Noble Falls in the Perth Hills.
Spectacular waterfalls are all around in the Perth Hills once the ground is saturated by persistent winter rains, but many of these creeks dry up quickly and are best visited during or immediately after heavy localised rainfall.
If you aren't available to head off for a Perth Hills waterfall adventure at such short notice, these 3 early-season waterfalls are also a good bet to be flowing consistently throughout the winter & spring months, even if there hasn't been significant rainfall in a few days.
I have seen the below listed waterfalls flowing as late as December, and as early as March, although it will vary significantly year to year based on recent weather conditions. All Perth waterfalls are most likely to be at their best between July-October, but the following three have a good chance of flowing outside of these times!
If you aren't available to head off for a Perth Hills waterfall adventure at such short notice, these 3 early-season waterfalls are also a good bet to be flowing consistently throughout the winter & spring months, even if there hasn't been significant rainfall in a few days.
I have seen the below listed waterfalls flowing as late as December, and as early as March, although it will vary significantly year to year based on recent weather conditions. All Perth waterfalls are most likely to be at their best between July-October, but the following three have a good chance of flowing outside of these times!
View from the top of Lesmurdie Falls.
All of the waterfalls listed in this guide have ample parking in easily accessed car parks, which all offer facilities nearby. The waterfalls themselves are accessed via short official walking trails, often with optional longer hikes available in the area.
3. Noble Falls
Noble Falls is a small but very photogenic waterfall in the Perth Hills located on Toodyay Rd, Gidgegannup. It is just across the road from the tavern. Turn left approximately 300m after the tavern when travelling east on Toodyay Rd.
There are picnic and toilet facilities in the car park. From there, there is access to both the southern and northern side of the waterfall. Both of which require very little walking to see the waterfall. You can be at the top or bottom of the falls on either side of the creek.
Accessing the southern side requires a short scramble. Go to the far western end of the car park and find the safest way to climb down the rock to the base of the falls. There is an obvious and well worn route down off the ledge.
The northern side offers easier access via the bridge and trail along the northern edge of the parking area. You can reach the base of the falls from here via a short scramble, or a longer but easier trail which is on the western side of the rocky outcrop.
Thanks to the Wooroloo Brook's large catchment area, Noble Falls is often flowing well as early as March, or as late in the year as December. It does dry up after prolonged periods without rain so pay attention to the recent weather events before visiting to avoid disappointment.
There are picnic and toilet facilities in the car park. From there, there is access to both the southern and northern side of the waterfall. Both of which require very little walking to see the waterfall. You can be at the top or bottom of the falls on either side of the creek.
Accessing the southern side requires a short scramble. Go to the far western end of the car park and find the safest way to climb down the rock to the base of the falls. There is an obvious and well worn route down off the ledge.
The northern side offers easier access via the bridge and trail along the northern edge of the parking area. You can reach the base of the falls from here via a short scramble, or a longer but easier trail which is on the western side of the rocky outcrop.
Thanks to the Wooroloo Brook's large catchment area, Noble Falls is often flowing well as early as March, or as late in the year as December. It does dry up after prolonged periods without rain so pay attention to the recent weather events before visiting to avoid disappointment.
Noble Falls as seen from the base of the waterfall in the early morning.
Noble Falls viewed from the lower cascade.
Noble Falls under a colourful sunset.
Lesmurdie Falls as seen from the base of the waterfall.
Lesmurdie Falls as seen from the top of the waterfall.
2. Lesmurdie Falls
Lesmurdie Falls is an impressive multi-tiered waterfall, located just a 30 minute drive from the Perth CBD.
The falls often trickle through most of the summer months, and there is also a good chance of seeing the falls flowing well immediately after heavy rain throughout summer and autumn because road drainage from the suburbs above flows directly into the creek. It is not uncommon to see Lesmurdie Falls flowing very well between April & June after a rainy day, and it even has the potential to flash flood.
To see this one flowing well early in the season you will need to be quick, as it can reduce back to a trickle in less than 24hrs after a downpour. Between mid June & late October the falls should be flowing well more consistently!
There are two car parks at Lesmurdie Falls. The one below, at the end of Palm Terrace in Forrestfield, is best for viewing the waterfall from the base. Note that the final 50m or so to get to the base of Lesmurdie Falls requires a scramble and is not suitable for people without good agility & fitness. The views from the creek before the scramble are still spectacular!
The top car park on Falls Road in Lesmurdie offers toilet facilities and a short easy walk to two viewpoints at the top of the falls. There are also some small cascades up above the main waterfall which are great to explore too!
If you're up for a hike, you can use the trails available to walk from the base of the falls, up to the lookouts, and then back down to the bottom carpark. I highly recommend visiting Lesmurdie Falls in the late afternoon, as on a clear day when the sun sets the hillsides glow a magnificent golden colour.
The falls often trickle through most of the summer months, and there is also a good chance of seeing the falls flowing well immediately after heavy rain throughout summer and autumn because road drainage from the suburbs above flows directly into the creek. It is not uncommon to see Lesmurdie Falls flowing very well between April & June after a rainy day, and it even has the potential to flash flood.
To see this one flowing well early in the season you will need to be quick, as it can reduce back to a trickle in less than 24hrs after a downpour. Between mid June & late October the falls should be flowing well more consistently!
There are two car parks at Lesmurdie Falls. The one below, at the end of Palm Terrace in Forrestfield, is best for viewing the waterfall from the base. Note that the final 50m or so to get to the base of Lesmurdie Falls requires a scramble and is not suitable for people without good agility & fitness. The views from the creek before the scramble are still spectacular!
The top car park on Falls Road in Lesmurdie offers toilet facilities and a short easy walk to two viewpoints at the top of the falls. There are also some small cascades up above the main waterfall which are great to explore too!
If you're up for a hike, you can use the trails available to walk from the base of the falls, up to the lookouts, and then back down to the bottom carpark. I highly recommend visiting Lesmurdie Falls in the late afternoon, as on a clear day when the sun sets the hillsides glow a magnificent golden colour.
1. Serpentine Falls
Serpentine Falls is an impressive waterfall with a popular swimming hole in the warmer months. In winter, after consistent, rainfall is when it really comes to life, but thanks to some human intervention (water is usually pumped in from the Serpentine Dam upstream in the drier months) it tends to flow year-round. This is also one end of the Kitties gorge hiking trail which has many more smaller but equally stunning waterfalls.
Located within Serpentine National Park, at the end of Falls Rd in Serpentine, this waterfall is just under an hour's drive from the Perth CBD. There is an entry fee to this location.
Access to the base of the falls is via an easy, well formed walking trail. There are picnic & toilet facilities located in the picnic area as you enter the park.
Located within Serpentine National Park, at the end of Falls Rd in Serpentine, this waterfall is just under an hour's drive from the Perth CBD. There is an entry fee to this location.
Access to the base of the falls is via an easy, well formed walking trail. There are picnic & toilet facilities located in the picnic area as you enter the park.
Serpentine Falls viewed from a distance.
Serpentine Falls in full flow, as seen from the main viewing area by the base of the waterfall.
Thanks for reading 3 Perth Hills Waterfalls That Start Flowing Early in the Season!
A guide to The Waterfalls of Perth
There are many more waterfalls to explore in the region, and I have dedicated a big part of my life to doing just that - so I can bring you this guide!
There are many more waterfalls to explore in the region, and I have dedicated a big part of my life to doing just that - so I can bring you this guide!
The recently released second edition now contains 35 individual waterfall locations near Perth, Western Australia. Yes, 35! Many of these listed locations also have more than one waterfall, so you are sure to be kept busy exploring for many winters to come.
For Photographers: I have included 10 pages of information on how to get started photographing waterfalls. The information covers necessary equipment and my process of taking the photos!
In addition to the photography process, I have included when to visit each individual location for the best light, to photograph the waterfalls.
All of the waterfalls included in this guide are accessible to the public at the time of release, and I become aware of any changes I will update the guide. I am glad to have 35 locations to share with you all whilst keeping my morals intact. I will never share the locations of private, sensitive, or dangerous areas that are not managed or intended for recreation.
Follow the link below for more information and to get your copy of the guide. Use the code "WATERFALL" for 10% off your order!
Follow the link below for more information and to get your copy of the guide. Use the code "WATERFALL" for 10% off your order!
Thanks for reading!
I hope you have enjoyed reading this Guide to 3 Early-Season Waterfalls That Are Likely To Be Flowing Soon In The Perth Hills! More images can be seen in my Perth & Surrounds Photography Gallery
All of the images here are available for printing and licensing.
I take pride in my prints, which are produced locally in Western Australia. Attention to detail is paid to ensure image quality is at the highest standard possible.
A framed print of Lesmurdie Falls in the Perth Hills, available for purchase.
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Serpentine Falls in flood - Winter 2024.
Important Notes:
- I recommend doing your own research and visiting the local visitor information centre for the most up to date information, as the conditions can vary from year-to-year.
- Get the most enjoyment out of your visit whilst staying safe. Prepare for natural hazards (such as weather conditions & wildlife encounters) and other outdoor risks. Only you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of those in your care.
- Wear suitable footwear and appropriate clothing to protect yourself during your planned activities.
- Plan ahead and ensure to take enough food, fuel and water for your journey. It is always recommended to let a responsible person know your plans and report back into them once you have finished.
- Stay on the marked trails whenever possible and obey signage wherever possible.
- Always look after and prioritise the environment. Take your rubbish with you or place in bins if provided. Lack of respect for the environment gets these places closed down & ruins other visitors experience.