Waterfall season is well and truly here and us West Aussies love nothing more than hitting the hills and watching the water flow! We’re hopelessly drawn to their sound and beauty.
There’s even some science to support why we love them so much.
Apparently, it’s all about the negative ions that water releases when it collides with itself. When these ions hit our blood stream, they boost our mood by creating serotonin, which helps alleviate depression, stress, and boosts our daytime energy.
Even if you don’t agree with the science, you can agree that the sight of a waterfall will always put a smile on your face. So, what are you waiting for? Hit the trails and check out some of these feel good waterflows! We've picked our top eight waterfall hikes to help you explore some of the state's best waterfalls.
BELLS RAPIDS, SWAN VALLEY | 2.75KM | BUSH WALK
Cross the bridge and head to your left for the easy 2.5km return Bells Rapids River Walk or turn right and follow the more challenging Goat Walk up and over the hill, until it meets the River Walk and returns to the bridge and picnic area. Expect some steep rocky climbs and descents along the way.
With its majestic boulders and rushing waters in the winter, July to November is the best time to see the rapids in full flow. A favourite picnic location for families for many years, the beautiful Grey Kangaroo can be seen in abundance at certain times of the year and the wildflowers are worth a visit from August to November too.
NOBLE FALLS WALK TRAIL, GIDGEGANNUP | 3.65KM | BUSH WALK
This lovely 3.6 kilometre walk along the Wooroloo Brook is attractive at all times of the year. The wildflowers are in bloom in the spring and the waterfall is stunning in winter. The walk adjoins a reserve, which is home to many birds and other wildlife.
Dogs are allowed off the leash but must be under control at all times. Fire restrictions apply to the area and open fires are not permitted but free electric BBQs are provided. As the Noble Falls Picnic Area is not a designated rest area, no overnight camping is allowed.
SIXTY FOOT FALLS, ELLIS BROOK VALLEY, GOSNELLS | 2.1KM | BUSH WALK
This walk is a short but the steep climb to the top is worth it for the spectacular views of the city and the valley below, the trail decends past the old Barrington Quarry where old workings provide a window into the geology of the area.
There are four walking trails in this area catering for every fitness level. Sixty Foot Falls Trail is the hardest of the four trails but there is also the Blue Wren Ramble Trail. leading up to the falls if you want to extend your hike a little further.
QUINNINUP FALLS TRAIL, LEEUWIN-NATURALISTE NP | 3.8KM | BUSH WALK
Quinninup means 'place of the zamia palm', the name given to this area by the Wadandi people.
The trail follows the Cape to Cape Track north through granite outcrops and coastal heath. Near the beach, the trail turns and leads inland to the base of the falls. This moderately difficult walk consists of uneven, rocky surfaces, soft sand and requires walkers to ascend a steep sand dune. The best time to view the falls is between late winter and late spring.
The falls are important to the Wadandi people, please respect this site and do not climb to the top of the falls.
LEFROY BROOK LOOP WALK, GLOUCESTER NP, PEMBERTON | 1.2MKM | BUSH WALK
The Cascades are a series of picturesque waterfalls that flow from the Lefroy Brook near Pemberton. Enjoy a lovely day wandering through the forest and fishing at the Cascades.
Nestled in the Gloucester National Park, this tranquil setting is only four hours’ drive south of Perth.
Just off the Bibbulmun Track, the walking enthusiast will enjoy the six kilometre walk along the track from Pemberton to the Cascades. There is a trail which allows you to loop around the waterfalls and capture a photo from every angle. The views are magnificent and the natural surrounds refreshing and revitalising.
BEEDELUP FALLS WALK, BEEDELUP NP | 4.5KM | BUSH WALK
Pack your bird field guide and head for these falls in Beedelup National Park. The 4.5km moderately hard Beedelup Loop Walk meanders through karri forest via Karri Valley Resort and the Walk-Through-Tree. The walk can be broken up into shorter sections.
Access to Beedelup Falls is via a 300 metre walk trail from the carpark. The trail takes you across a 25 metre suspension bridge that spans Beedelup Brook.
LANE POOLE FALLS WALK TRAIL, NORTHCLIFFE | 5KM | BUSH WALK
Venture into wild forest on this 5km moderate walk trail linking the Boorara Tree recreation site with Lane Poole Falls. Wander towards through mixed karri and marri forest which changes to riverine vegetation as you descend into the Canterbury River valley.
Take a rest at the lookout shelter near the falls and enjoy the sounds of the forest. In spring, the awakening wildflowers peep over the blanket of undergrowth. As you near the falls, the track descends steeply, before you emerge to see the fast-flowing water tumbling over a granite wall to a pool, 12 metres below.
FERNHOOK FALLS, MT FRANKLAND SOUTH NATIONAL PARK | 1KM | BUSH WALK
A 1km loop trail along part of the Deep River within Mt Frankland South National Park. In winter, Fernhook Falls displays impressive cascading water flow over granite boulders.
A 35 minute drive from Walpole, the walktrails and boardwalks have been designed to give you a great view of the cascading falls and pristine old growth karri and jarrah forests while allowing universal access to parts of the site. The boardwalks have been constructed to protect the vegetation around the pool while still allowing the natural passage of native fauna through the forest.
In summer the river is peaceful with rocky pools whilst winter provides a cascading river, flowing over boulders and creating a frothy torrent that runs into Rowell's Pool.
