Serpentine Falls, located within the stunning Serpentine National Park just an hour's drive south-east of Perth, is a classic Western Australian natural beauty spot that makes for an ideal day trip. The drive is easy, and the destination offers a wonderful blend of scenic views, accessible nature, and picnic opportunities.
The Star Attraction: The main draw is, of course, the waterfall itself. Cascading 15 meters over a smooth granite rock face into a large, inviting rock pool, the falls are particularly spectacular after the winter rains (typically late winter to spring, August to October). Even when the flow is reduced in the drier months, the tranquil pool and polished granite surroundings are beautiful and a popular spot for photography.
Visitor Experience & Facilities: The area around the falls is very well-maintained. Accessibility: The main Falls Walk Trail from the car park to the lookout is short and largely accessible, making it great for all ages and fitness levels. Picnic Area: The grassy picnic area is a real highlight, featuring excellent, clean gas BBQs, plenty of shaded tables, and clean toilet facilities. Wildlife: Western Grey Kangaroos are frequently seen grazing in the picnic area, adding a wonderful Australian touch to your lunch. Remember not to feed them!
For the Adventurous: If you're after more than a quick photo and a picnic, the park offers excellent bushwalking: Baldwins Bluff Nature Track (6km return): A moderate climb rewarded with panoramic views over the Swan Coastal Plain and the falls from the summit. Kitty's Gorge Walk Track (14km return): A longer, more challenging hike that follows the Serpentine River and Gooralong Brook, showcasing the park's lush forest, granite outcrops, and, in spring, stunning wildflowers.
Arrive Early! Serpentine Falls is extremely popular, especially on weekends and in summer. The park frequently closes once capacity is reached (often before 10 am), so plan to arrive right when it opens at 8:30 am to guarantee entry and a good picnic spot. Swimming Safety: While swimming is a popular activity in the rock pool, visitors should be aware that jumping and climbing from the rocks is prohibited and dangerous due to submerged hazards and varying depths. Water quality also varies, so check for local alerts before getting in.
In summary, Serpentine Falls is an essential, highly-recommended Perth day out. It's a fantastic spot for a relaxing family picnic, a short nature stroll, or a challenging bushwalk—just remember to...
Read moreSerpentine Falls is a popular tourist destination in Western Australia, known for its scenic beauty and natural attractions. It is located in the Serpentine National Park, about 45 minutes drive from Perth. Overall, visitors have given Serpentine Falls mixed reviews. Some people enjoyed the natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding park, while others found the experience underwhelming or overpriced.
Many people praised the natural beauty of the falls and the surrounding park. The falls themselves are impressive, cascading down a granite cliff into a deep pool below. The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and birds. Visitors enjoyed the short walk to the falls from the car park, making it easily accessible for families and those with limited mobility. The park offers picnic tables, barbecues, and toilets, making it a convenient place for a day trip. Overall, Serpentine Falls is a popular tourist destination that offers a pleasant day trip for families and nature lovers. However, it is important to be aware of the mixed reviews and to set your expectations accordingly. If you are looking for a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, Serpentine Falls is worth a visit. However, if you are expecting a grand and majestic waterfall, you may be...
Read moreThis is a really nice area to come for a picnic or barbeque. There's a number of spaces available to utilise the tables or bring your own chairs or blanket. The toilets are fairly reasonable and I did see the staff ensuring that they were clean and stocked up.
The walk to the Falls is pleasant enough aside from rude people who have no awareness of seniors or people who aren't stay on their feet. At this time of the year the Falls are magnificent and it's good to see plenty of water there.
It is astounding that at the entry you get asked not to feed the kangaroos and there are also signs asking people not to feed wildlife.....and yet they do what they want to get a photo of themselves or their kids feeding the kangaroos 👎👎👎 It's also astounding that people have no idea what a "One Way" sign is for and drive off to exit the park going against oncoming traffic. The place is terrific and there's a number of hiking trails too. There is a parking fee of around $17 but if you have a National Parks Pass then you can enter for free, but the staff will need to see your pass and confirm that it, and the vehicle,...
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