Serpentine Falls, Western Australia: Swimming & entrance fee
You can swim at Serpentine Falls in the Serpentine National Park near Perth, Western Australia, but visitors are advised not to. Enjoy the kangaroos in the picnic area instead.
Where is Serpentine Falls?
Serpentine Falls is the star attraction of the Serpentine National Park near Jarrahdale, 55km south-east of Perth. This Western Australian waterfall isn’t really about the height – it only drops 15 metres. Opt for Lesmurdie Falls if height’s your thing.
No, Serpentine Falls is all about the rushing cascade effect. It charges over a sheer face of granite which has been smoothed over time by the waters of the Serpentine River.
DON’T MISS OUT! 9 fabulous Perth experiences to book today ✅
- ✅ See the Rottnest Island quokkas the smart way – with a ferry and bike package.
- ✅ Be amazed by the abundant wildlife – on a dolphin, penguin and sealion cruise.
- ✅ See clear night skies in a moon-like desert – on a Pinnacles stargazing experience.
- ✅ Indulge in chocolate, cheese & premium wines – on a Swan Valley food and wine tour.
- ✅ See the city sunset from the water – on a Swan River dinner cruise.
- ✅ Watch gold being melted and poured – on a Perth Mint gold tour.
- ✅ Combine nature with imperious city views – on Kings Park Segway tour.
- ✅ Face your fears and get the thrill of your life on a – on a 15,000ft skydive.
- ✅ Find all the best hidden hangouts – on a small bar and street art tour.
Is it OK to swim at Serpentine Falls?
But can you swim at Serpentine Falls? Or, more specifically, in the rock-lined pool at the bottom of the falls? Well, the Western Australian Parks and Wildlife Service would really rather you didn’t. The official advice is that swimming at Serpentine Falls is not recommended. This is because the water is untreated, with varying depths and submerged hazards. The rocks at Serpentine Falls can also be slippery.
However, despite these risks, there is no ban on going for a swim at Serpentine Falls. Which means that people do it anyway at the slightest hint of sunshine. So, if you’re going to go swimming, don’t go looking for sympathy if you hurt yourself.
Serpentine Falls kangaroos
If you’re going to err on the side of caution, there are more things to do at Serpentine Falls. There are several walks in the Serpentine National Park that are worth tackling. It’s also something of a wildlife haven. The grassy lawns around Serpentine Falls are a magnet for western grey kangaroos in the late afternoon.
Other native Australian animals sometimes seen in the Serpentine National Park include dunnarts, quendas, western brush wallabies, chuditches and echidnas. There’s also a range of birdlife. Black cockatoos, red-capped parrots and splendid fairy wrens are commonly sighted.
5 great day trips from Perth – make your visit special
- Rottnest Island ferry transfer – with bike hire and snorkelling gear. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- The Pinnacles desert – with koalas 🐨 and sandboarding.
- Wave Rock day tour – with wildflowers & Aboriginal culture.
- Margaret River wineries experience 🍷 – with tastings, caves & Cape Leeuwin Lighthouse.
- Full day Swan Valley wine tour 🍷– with lunch.
Serpentines picnic area car park closure
The Serpentine Falls picnic area next to the car park offers picnic tables, gas barbecues and toilets. The problem is that it gets very popular, very quickly.
On weekends and school holidays in particular, visitors are advised to get to Serpentine Falls before 10am. Once the car park is full, the gates are closed to new arrivals for the rest of the day. Of course, you can stay at the Serpentine Falls caravan park instead, which is a 25 minute walk away.
Serpentine Falls entrance fee
It is not free to visit Serpentine Falls. The entrance fee to Serpentine National Park is $15 per vehicle.
Serpentine Falls opening hours
Serpentine Falls is not open 24 hours a day. The Serpentine Falls opening hours are 08.30 to 17.00 daily.
More Western Australia travel
Go wine-tasting at Millbrook Winery in Jarrahdale, Perth Hills.
Tackle the wild waves of the Injidup Natural Spa in Yallingup.
Cruise the enormous Lake Argyle in the Kimberley.
Go fishing in the King River near Wyndham in the Kimberley.
Enjoy sundowner beers at Bathers Beach House in Fremantle.