A cool rock pool at the base of a waterfall, kangaroos on the lawns and a scenic drive south. Here's how to do Serpentine Falls on a hot day, and why you need to get there early.
My hot-day escape
When the forecast says 38 and the beach is packed, I head south to Serpentine Falls. It’s about an hour from the city in Serpentine National Park, and the pool at the bottom of the falls is one of the few places near Perth where you can swim in fresh water under a waterfall.
Quick facts
- Where: Serpentine National Park, about an hour south of Perth.
- Open: 8.30am to 5pm. The car park closes to new visitors once it’s full.
- Cost: Vehicle entry fee, or use a WA parks pass.
- Swimming: Yes, in the cold freshwater pool at the base of the falls. No jumping or diving.
- Facilities: Gas barbecues, picnic tables, an accessible toilet, grass and shade.
- Dogs: Not allowed in the national park.
- Best time: Before 10am on hot days, or at opening time on a hot weekend.
“Water falls are best experienced in the water. It’s a very special feeling to be in the first dam.”
Kent A, Tripadvisor review
Get there early
This is the most important tip. The falls area is open from 8.30am to 5pm, and on hot days it fills up fast. Once the car park is full, it’s closed to new visitors. Explore Parks WA recommends arriving before 10am, and on a really hot weekend I’d aim for opening time.
A vehicle entry fee applies, or you can use a WA parks pass.
The walk and the swim
From the picnic area, it’s an easy, short walk to the base of the falls. The water slides down a big granite face into a deep, dark pool surrounded by rocks.
The water is cold, even in summer, and the bottom is uneven, with hidden rocks. Ease in slowly, don’t jump or dive, and keep a close eye on kids. If you’re not a strong swimmer, there are shallower spots around the edges.
“Serpentine Falls has always been a favourite swimming and picnicing spot.”
Jeffry b, Tripadvisor review
Picnics and kangaroos
The main picnic area has gas barbecues, picnic tables and an accessible toilet, plus plenty of grass and shade. Kangaroos are regulars here and are quite relaxed around people. Please don’t feed them. Dogs aren’t allowed in the park.
“Plenty of picnic spots and some tables where you can get up and personal with the local kangaroos and birds.”
LUX ESCAPES, Tripadvisor review
Make a day of the drive
The run down the South Western Highway is easy, but I prefer the back way through the hills on the motorbike, finishing with a stop at Serpentine Dam for the views. Just remember the falls close at 5pm, so do your exploring before or after your swim.
Featured image: Calistemon, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. You can swim in the pool at the base of the falls. The water is cold and has hidden rocks, so don’t jump or dive, and supervise kids closely.
