine National park do close at 5pm.
The waterfall along Kitty’s Gorge is roughly half way along the trail. The trail may be difficult for some as there are rocky steps and steep inclines in sections. Large parts of the trail have cute wooden board walk bridges that cross back and forth along the Gooralong Brook that follows to Serpentine.
5. Serpentine Falls
Serpentine falls flows almost all year around. This is a popular place to come for a picnic or even a swim during the warmer weather. Plenty of Kangaroos can also be spotted around the picnic area.
The Gooralong Brook and the Serpentine River is what flows to create the falls that flow into a small damn. Take note that there are park fees and the gates close at 5pm.
6. National Park Falls
National Park falls is located along the main walking trail in the John Forrest National park. During the winter months this roughly 4 meter water fall becomes a raging rapid.
You can view the waterfall from a few different angles. First is from the main pathway itself. Second is to walk across the small bridge at the top and view from the north side. The third is my favourite and that is to follow the hiking trail down to the bottom of the falls.
During the summer months the top of the falls is completely dry. The flow of the water has smoothed out the Granite rocks and it makes it a good place for a picnic or to watch the sun set over the valley.
7. Hovea Falls
Hovea Falls is also within John Forrest National park. This waterfall is more horizontal then the rest but is still classified as one.
It can also be viewed from the main walking trail within the park. You can also access the falls from the north side by following the path a few hundred meters further along and crossing a small bridge.
Bonus Waterfall
8. Hidden Waterfall in John Oldham Park
Ok, so its up to you if you want to classify this as a waterfall or not. John Oldham park is situated in Perth city, between Kings park and Mounts Bay road. Though the park is next to the Mitchell freeway it is peacefully quiet.
The lakes around the park are home to plenty of different bird life that can be seen nesting about the gardens. The park also has some play grounds for children and in my opinion a pretty impressive slide for all ages.
The waterfall may be small but plenty of people have been known to take pictures of them selves next to the falls and trick their friends that they are in Bali.