by Annabel Claire -

John Forrest National Park Falls, John Forrest National Park, Perth – Western Australia, Australia

Exploring Perth Hills will always bring satisfaction when it comes to waterfalls, and the National Park Falls up at John Forrest are no exception.

John Forrest National Park is Perth’s oldest National Park, about 25-30 minutes out of Perth CBD. Plenty of information on how to get to the falls can be found here.

However, I have a secret short-cut. Travel along Great Eastern Highway Bypass, then exit left at Roe Highway and turn right onto Morrison Road. Follow this until you come across a round-about with a small car park to the left (this is called Pechey Road Carpark).

From here, you can walk towards the Swan View Tunnel (keeping to the right on the gravel path) and follow that towards the falls.

Road Map to John Forrest National Park. Google Maps (2016).
Map of Swan View Tunnel and National Park Falls (walking trails not shown). Google Maps (2016).

I visited the park on my own, strolling along the orange dusty gravel track, admiring the clear blue sky and the sunshine, the view of the million-shades-of-green landscape and whatever insect or bird that flitted by.

Keep to the right for the tunnel, the left to avoid.

I walked through the old railway tunnel, shining my torch on the old faded bricks, and wobbling over stones, trying to avoid muddy slush. Without the torch, you see nothing, but the bright, distant light ahead distorting how much farther you still have to travel.

 
The beginning of the tunnel…

Inside the tunnel looking back…

Looking how far until the exit of the tunnel…

Out of the tunnel, I then headed for the falls, where a small wooden bridge takes you over the very top rocks. To get to the bottom, you have to continue up to higher ground, and veer left onto the gravel walking trail. These trails are marked only with wooden stumps with an outline of an eagle bolted to them. It is slim and steep, so wear proper shoes and remember to be on the look out for snakes and sharp shrubs.
 
Once down at the bottom, there’s the viewing platform smack-bang in the middle. I, however, prefer to generally “Bear Grylls” my way around the smooth, red rocks and gushing stream. It was a magical day for me – though probably a bit late in the year, as the falls were not as full as they would be in June-September (this visit was around November).
Photo above is taken from the very bottom of the waterfall.

As you can see, the falls weren’t flowing extensively from the top during my visit, so I will definitely be returning in the winter months. Though the weather on the day I went was incredible, so I can’t complain about that.

I managed to return to John Forest National Park Falls in October 2017, and while they were flowing a bit better (check out the photos below!), I still recommend a winter visit. 

Quick Facts

Last visit October 2017
Best Time July-October
Start / Finish Pechey Road Carpark
Unsealed Roads No
Walking distance 2km return
Time 1hr
Difficulty Easy, take torch if going through tunnel
FacilitiesNone this way, Picnic area other side
Lat & Long unknown
Nearby Hovea Falls
Watercourse Jane Brook

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