Although the wintertime may seem like the perfect excuse to stay indoors, the beautiful natural landscape found in Perth and its surrounds makes the effort to get out into the bush worth it — especially in the colder months.
From July to August marks the transition from Makuru to Djilba in the Noongar seasonal calendar, seeing the winter rains replenish natural water bodies and waterfalls. While heading out to sightsee these natural wonders will still run a bit chilly, it’s all in the service of a mild day trip, where Perth’s characteristic hot temperatures are largely avoided for the same rewarding landscape.
Read below to see our top picks, all within an hour of the city centre.
Bells Rapids Falls
45 minutes from Perth is this ever-popular spot, known for hosting paddlers on the annual Avon Descent white water race when the rapids are at their strongest.
The namesake rapids are best observed from July to August, where the rain swells the Avon River. Two unique circuit trails of 2.5 and 3 kilometres respectively make the spot not only great for sightseeing but also for easy-to-moderate hikes along the scenic (and loud!) rushing river, with dogs welcome and all the amenities for a picnic at the end.
Lesmurdie Falls
Nestled within the Mundy Regional Park in the Perth Hills is arguably one of Perth’s most accessible waterfalls, Lesmurdie Falls.
Again, late winter and through to spring is the perfect time to visit, as the falls flow strongly after winter rains and usually remain dry throughout the beginning of the year.
While there are about four different popular trail routes of varying difficulty, like the Lesmurdie Brook Loop or the Foot of the Falls Trail, you won’t miss the falls — a series of platforms surrounding the 40 metre falls allow for a close-up view.
This trail can get busy, especially during the peak seasons (also being a wildflower hotspot in spring!), so plan ahead.
Sixty Foot Falls
30 minutes from Perth at the base of the Darling Scarp is the Ellis Brook Valley, home to four walking trails, with the Sixty Foot Falls Trail being the hardest, but easily the most rewarding.
With plenty of rain, these falls can run strongly, bubbling over the rocky terrain and granite cliffs. There is a steep 2 kilometre climb up the valley to see the views, but they’re made worth it, with wildflowers complementing the falls and the scenery looking down onto the valley and upon the distant Perth skyline gorgeous.
You won’t want to miss the Old Barrington Quarry, either, characterised by tall and powerful rock faces.
Serpentine Falls
Travel 40 minutes further south from Sixty Foot Falls to Serpentine National Park for the Serpentine Falls.
The autumn and winter rains propel a waterfall down 15 metre granite outcrops into a natural pool, this attraction being the highlight of the four walking trails to explore in the park. The most direct walk is the Falls Walk Trail, where the falls are just a 400 metre walk from the car park. From the falls, popular trails include Kitty’s Trail and Baldwins Bluff Trail.
This spot is also busy, so plan to arrive before 10am to ensure you’re able to start on the trails during peak times.
Hovea Falls & National Park Falls
John Forrest National Park boasts the title of being Western Australia’s oldest national park, but it also has two waterfalls that call it home.
During Djilba, these falls are in full-swing — Hovea Falls flow over granite rock around 800 metres from the main picnic area, while the National Park Falls can be seen while taking the 2.5 kilometre loop trail, cascading over 20 metres of sheer rockface. For more experienced hikers, the 15 kilometre Eagles View Walk Trial encompasses both waterfalls, plus serene views of jarrah and marri trees.
Noble Falls
About five kilometres outside of Gidgegannup is the humble Noble Falls. While not tall, the falls are visible from the car park and picnic area, and spread wide across multiple layers of rock terraces. Noble Falls is often flowing from March, but you’ll be most impressed by the views in the winter months.
The 3.5 kilometre trail takes hikers along the Wooroloo Brook to the falls, with a catalogue of gorgeous wildflowers and native fauna to spot along the way. This spot is perfect for a relaxing family outing and an easy day amongst nature.
