The scenic features of Serpentine National Park together with its close proximity to Perth have attracted visitors for almost 100 years. It is also a sanctuary for an array of plants and animals (particularly kangaroos) and has a shaded grassed area popular for picnics. Set in a naturally beautiful cleft at the foot of the scarp, the park stretched up the steep slopes if the Serpentine River valley, past a sheer face of granite polished smooth by the rushing waters. Past weathering has resulted in distinct landscapes of lateritic uplands, minor and major valleys and abrupt scarps.
Aboriginal culture
Long before European settlement, Nyoongar Aborigines of the Whadjuk and, probably, Bindjareb tribes hunted and camped in the woodlands between modern-day Perth and Pinjarra. The Serpentine River, the surrounding hills and the wetlands of the coastal plain provided the Nyoongars with fresh water, fish and other food resources such as tortoises, lizards and birds.
The best time to see the wildflowers is from July to November. The finest displays are in September, when the hillsides and wooded areas become ablaze with colour.
The park abounds with bird life, some 70 of the 100 bird species known to live on the Darling Scarp have been recorded in the park. While picnicking here, it is also quite common to be joined by western grey kangaroos. The echidna, mardo, quenda, brushtail possum, western brush-wallaby and possibly the quokka are more secretive and less visible.
Your safety
Please do not climb or attempt to jump from the Serpentine Falls. People have died doing this. Always be aware of your surroundings and heed visitor risk warning signs. Hazard warning signs are placed there for your protection and safety.
Getting there
Serpentine National Park is 55 km south-east of Perth, with a travelling time of approximately one hour and 10 minutes.
