Lesmurdie Falls

So Perth has been having some glorious winter weather lately, which has made me a bit stir crazy, so I thought I’d make the most of the sunshine and venture up into the hills. The destination today was Mundy Regional Park, or more specifically Lesmurdie Falls.

I’m still recovering from ankle surgery, meaning there are good weeks and not so good weeks, but I wanted to do something active so researched possible trails that aren’t too long, difficult or steep. As a result of this, I did take the “easy” option. Firstly, I parked at the bottom carpark to do the Gully Trail, before driving up the hill to do the upper lookouts. This meant I didn’t do the steep part of the trail in between, but there were plenty of kids who did, yes I felt a little ashamed.

The gully trail, is relatively flat, with some rocky sections to clamber over as you get closer to the falls. The water is bubbling the entire length, and after a bit of autumn rain, there was plenty of water around. I followed the brook up to the Falls, a narrow worn track, and then the formal track back to the carpark.

After completing the bottom section of Falls, I drove up the hill to see them from above. The views to the coast from the top lookouts are basically unobstructed views from hills across the city to the coast, especially on a clear day. I found that the views of the Falls from the top are not as impressive as seeing them from below, but I am amazed by the power of water and therefore would rather see it in its full force.

The Important Stuff

Who?

Lesmurdie Falls lies within the Mundy Regional Park which is managed by the Department of Parks and Wildlife.

What?

There are walk trails, lookouts, and picnic areas, with parking available both at the top and down the bottom of the falls. There were plenty of families with young kids and dogs making the most of the trails and views on the sunny Sunday I visited, so maybe get there early to get parking.

Where?

The park is essentially located in the Perth Hills, between Forrestfield and Lesmurdie. Parking is available at the bottom of the Falls on Palm Terrace and on top fo the hill on Falls Road. The main carpark near the lookout filled up quite early, but there are smaller car parks further away on Falls Road were easy enough to park in with walking paths connecting to the lookouts and beyond.

Click for location and directions. 

When?

As with any waterfalls, they are more spectacular when they are flowing so late-winter and spring would be optimal. However, we had a fair bit of rain in autumn this year which meant the Falls were flowing even in early winter. Either way, the views across the coastal plain to the CBD and coast are worth the drive.