Serpentine National Park is a wonderful spot to visit with the family – it’s home to the stunning Serpentine Falls, lots of bush trails, and a picnic area. The nature packed spot, found in the southern region of the Perth Hills, is packed with nature. A National Park fee applies per car ($17 in 2024). Please note, at busy times the park gates are closed, when the park reaches capacity. You can call ahead of time to make sure the park isn’t at capacity (or get there early when it opens). If this happens, all is not lost, drive a little further north and check out Serpentine Dam instead. 
There is a grassed picnic areas with tables, toilets and BBQs.
You may even spot a ‘roo or two.
From the gravel car park, it is an easy 400 meter walk to the falls, over a bridge, around a boulder, and along a boardwalk to the falls.
The walk to the Falls is short and very pram friendly, its a beautiful place for photos. The falls flow down the ancient granite rocks most of the year. There are steps into the water, for swimming. If you’re planning on taking a dip, it’s worth asking if the water is safe and has been tested. Contact Department of Parks (08) 9290 6100. There are lots of slippery rocks and danger notices around, so be aware that swimming is at your own risk.
Feeling adventurous? Head back into the carpark and look for the trail that takes you to Kitty’s Gorge. This is an epic trail, at about 17kms (return) to Jarrahdale. Not up for a huge hike? Take a smaller bite, the views are worth it.
Keep your eyes peeled on the path from the car park to the falls for the skinny metal bridge that crosses over the water through the bush. The kids enjoyed a run on this.
All in all, whether you spend an hour or a day exploring Serpentine National Park, this is $17 well spent. There are lots of paths to explore and enjoy the great outdoors with the kids.
Find Serpentine National Park at Falls Road, Serpentine
Open 7 days a week, 8:30am to 5pm.
Find more walks and picnic spots
Find more swimming holes in Perth
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Amanda Carlin has her own food and travel blog. Established in 2013, “The Chef, His Wife and Their Perth-fect Life” has enjoyed an exciting name change in 2021, as “The Chef’s Ex-wife” embarks on new adventures with Simply PERTHfect. Amanda loves getting out and about in Perth and WA, as well as brunching, tapas or something a little fancy in equal measures. With her son “Little Chef” in tow, Amanda always has plenty of family friendly eating options to recommend too! Be sure to check out Simply PERTHfect.
[…] was in the Perth Hills with the kiddos, visiting Serpentine Falls, and we weren’t organised enough to bring a picnic along. When lunchtime rolled around, we […]
[…] Serpentine National Park is found at the southern end of the Perth Hills. There’s picnic facilities and toilets, as well as walking to the falls, or take a bush walk to Kitty’s Gorge with older, more adventurous kids. And a tip – call ahead of time to make sure the park isn’t at capacity (or get there when it opens at 8:30am) or you may be turned away because the Park is full. See the Buggybuddys guide here. […]