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.
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.
Inside the tunnel looking back…
Looking how far until the exit of the tunnel…
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 |
| Facilities | None this way, Picnic area other side |
| Lat & Long | unknown |
| Nearby | Hovea Falls |
| Watercourse | Jane Brook |
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[…] Hills are some stunning waterfalls, flowing down the face of orange and red rock. If you pass the John Forrest National Park Falls, walking along the limestone gravel track, you’ll find Hovea […]