Serpentine National Park

Serpentine National Park is one of the most spectacular nature spots in the metro area, and it’s only about 50 minutes south of Perth! 

A photo taken by a drone of Serpentine Falls. Water rushes over orange-coloured rocks into a turquoise pool. Green trees and bushland surround the falls.
Serpentine Falls is an important cultural site to the Binjareb/Pinjarup, Ganeang and Wilman people. Photo credit: Lisa Watson Photography, thanks to the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale

Cultural Recognition

We recognise and acknowledge Binjareb/Pinjarup, Ganeang and Wilman people as the traditional owners of Serpentine National Park. 

Overview of Serpentine National Park

The main attraction of the park is Serpentine Falls – a 15 metre waterfall that flows from the Serpentine River and cascades over granite outcrops, into a natural pool.  

There are four (4) trails to explore in the park that take visitors through the beautiful surrounding bushland. Keep an eye out for kangaroos that are frequently spotted in the area, native birds, and wildflowers. 

Wheelchair accessible toilets and a large picnic area are located close to Serpentine Falls. The path from the picnic area to the falls is mostly accessible, except for some small steps leading into the pool at the bottom of the falls. 

No pets are allowed in this Serpentine National Park. Fees apply for entry, which contribute to park management, including protection of the environment and the development and maintenance of visitor services and facilities. 

A photo of a sign on a short stone wall surrounded by green grass, bushes and trees. The sign reads “Serpentine National Park.”
Welcome to Serpentine National Park.
A photo of a kangaroo in the picnic area. The kangaroo is snacking on some green grass next to a barbecue and is surrounded by tall trees.
Kangaroos are often spotted at the picnic area.

Cost of Entry*

Private vehicle with up to 12 occupants  

  • $17 per vehicle  
  • $10 per vehicle concession  

Private vehicle with more than 12 occupants  

  • $8 per occupant 6 years or older  
  • $3.50 per occupant concession  

Motorcycle  

  • $10 per motorbike  
  • No concession  

No entry fee applies if you walk or cycle into the park.

*Prices accurate as of January 2024, refer to the Explore Parks WA website for up to date pricing.

Nature Play Resources

Nature Play WA has created fun and interactive resources for Serpentine National Park. 

For more fun, interactive nature play activities for families that can be used wile exploring any location, check out our free, Every Kid in a Park resource library

Family Resource Library

Activities & Information

With its proximity to Perth, the picturesque Herdsman Lake Regional Park has plenty to offer families looking for space to spend time in nature together.

A photo of a wide, sealed path winding through bushland in Serpentine National Park.
There are a few different walk trails to explore within the park

Sit beside the falls in the cooler months to find some tranquility, or hop in for a swim when it’s hot – just be sure to check the safety information on the Explore Parks WA website. 

There are four (4) trails to explore in the park that take visitors through the beautiful surrounding bushland. Keep an eye out for kangaroos that are frequently spotted in the area, native birds, and wildflowers. 

Wheelchair accessible toilets and a large picnic area are located close to Serpentine Falls. The path from the picnic area to the falls is mostly accessible, except for some small steps leading into the pool at the bottom of the falls. 

During peak periods (warmer months), we recommend arriving before 10am, as the park often reaches capacity by this time and is then closed to new visitors. 

No pets are allowed in this Serpentine National Park. Fees apply for entry, which contribute to park management, including protection of the environment and the development and maintenance of visitor services and facilities. 

A photo of the picnic area at Serpentine National Park. It’s an open space of green grass, trees, picnic tables and barbecues.
The picnic area is a great place to play or stop for a bite to eat.
A photo of a kangaroo paw. The flower has a bright red/pink stem. Two petals then curve over parallel to each other, which have six (6) short green stems protruding from the end.
A kangaroo paw. Photo credit: Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. 
A photo of a possum sitting on a tree branch at nighttime. The possum is small, round and fuzzy.
Brushtail possums are active at night, and rarely spotted during the day.

See if you can spot some of these plants and animals during your visit!  

Animals

  • Kangaroos 
  • Possums 
  • Geckos 
  • Tiger snakes 

Birds 

  • Red-capped parrots 
  • Western rosellas 
  • Red-tailed black cockatoos 
  • Carnaby’s black cockatoos

Plants

Wildflowers 

  • Spider orchids 
  • Hakea 
  • Wattle 
  • Kangaroo paw 

Trees 

  • Sheoaks
  • Eucalyptus 
  • Balga 

If you plan to swim at Serpentine Falls, please note that climbing and jumping from the rocks is not permitted and may result in serious injury. Enter the water slowly and do not dive in – the depth varies from shallow to very deep. Do not enter the water if you are not a strong swimmer.

A photo of stairs leading to the pool at the bottom of Serpentine Falls. The falls can be seen rushing over orange-coloured rocks in the distance.
It’s important to read the safety information before swimming at Serpentine Falls. Photo credit: Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale

Serpentine National Park is an important location to the Binjareb/Pinjarup, Ganeang and Wilman people, and home to many plants and animals. Follow the tips below to assist in the protection of the Serpentine National Park environment. 

  • Do not disturb or displace plants and animals.
  • Be respectful of Noongar culture and do not climb the rocks around Serpentine Falls. 
  • Only follow marked walk trails.    
  • Leave no trace. Ensure all food and rubbish is contained and out of reach of wildlife, and take all belongings with you when you leave.   
  • Do not feed wildlife.    
A photo of two kangaroos in the picnic area at Serpentine National Park. They stand on some green grass, and tall trees can be seen in the background.
Kangaroos are commonly spotted in the national park. Photo credit: Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale

Visit Explore Parks WA website for more information about Serpentine National Park.

Acknowledgements

Nature Play WA would like to thank the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions for providing valuable information about Serpentine National Park. 

  • A photo taken by a drone directly over Serpentine Falls. There are two (2) pools of turquoise water separated by rocks and a man-made path. There are three (3) people swimming in the water on the left, and small groups of people sitting on the rocks. Green trees surround the pools.
  • A photo of a flat walkway with metal railings winding over the Serpentine River and through green trees and bushland.
  • A photo of a wide, sealed path winding through bushland in Serpentine National Park.
  • A photo of a red-capped parrot sitting on a dead tree stump. The bird is colourful, with a red head, bright yellow/green neck, dark blue chest and green wing.
  • A photo of pincushion hakea flowers on a hakea tree. The flowers appear to have a large, red sphere at the centre, with lots of thin, white stems sticking out.
  • A photo of stairs leading to the pool at the bottom of Serpentine Falls. The falls can be seen rushing over orange-coloured rocks in the distance.
  • Two people sitting on a rock ledge on the edge of the natural pool at Serpentine Falls. The pool is a deep blue/green colour. Green trees and bushland can be seen in the distance.
  • A photo of a sign on a short stone wall surrounded by green grass, bushes and trees. The sign reads “Serpentine National Park.”