Last Updated on 27 July 2024 by Ariana Svenson
Western Australia might be known for its stunning beaches, but it has awe-inspiring waterfalls. Wondering which waterfalls in Western Australia are best to visit? I’ve got you covered.
WA has some of the best waterfalls in the world, offering amazing hiking opportunities, scenic views, and a chance to escape into nature.
With lush forests and rugged regions, WA’s diverse terrain hides many spectacular waterfalls. This guide will show you some of WA’s most beautiful natural waterfalls, showcasing their unique features and the best ways to experience them.
Trust me, these waterfalls are worth the trek!
The Best Time of Year to Visit the Waterfalls in Western Australia
The best time to visit is during the winter and early spring, from June to October when the waterfalls are most magnificent.
During winter, the seasonal rains ensure the waterfalls are at their peak flow and look even more beautiful. They are surrounded by lush greenery and stunning Western Australian wildflowers.
Visiting the Western Australia waterfalls during winter means the weather is better for comfortable hiking and outdoor activities without the summer heat.
Take note of our specific advice for each waterfall and when to visit. Some waterfalls differ, but for most, the best time to visit is June to October.
Waterfalls of Western Australia – South
1. Fernhook Falls
Location: Beardmore Rd, 35 minutes drive from Walpole
The best thing about Fernhook Falls, WA, is that the paths are accessible to everyone so you can bring the whole family.
During winter, the Fernhook Falls are a sight when the deep river transforms into a roaring torrent. The same river mellows in the summer, creating a calm pool for swimming. You can also launch a canoe from Rowell’s Pool during the whitewater season, which runs from July to October. Discover more about the top things to do in Walpole and explore our guide to the best accommodations in Walpole.
Distance: 1km loop
Recommended For: Everyone
Time Needed: About 1 hour
Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed in a national park
Entry Fee: None, but camping fees may apply
2. Lane Poole Falls
Location: Boorara Rd, south of Northcliffe
Lane Poole Falls is best explored during winter when the Canterbury River is in full flow, creating a spectacular 10-metre waterfall.
Your journey begins at the Boorara Tree recreation site. The 5km round trip trail winds through towering karri and marri forests.
As you approach, the path steepens before revealing the breathtaking sight of a fast-flowing waterfall tumbling over a granite wall. Although the falls may be reduced to a trickle during the summer, the peaceful atmosphere makes up for the lack of rushing waters.
Note, do not confuse these falls with the rapids at Lane Poole Reserve, Dwellingup.
Distance: 5km round trip
Recommended For: Anyone with good physical health or some hiking experience
Time Needed: 1.5 hours
Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed in national parks
Entry Fee: Free
Beedelup Falls
Location: Beedelup National Park, Beedelup 6260
From the Aboriginal word “Beedja”, which means “place of rest” or “place of sleep,”Beedelup Falls will make you feel at peace. Here, you’ll be surrounded by the park’s towering karri trees, which can grow up to 90 metres high.
Beedelup Falls flows 100 metres over granite rocks, creating a damp atmosphere perfect for mosses, swamp peppermint, myrtle wattle, and lemon-scented Darwinia.
A boardwalk and suspension bridge that spans Beedelup Brook give stunning views of the rushing water; if you visit the waterfall in winter and spring, you may even feel the spray on your face.
One of the Best things to do in Pemberton
Distance: 4.5km loop
Recommended For: Anyone who’s in good physical health
Time Needed: About 2 hours
Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed in national parks
Entry Fee: Standard park entry fees apply ($17 per vehicle with 12 or fewer passengers)
4. Quinninup Falls
Location: Wilyabrup, 6280 (Leeuwin Naturaliste National Park)
Quinninup Falls is a popular, Instagram-worthy spot in Willyabrup, about 30km north of Margaret River. The Quinninup Falls hike is among the most popular Margaret River walking trails. It features a beautiful coastline and ocean views, making the 4km hike truly memorable.
The 10-metre waterfalls only flow during winter and early spring, so visit during those seasons (especially after some rain). But if you can’t make it here during those seasons, a Quinninup Falls hike is still worth it. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow, with Cape-to-Cape trail markers.
The first part of the walk is flat and runs along the top of the coastal escarpment. However, there’s one big sand dune to conquer, and walking up can get tricky. Take it easy, and you’ll make it to the top of the dune just fine!
Distance: 4km round trip
Recommended For: Anyone who’s in good physical health and is used to hiking
Time Needed: About 90 minutes at a leisurely pace
Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed in a national park falls
Entry Fee: Free
5. Yalgardup Falls / Kevill Road Waterfall
Location: Kevill Road, near Margaret River region
Yalgardup Falls, also known as Kevill Road Waterfall or Kevill Road East Falls, is a hidden gem that’s a 5-minute drive (4.1km away) from Margaret River town centre.
Though not as tall as other waterfalls in the Margaret River region, Yalgardup Falls Margaret River makes up for it with its vast expanse and powerful flow (especially after rainfall).
Make sure to visit during the winter or early spring when the water rushes over the rocks. The gentle stream during the drier months allows for rock hopping and exploration.
The falls are conveniently located next to Kevill Road, making them easily accessible by car. Watch for kangaroos—they’re often seen in the surrounding paddocks. It’s also a residential area, so be mindful of the residents and their homes.
Distance: No need for a hike; the falls are right next to Kevill Road
Recommended For: Everyone, but be careful of slippery rocks
Time Needed: About 15 minutes for walking around and taking photos
Dog Friendly: Yes
Entry Fee: Free
Waterfalls Close to Perth
Along with the fantastic waterfalls in Western Australia, which are a little further afield than Perth, we also have a complete guide to the BEST waterfalls near Perth. Visiting at least one of them is one of the best things to do in Perth in winter.
Some of the best waterfalls in WA covered in our Perth waterfalls guide are:
6. Lesmurdie Falls
Location: Forrestfield
Lesmurdie Falls is the highest and most impressive waterfall in Perth. It features year-round flow and multiple walk trails ranging from 600 meters to 3 kilometers.
The falls are easily accessible. A short 5-minute walk from the carpark to the top lookout offers stunning views of the Perth metropolitan area.
It’s an excellent spot for picnicking with spacious areas near the carpark and the creek.
7. Noble Falls
Location: 2621 Toodyay Rd, Gidgegannup
Noble Falls is a scenic 3.5-kilometer walk located just outside Gidgegannup township. The waterfall is a series of low, wide cascades best viewed in winter, and in spring, it is surrounded by beautiful wildflowers.
8. Hovea Falls
Location: Railway Reserves Historic Trail, Hovea
Hovea Falls, located in John Forrest National Park, offers a picturesque 2-kilometer return walk from the main carpark.
Best visited in winter, these falls provide a serene setting with plenty of rushing water. The flat and wide Railway Heritage Trail makes walking or cycling easy.
9. Serpentine Falls
Location: LOT 1 Falls Rd, Serpentine, WA 6125
Serpentine Falls is a popular summer swimming destination. Water cascades down a 15-meter ledge into a natural pool.
The falls are easily accessible via a 400-meter walk from the carpark, with ample facilities, including BBQs, picnic tables, and toilets.
For spectacular views, take a short walk to Baldwin’s Bluff. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
10. Sixty Foot Falls (Ellis Brook Falls)
Location: Martin, 30 minutes drive from Perth’s CBD
Sixty Foot Falls in the Ellis Brook Valley Reserve offers a challenging 2.1-kilometre loop walk with steep climbs and stunning views.
The falls are best seen in winter, but the picturesque Old Barrington Quarry remains a highlight year-round. The area is dog-friendly and perfect for a less crowded and more adventurous hike.
Waterfalls of Western Australia – North
11.Fortescue Falls, Karijini National Park, Dales Gorge
Location: Dales Rd, Karijini 6751
Fortescue Falls is the park’s only permanent waterfall in Dales Gorge within Karijini National Park of Western Australia. It greets visitors with 20-metre cascading falls over rock terraces.
If you’re up for a bit of a challenge, follow the steep trail down into the gorge, where you’ll be rewarded with a fantastic view of Fortescue Falls from the gorge floor. The falls drop into a deep pool creating a fantastic sight.
If you prefer a leisurely stroll, a short path from the car park near Dales Campground leads to a viewing area where you can enjoy the picturesque waterfalls above.
The trail takes about 20 minutes to complete and is best enjoyed between June and October. It’s a popular spot, so visit during quieter times of the day if you want a more peaceful waterfall experience.
Distance: 1.6km round trip
Recommended For: Everyone with some hiking experience
Time Needed: About 1 hour
Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed in a national park
Entry Fee: Standard park entry fees apply ($17 per vehicle with 12 or fewer passengers)
12. Horizontal Falls
Location: On the Kimberley Region coast
Horizontal Falls is one of the best Kimberley waterfalls. Visiting is truly an unforgettable adventure and one of the top things to do in the Broome area. It’s no wonder Sir David Attenborough described it as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world.”
Horizontal Falls is a unique natural phenomenon found in the turquoise waters of Talbot Bay in the Buccaneer Archipelago. This unusual natural wonder is formed by powerful tidal currents that reach over 10 metres, squeezing through two narrow gorges in the McLarty Range. The result is a rapid-like effect, changing the flow direction twice daily.
Horizontal Falls are best viewed from the air (via a scenic flight from Broome or Derby) or in close proximity on a speed boat through the rushing currents.
Distance: No walking trails around the falls
Recommended For: Everyone!
Time Needed: Half-day, full-day, and overnight tours are available
Dog Friendly: No, the location is only accessible by seaplane or helicopter, followed by a tour on a speed boat
Entry Fee: Your costs will depend on how you arrive at Horizontal Falls (flight or cruise)
13. Emma Gorge, El Questro Wilderness Park
Location: 83km west of Kununurra in Durack WA 6743
Emma Gorge is a natural wonder not to be missed. After an hour-long hike through the rugged Cockburn Ranges, you’ll reward yourself with a stunning 65-metre waterfall flowing into a calm, clear pool.
On a hot day, you can have a refreshing dip or relax by the water’s edge; you may even find a hidden thermal spring!
This spectacular waterfall is open to exploration from April to October; the park is closed during the wet season. You can do the Emma Gorge Walk Trail by yourself or join a guided tour. Because the entire trek (plus a swim) can take up to three hours, be sure to start before 14:30 so you can return before sunset.
Distance: 3.4km round trip
Recommended For: Anyone who’s in good physical health (requires walking on some rugged terrain)
Time Needed: 2 hours round trip if walking and not swimming. 3 hours if swimming.
Dog Friendly: Dogs are allowed at El Questro’s camp huts but not at attractions.
Entry Fee: $22 per adult and $11 per child (5-15 years old) for a 7-day El Questro visitor permit. $12 per adult and $5 per child for a day pass.
14. Mitchell Falls
Location: Port Warrender Rd, Mitchell Plateau, 6740
The four-tiered Mitchell Falls is an absolute must-see! These stunning waterfalls carve through sandstone, resulting in breathtakingly beautiful emerald pools as water cascades from one to the next.
February and March are the best months to see the falls at peak water capacity, but Mitchell Falls is an impressive sight year-round.
If you’d rather see the waterfalls from above, fixed-wing flights operate all year from Kununurra. Seasonal scenic flights take off from Drysdale River Station, and helicopter tours are available from the campgrounds.
For the adventurous, the Punamii-Uunpuu walk trail is an 8.6km round trip hike to the falls. It’s a moderate to challenging trek, with areas that require rock-hopping. You might even spot some aboriginal rock art along the way!
Distance: 8.6km round trip
Recommended For: Seasoned hikers
Time Needed: About 4-6 hours
Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed in a national park
Entry Fee: Yes; requires an Uunguu Visitor Pass
15. Mertens Falls
Location: Mitchell Plateau 6740
One thing to know about Mertens Falls (formerly Little Mertens Falls) is that it’s not a small waterfall.
Its most exciting feature is a cave underneath the waterfalls. Inside, you’ll find ancient Bradshaw paintings and delicate rock ferns on the walls. Climbing down to the creek rewards you with another swimming pool and a big rock slab covered in Bradshaws.
The next stop, Big Mertens Falls (now Mertens Gorge), is even bigger. The best view of the waterfall is from the far right, but be careful, as it’s a long way down if you fall.
Distance: 1.6km return from Mitchell Falls Campground
Recommended For: Anyone in good physical health
Time Needed: About one hour
Dog Friendly: No dogs allowed in national parks
Entry Fee: Yes; requires an Uunguu Visitor Pass
16. King George Falls
Location: Oombulgurri
As Western Australia’s tallest twin falls, King George Falls is spectacular. Its 100-metre torrents plunge over an ancient sandstone, creating a breathtaking waterfall display. The falls are awe-inspiring between April and June, right after the northern wet season.
Because of the falls’ remote location, you can’t access the falls with a vehicle. King George Falls is best experienced on a luxury Kimberley cruise from Broome or Wyndham. If you’re lucky, you may even get a chance to take a refreshing freshwater “shower” at the falls’ base!
Take a scenic flight over the falls and the surrounding North Kimberley coast for a different perspective. You can also access the falls by boat from Faraway Bay and hike from the cliffs for a bird’s eye view.
Distance: No hiking trails around King George Falls
Recommended For: Everyone
Time Needed: As long as your cruise or flight allows
Dog Friendly: No
Entry Fee: None
Map of the Waterfalls in Western Australia
The Verdict – The Best Waterfalls in Western Australia
It’s true: Western Austalia does indeed have some of the best waterfalls in the world. I hope you now have an idea of which ones you want to add to your itinerary. Remember that most of these waterfalls are best visited between June and October.
Can you recommend any more amazing waterfalls in Western Australia? Let me know in the comments below.
Leave a reply