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The Quinninup Falls Hike: Everything You Need to Know

Amazing Margaret River Waterfalls to Visit + Nearby Options

Last Updated on 14 January 2025 by Ariana Svenson

The Margaret River Region may be known for its wineries, surfing, caves, and forests, but it’s also known for its picturesque waterfalls. But which Margaret River waterfalls are best to visit?

Choosing which waterfall to visit depends on whether you want to visit the best waterfall with the biggest flow, plan your visit around a hike, or stop as part of a road trip.  It will also depend the season you are visiting. 

I’ll help you decide which waterfall in the Margaret River Region to visit and when, and give you some hints and tips to make your visit even better! Here’s what you need to know.

quinninup falls margaret
Quinninup Falls

When to Visit the Waterfalls in the Margaret River Region

The Margaret River region is a stunning destination year-round, but winter is the best time to visit its waterfalls. You can view the cascading water and rushing rivers which are best viewed after it has rained.

The winter is the best time to visit. It’s the peak time for some of the most beautiful Western Australian wildflowers. If you’re visiting in winter, make sure you also read our guide to the best things to do in Margaret River in winter.

The Quinninup Falls Hike: Everything You Need to Know

Although the waterfalls don’t flow as fast (or at all) during the summer months, you can enjoy swimming and canoeing on one of the rivers and visiting some of the Margaret River caves to take a break from the sun. In autumn, expect moderate weather, which is perfect for hiking and cycling.

Map of the Margaret River Waterfalls + Nearby Options

lake cave margaret river

A Guide to the Amazing Margaret River Waterfalls

This Margaret River waterfalls guide is in order of distance from Margaret River town.

1. Yalgardup Falls (Kevill Road Falls)

Location: Kevill Road

Distance from Margaret River: 4.3km – 6-minute drive

Yalgardup Falls (also known as Kevill Road Waterfall) is one of the widest waterfalls in WA rather than tall. It is also one of the easiest waterfalls to access. The Margaret River directly feeds the falls as it flows past the nearby hills. The water flows into a large circular pool at the bottom of the waterfall.

Yalgardup has a very powerful flow during the winter, especially after it has rained. It’s exciting to see, and the waterfall is a must-visit if you visit Margaret River! If you visit at other times of the year, the flow is still beautiful, like a gentle stream. Early spring is also a great time to visit.

If you’re planning a visit specifically to Yalgardup Falls, I recommend Waterfall Cottages, which are opposite and very easily accessible from the falls! They are also a good option if you want to be close to Margaret River Town but in a more secluded location.

The waterfall is best accessed by car. It’s located on Kevill Road, just a 5-minute drive from Margaret River. Drive down Wallcliffe Road towards Prevelly and then onto Kevill Road. The road forks around to the left, and on your right-hand side, you will see a gravel car park with the waterfall flowing right next to it!

On your drive, look for kangaroos and kookaburras. There are also impressive views of Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park and the sea.

Girl looks through binoculars at the sea
Where two oceans meet, Augusta

You could easily reach the Kevill Road Falls by bike or on foot, too, as they are only 4km from town! If you keep following the road and reaching Waterfall Cottages, you have gone too far! Keep in mind that the falls are in a bushland area, so wear appropriate clothes and shoes.

Distance: You don’t need to hike to this waterfall! Pull into the car park off Kevill Road, and you’ll see it!

Recommended for: Everyone. The waterfall is very easy to access. However, be careful of the rocky paths, which can be slippery.

Time Needed: At least 15 minutes for walking around and taking photos.

Dog Friendly: Yes

Entry Fee:  Free

Meekadarabee Falls
We believe that this was the site of Meekadarabee Falls

2. Meekadarabee Falls

CURRENTLY INACCESSIBLE DUE TO SAFETY RISKS

Location: Meekadarribee, Cape to Cape Walk Track, Yebble

Distance from Margaret River: 14.1km – 15-minute drive

Meekadarbee Falls was known by the aboriginal people as the ‘Bathing Place of the Moon’. The flow is slow, like a stream, not a waterfall, but still well worth a visit. For most of the year, the waterfall is non-existent. When you reach the falls, you’ll see a sign with the story of the legend of the aboriginal lovers Mitanne and Nobel. The spirits are said to live in the cave behind the waterfall.

Margaret River Waterfalls, What to do with kids in Margaret River
Ellensbrook Falls Margaret River WA

Access to the trail is currently not allowed due to safety risks. However, you can walk a section of the Cape to Cape track, which runs nearby. I recommend combining your walk with Ellensbrook Homestead; it is a fantastic day out.

3. Quinninup Falls

Location:  Wilyabrup, 6280 (Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park)

Distance from Margaret River: 30.2km – 38-minute drive

Quinninup Falls is one of the main stops on the famous Cape to Cape track. It’s a famous Instagram spot – 10m tall and a must-visit if you’re travelling to Margaret River.

This waterfall is best visited during winter to see the cascading water, although the walk is still very nice during the summer, even if the waterfall does have a calm/ non existant flow. The Quinninup Falls hike is among the most popular Margaret River walking trails. Around September, you will be able to see lots of beautiful wildflowers along the way.

Set your GPS to Moses Road Carpark to get there. It’s a hike from the carpark on Moses Rock Road. You’ll find the waterfall turn-off  just before Quinninup Beach. The first part of the hike is flat; then, there’s a large dune to conquer! You’ll see Quinninup Falls after this!

Distance: 4km round trip walk.

Recommended For: People who are used to hiking or prepared for a 4km hike!

Time Needed: The walk is at least 40 minutes each way. Follow the Cape to Cape track signs.

Dog Friendly: No dogs are allowed. The waterfall is located in a national park.

Entry Fee: Free

man enjoying views of beedelup falls, pemberton
Enjoying Beedelup Falls

Waterfalls a Day Trip Away from Margaret River

Outside of the Margaret River region, more stunning waterfalls can be found! Beedelup Falls and Fernhook Falls are my top recommendations. Read our guide to the best waterfalls in Western Australia for more detailed information! These waterfalls can easily be visited on a day trip from Margaret River town. They may be even closer to you if you’re staying elsewhere in the Margaret River region!

4. Ironstone Gully Falls

Location: 1813 Goodwood Rd, Capel River – Between Donnybrook and Capel

Distance from Margaret River: 91.5km – 1 hour, 6 minute drive

We have not yet visited, but the Ironstone Gully Falls are on our list. They are not technically in the Margaret River region, located halfway between Capel and Donnybrook.

You can view the falls cascading over a 9-metre ledge. It’s best to visit towards the end of winter when there has been heavy rain.

The next time we make a road trip from Perth to Margaret River or Busselton, we plan to get off the highway and take the kids to the Apple Fun Park in Donnybrook (they love it).

We will take the scenic drive along Goodwood Road to the serene forest reserve, where the stream meanders through the trees before rushing over the edge of the falls. We may also use the picnic area for lunch.

From Ironstone Gully Falls, we will drive to Capel, where we will rejoin the busy South West Highway and head south to Busselton.

Distance: You don’t need to hike to this waterfall! There is a small vehicle track to access the area.

Recommended For: Anyone. It’s best visited as a stop on a road trip or a drive in the nearby area.

Time Needed: As long as you want to see the falls. I recommend at least 30 minutes + time for a picnic.

Dog Friendly: No

Entry Fee: Free

beedelup falls

5. Beedelup Falls

Location:  Beedelup National Park, Beedelup 6260 – In Pemberton

Distance from Margaret River: 120km – 1 hour, 23-minute drive

At about 10 meters high, Beedelup Falls is very attractive for quite a few months of the year and one of the best things to do in Pemberton. The falls are located in Beedelup National Park.

The good water flow makes a lovely waterfall sound and cascades down rocky steps into a deep pool. The whole area is usually beautiful and green, with towering karri trees and plenty of birds. It’s located in a lush forest with stunning scenery.

Beedelup comes from the Aboriginal word ‘Beeja’, which translates to ‘place of rest’. The waterfall is very calm and surrounded by Karri trees—some up to 90m high!

The easiest way to Beedelup Falls is from a 300-meter walk trail from the car park. A very fun suspension bridge swings over Beedelup Brook, and a series of steep stairs around the waterfall. For those with accessibility issues, you can see the falls from a viewing platform, which you can reach with a wheelchair or pram.

If you visit around spring, look out for the wildflowers. On the granite rocks, you’ll find things like Swamp Peppermint, Lemon-scented Darwina, and Myrtle Wattle.

If you want something a little longer, the Beedelup Loop Walk offers walk trails from Beedelup Falls to the Karri Valley Resort (or vice versa). It is 4.5km if you do the whole thing, or you can choose which section you want to do.

For other things to do in Pemberton, see Best Things To Do In Pemberton, WA.

Distance: A 4.5km loop walk. You can also opt to walk 300m from the car park.

Recommended For: Anyone in good health who doesn’t mind a bit of walking (for the trail).

Time Needed: You’ll need around two hours to get there and back + enjoy the waterfall!

Dog Friendly:  No. The waterfall is located in a national park where dogs are not allowed.

Entry Fee: Standard park entry fees apply. You’ll pay $17 per vehicle with 12 or fewer passengers.

The Suspension Bridge at Beedelup Falls, Things to do in Pemberton, Margaret River Region Western Australia
The Suspension Bridge at Beedelup Falls

6. Lane Poole Falls

Location:  Boorara Brook, WA 6262

Distance from Margaret River: 178km – 2 hours, 15 minutes

Lane Poole Falls is accessible via a 5km trail that starts at the famous Boorara Tree. The hike takes you through a picturesque Karri and Marri forest in Boorara-Gardner National Park through the Canterbury River Valley.

The hike is mostly easy and flat, apart from a 200m downhill stretch at the end, although there is a handrail. This final stretch can become slippery after recent rain. It’s also very well-signposted.

Once you reach the waterfall, you can get a bird’s-eye view from the viewing platform. The falls drop 12m of granite rock into the pools below, making it the perfect spot for a picnic.

Make sure you leave at least 30 minutes in your itinerary to see the waterfall on top of how long you think it will take you to hike there. The best time to visit is during winter or spring when the Canterbury River is in full flow.

TIP: If you visit as part of a day trip, combine your visit with Beedalup Falls, which is on the way.

Distance: 5km return walk trail to Lane Poole Falls.

Recommended For: Those used to hiking (remember it’s a 5k hike!). The hike is easy but long.

Time Needed: 1-3 hours, depending on your walking speed and how long you spend at the waterfall.

Dog Friendly: No dogs are allowed in Boorara-Gardner National Park

Entry Fee: Free

hike to Quinninup falls

The Verdict: Margaret River Waterfalls

As you can see, there are plenty of waterfalls in the Margaret River region to visit – all within day trip distance from Margaret River town. Hopefully, you now know which waterfalls to add to your itinerary. If you have time to visit just one waterfall, I recommend Quinninup Falls.

If you’re planning your dream trip to the Margaret River region, make sure you read our other posts on the topic.

Read about where to stay in our posts on the best Margaret River farm stays and the best glamping options in Margaret River.

Travelling with kids? Read our guide to the top family accommodation in Margaret River and the best things to do with kids.

If you’re bringing your dog along, read our guide to pet-friendly accommodation in Margaret River.

I also recommend horseriding in Margaret River and visiting the fantastic Margaret River breweries.

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