A small water sanctuary, just South-East of Perth, Western Australia lies Serpentine Falls, where we can frolic and play in nature’s pool.
Serpentine Falls are located about 55km South-east of Perth, WA. The drive is quite easy really (approximately 1 hr and 10 minutes from the city), though you may miss the final turn off if you aren’t careful.
If you are coming from Perth City, head straight down Kwinana Freeway. You will then get to turn onto a typically (and hilariously) Aussie-named exit – are you ready for this? – Mundjidong Road, which will eventually reach South Western Highway. (If you’re coming up to the falls from the South, anywhere past the Baldivis kind of area then you will exit the Freeway onto Karnup Road, which also hits South Western Highway.
Either way, turn right onto South Western Highway and if you came from Mundjidong, follow that for another 25km’s or so and you’ll find Falls Road. If you’re coming from Karnup, Falls Road will be right opposite you. Like I said, it’s easy to miss, so be on the look out on your left for a tiny little could-you-even-call-it-that service station, and the Serpentine Park Home Village next door. You’ll find it eventually, trust.
The only not-so-great-thing about these falls is that you have to pay $12 entry if you are in a vehicle. But that goes to maintaining the park, wildlife and facilities. So it’s not so bad, really.
The carpark area is also surrounded by park benches and a picnic area, so it’s a great spot to take some food and friends and enjoy being with nature. Though word of warning – the kangaroos are not shy, and will definitely try and join you.
The Serpentine Park is a great spot for bush walking – and if you’re up for the trek, you can find your way to the top of the falls. But for those lesser inclined to go hiking – you can simply embark on the short, easy walk to the falls pool (off to the right of the overflow carpark area – which is to the left of the picnic area). If you want more info, you can visit The Department of Parks and Wildlife.
Now – to the falls!
The falls are small, but beautiful. A perfect place to relax on the rocks, or glide through the (freezing cold, might I add) water.
If you visit in the summer months, the falls will likely not be flowing very much, or at all. But it is a great time of the year for swimming in the pool. The winter months are an awesome time to see the falls flowing at their full capacity, but it will be far too cold to venture into the water.
Although, I wish I could say that it goes without saying, but it doesn’t: Be Careful. This tiny sanctuary has had 12 deaths due to people underestimating how shallow it really is. So basically, don’t go leaping off the rocks. Simply sit back, be smart, and enjoy the fact that we get to experience these 100 year-old falls in the first place.
Quick Facts
| Last visit | October 2017 |
| Best Time | Nov-Feb for swimming, June/July for water flow |
| Start / Finish | Serpentine National Park Falls Rd Carpark open 8.30am-5pm, plan arrival before 10am. $13 entry for vehicles. |
| Unsealed Roads | No |
| Walking distance | 400meters |
| Time | 5mins |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Facilities | BBQs, Picnic Tables and Toilets |
| Lat & Long | 32.3679° S, 116.0110° E |
| Nearby | Serpentine Camping Centre, Millbrook Winery |
| Watercourse | Serpentine River |