Just south of Perth, Serpentine National Park is a stunning destination where visitors can leave the noise of the city behind and swim at the base of a thundering waterfall. Note though that this is just an Australian swimming hole and not fed by any natural springs.
Escape into the calm landscapes of Western Australia’s bushland. There are multiple dams in the park (Serpentine and Pipehead), but the main attraction is Serpentine Falls.
The park covers 10,840 acres of land along the Serpentine River. The national park has been attracting visitors for nearly 100 years, but recently, Serpentine Falls has seen a boost in popularity with international tourists.
Surrounded by a rocky landscape, the falls flow from the rocks into a deep pool. Visitors are permitted to swim and picnic at the falls. Hiking is also a popular activity with multiple trails leading to Serpentine Falls.
Swimming Hole at Serpentine Falls
A remarkably beautiful location, Serpentine Falls is nestled at the base of a sheer granite rock face. The flowing water has smoothed and polished the rock to reveal a stunning marbleization of colors with shades ranging from black to brown. The angled rocks ensure that the waterfall gently cascades into the pool, which makes Serpentine Falls a great spot for swimming.
The pool at the base of the falls can get quite deep. Swimmers will be able to fully submerge in the pool at its deepest part, which is close to the base of the waterfall. Although there is always fresh water running into the pool, water temperatures are quite warm throughout the year and can fluctuate from warm to ambient temperature.
For easy access to the pool, there is a long staircase that leads visitors directly into the water. It’s lined with railings to ensure that visitors are safe from slipping. The stairs are the best way to access the pool and they are the only man-made part of Serpentine Falls.
Along the pool, the edges have been kept all natural with rock. Some of the rocks near the stairs are flat and safe enough for swimmers to use them to access the pool or lounge in the sun. The backside of Serpentine Falls is not safe for climbing because the rocks are too sheer and slippery to access. Visitors are strongly encouraged to not climb the rocks or use them to jump into the pool.
Although there are no facilities directly next to Serpentine Falls, there is a picnic area just a short walk away. Called the Serpentine Falls – Main Picnic Area, visitors will have access to a large lawn, tables, barbecue, and toilets. The picnic area is connected to the falls by a short loop trail.
The best time to visit Serpentine Falls and Serpentine National Park is during the springtime (September-November). During the spring, temperatures are cooler and the landscape will be covered in blooming wildflowers. Spring is also a busy season for hiking.
Visitors can access Serpentine Falls every day from 8:30 am to 5 pm. However, space is limited at the falls and picnic area. When the park is at full capacity, Serpentine Falls is closed to new visitors.
To ensure that you get a spot at the falls, visitors should plan to arrive before 10 am. The busiest times for tourists to the falls are on weekends during the spring (September-November) and summer (December-February).
Nearby Accommodations
This section contains referral links. If you click through and take action, we may receive a commission, at no additional cost to you.
Serpentine National Park and access to Serpentine Falls close at 5 pm every day. Staying overnight in the park or by the falls is not permitted. The closest town is Serpentine, which is 6 minutes/3.4 kilometers away. The town is fairly small and there aren’t too many lodging options.
Two of the most popular places to stay in Serpentine are the Tasman Holiday Parks and the Braybrook Boutique Bed & Breakfast. Both of these accommodation options are less than 10 minutes from Serpentine Falls.
The Tasman Holiday Parks – Serpentine Falls is a well-liked accommodation because of its clean room, large property, and child-friendly policies. Guests at the park can rent a private room or an entire villa. Property features include an outdoor swimming pool and garden.
Part of a 40-acre farm, the Braybrook Boutique Bed & Breakfast offers 5-star accommodation to guests of all ages. Visitors can book a private cottage or rent a room at thus B and B. Previous guests have also loved the location of the bed and breakfast, as well as its beautiful gardens.
Getting There
Serpentine National Park is located just outside of the small town of Serpentine in Western Australia. Perth is 40.5 miles (65.2km) to the north of the national park and falls. It’s easy to access and the roads to the falls are paved and maintained to ensure that any vehicle can reach the car park and picnic area.
A short trail from the picnic area leads visitors directly to the falls. Guests can also find the falls and explore more of Serpentine National Park by taking a walk along the various trails and tracks. The Falls Walk Trail, Kitty’s Gorge Walk Track, and Baldwins Bluff Nature Track take visitors through the national park, and all three lead to the falls.
Details
Address: 100 Falls Road, Serpentine WA 6125, Australia
Coordinates: 32.3704°S, 116.0018°E
Phone: (+61) 08 9290 6100 – Park Office
Season: Year-round
Age Restrictions: None
Clothing: Required
Pets: Not permitted
Entry: Paid – per vehicle
Website: exploreparks.dbca.wa.gov.au/site/serpentine-falls-main-picnic-area
Molly Springs (Galjiba) – Kununarra, WA, Australia