Where the Darling Scarp Drops Away at Lesmurdie Falls

Overview

Lesmurdie Falls National Park is a small but striking patch of bushland on the western edge of the Darling Scarp, about 22km east of Perth near Lesmurdie. The park is centred on Lesmurdie Brook, which cuts through the middle of the reserve before spilling over the scarp in a 50m waterfall to the Swan Coastal Plain below.

What gives this place its character is the contrast between close-up creek and woodland country at the top of the scarp, and the sudden sense of space once the land falls away. Even though the park is not large, it feels sharply defined by that meeting point of brook, granite and escarpment.

Highlights

The standout feature is Lesmurdie Falls itself, where the brook drops over granite bedrock and over the face of the Darling Scarp. In the wetter months the falls are at their most dramatic, while in drier periods the escarpment still gives the park its scenic pull.

The broader setting is classic Perth Hills country, with granite outcrops, steep valley sides and long views across the Swan Coastal Plain. From the scarp edge, the landscape opens right out, which is why this area feels so much bigger than the map suggests.

Best Time to Visit

Late winter and spring are usually the best times to see the park at its most lively, when the falls are flowing and wildflowers are out along the scarp and valley. Early spring is especially rewarding, with water still moving through the brook and flowering plants adding colour through the surrounding bushland.

Summer and much of autumn are a different experience. The falls are often dry then, so the appeal shifts from running water to the shape of the valley, the granite and the wide escarpment views.

Plants and Animals

The park supports jarrah, marri and wandoo woodland, with a rich mix of smaller plants through the understorey and plenty of seasonal colour in wildflower time. The scarp setting and creekline create a varied patch of habitat within a relatively compact area.

Wildlife is part of the character here too, with many species of birds, mammals and reptiles recorded in the park. Birds of prey can be seen around the escarpment, and after winter rain the sound of frogs carries from the brook and wetter ground nearby.

Culture and Heritage

This place sits within Whadjuk Country. The Traditional Owner connection is recognised for the adjoining park landscape around Lesmurdie Falls, reflecting the long Aboriginal presence in this part of the Perth Hills.