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.
A mobile food and drink outlet is available in the park carpark on most weekends and during public and school holidays. Cash sales only.
The Serpentine Falls area often fills to capacity and is then closed to new visitors - plan to arrive before 10am.
Aboriginal culture
Long before European settlement, Noongar 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, 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.
Swim safely: Even though inland waterways look inviting, especially when the surface is calm, they pose many hidden dangers. Know the risks and how to swim safely.
Pets in parks
Pets are not permitted in the park as consideration for the rights of other park users, and to protect native animals. Please click here for further information.
Getting there
Serpentine National Park is 55km south-east of Perth, with a travelling time of approximately one hour and 10 minutes.
