Monday, October 5, 2020
Where to find the best waterfalls in WA’s South West
What is it about waterfalls that evoke such universal fascination? Is it the unstoppable thundering of a wall of water, the roar that echoes in your ears and beats in your chest, or the sheer beauty of mother nature? Whatever it is, there’s not a person alive that doesn’t experience a little jolt inside when they first set eyes on one.
In WA’s South West, winter and spring are perfect for a visit to one of the region’s waterfalls. You’re also in luck because late August to November is wildflower season (October being the peak month), with the landscape positively blanketed in blooming colour.
The best waterfalls in the South West, Great Southern and Peel:
Quinninup Falls. Image courtesy @_annabelclaire_
Quinninup Falls, Yallingup
One of the favourites, but one of the most elusive to find. You can walk there from the carpark at Moses Rock Road (ignore what your GPS says), and it’ll be a 30 to 45-minute journey one-way with sand dunes and rocky paths to navigate. Make sure you have suitable footwear, water, plus a swimsuit if you want to take a dip. This is also a great opportunity for birdwatching and taking in the Cape to Cape track.
Where can I stay nearby?
Marribrae, Yallingup
Meekadarabee Falls, Cowaramup
A little treasure and one of the lesser known on the list. Known by the Indigenous peoples as ‘bathing place of the moon’, it’s close to historic Ellenbrook Homestead (a worthy attraction in its own right). You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into another world, far away from anywhere, and it’s quite an enchanting walk to the small but lovely waterfall. The trail also has universal access, so everyone is able to enjoy.
Where can I stay nearby?
Percy Street, Gracetown
Yalgardup Falls. Image courtesy @_annabelclaire_
Yalgardup Falls, Margaret River
Also known as Kevill Road Waterfall, this is easily accessible from the road. You can you find this beautiful location just a short walk or drive through the towering trees to the west of Margaret River. The waterfall itself isn’t tall but it is broad and very interesting. Watch the water as it gushes over the craggy rocks, squeezing into nooks and crannies, and past overhanging tree branches and fallen logs.
Where can I stay nearby?
Waterford, Margaret River
Ironstone Gully, Capel
Only 17km from the township of Capel, this picnic area was set aside nearly 120 years ago for settlers to enjoy the idyllic scenery. The waterfall itself is pretty as a picture with water cascading from several different spots, but it’s also an all-round delightful day out in nature. Take your camera and capture cockatoos and scarlet robins, and pretty pops of wildflowers. If you fancy seeing it all from two wheels, there’s a dirt track carved out by car tyres.
Where can I stay nearby?
Check out our collection of holiday homes at Peppermint Grove Beach.
Beedelup Falls, near Pemberton
A great day trip from the Margaret River region, these are a small and attractive series of rocky cascades within the Beedelup National Park. Visitors can access the falls from a 300 metre walk trail from the car park which takes you to a suspension bridge over Beedelup Brook. Alternatively, you can enjoy the 4.5 km moderately hard loop walk, which meanders through karri forest with views to the expansive lake at Karri Valley Resort.
Beedelup Falls, near Pemberton
Waterfall Beach, Denmark
What’s the first image that pops into your head when you think ‘waterfall’? Forests and rocks, maybe? Well, what about a beach? Waterfall Beach in Denmark is exactly as the name suggests. A gush of water emerges suddenly from the bushland onto the smooth sand below, and carves a path out to sea. You’re also only a few short kilometres from one of Western Australia’s most loved tourist destinations, Greens Pool.
Where can I stay nearby?
Woodstock, Denmark
Fernhook Falls, Walpole
Deep in WA’s Great Southern is the charming town of Walpole. Population 439. This region is known for skyscraper karri forests, unspoiled greenery as far as the eye can see and untamed ocean, but there is also a beautiful waterfall by the name of Fernhook. Water tumbles over the low slate grey rocks and flows down to Rowell’s Pool where you can launch a canoe, soak in the sunshine, or cook up a BBQ.
Where can I stay nearby?
Chirriger-on-Inlet, Walpole
Serpentine Falls, near Mandurah
One of WA’s most cherished watering holes. Although swimming is unfortunately now off limits, the walk and view remains as stunning as always. Rusty red rocks are juxtaposed against native bushland, the emerald water of the pool below, and the wide blue sky above. This area is a chameleon and has the ability to change colours dramatically, depending on the time of day. There’s a grassed picnic area with lots of tree cover and friendly kangaroos wandering by.
Where can I stay nearby?
Seascape Retreat, Mandurah
Embrace nature and the magic of waterfalls on your next holiday. Browse our portfolio today.
You might also like:
Explore underground: Margaret River’s spectacular caves
Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on all things Private Properties.
