Chasing Waterfalls in Western Australia: A Malaysian Traveller’s Guide to Nature’s Wonders

Karijini National Park

In the heart of the Pilbara lies Karijini National Park, one of Australia’s most dramatic natural landscapes. Rust-red gorges plunge more than 100 metres, concealing hidden rock pools and waterfalls. With West Oz Active Adventure Tours, you can go beyond the lookouts and immerse yourself in a full-day canyoning journey. Expect hiking, abseiling, sliding into clear pools, and swimming beneath waterfalls in iconic gorges such as Hancock, Weano and Dales.

For those who prefer something gentler, highlights include Fortescue Falls, the park’s only permanent waterfall, and nearby Fern Pool, a spring-fed oasis perfect for a cooling dip. Circular Pool, reached by a 4-km walk, offers another photogenic spot where rushing waterfalls contrast against ancient rock walls.

Darling Range

Just 30 minutes east of Perth, the Darling Range is home to Lesmurdie Falls, one of the region’s most accessible yet striking waterfalls. A guided Waterfalls & Wildflower Immersion experience combines this scenic setting with mindful forest therapy.

Over two hours, you’ll walk through bushland trails alive with bird calls and seasonal wildflowers. In spring, vibrant carpets of native blooms frame the flowing cascades. Guided breathing exercises and sensory activities help you slow down and connect with the land. The experience ends with a bush-tucker inspired tea on a granite outcrop, where panoramic views of Perth open up before you. It’s a gentle but memorable way to reconnect with nature — ideal for families, couples or solo travellers looking for calm.

Horizontal Falls

Tucked deep within the Kimberley, the Horizontal Falls are a tidal phenomenon often called one of Western Australia’s greatest natural wonders. Here, some of the world’s largest tides — reaching up to 10 metres — are pushed through two narrow cliff passages in the McLarty Range, creating the breathtaking illusion of a waterfall on its side.

The most popular way to experience the falls is on a seaplane or helicopter tour, where the bird’s-eye view reveals the sheer force and beauty of the rushing turquoise water against rugged red cliffs. Visitors can also visit Talbot Bay on a guided boat cruise to observe the powerful splendour of the falls and to experience this sacred place.

Recognised by Sir David Attenborough as “one of the greatest natural wonders of the world”, the Horizontal Falls combine raw power with stunning scenery, making them an unforgettable highlight of any Kimberley adventure.

Revolver Falls, Lake Argyle

Tucked away in the Kimberley near Lake Argyle, Revolver Falls is Western Australia’s tallest single-drop waterfall, plunging approximately 130 metres. Due to its remote location, the falls are best viewed on a scenic flight, which reveals the full scale of this natural marvel.

From the air, the contrast is breathtaking: red escarpments streaked with water, lush greenery after seasonal rains and the vast expanse of Lake Argyle glimmering nearby. For photographers, this is a rare opportunity to capture one of the state’s most dramatic and least-seen natural wonders.

King Cascades, Prince Regent National Park

Deep within the Kimberley’s remote wilderness lies King Cascades, a tiered waterfall spilling over terraced rock formations into the Prince Regent River. The falls are typically accessed via expedition cruises, with guests venturing by tender boats to the base of the cascades.

The scene is unforgettable: sheets of water tumbling over moss-covered ledges, surrounded by untouched rainforest. When conditions allow, natural pools above the cascades offer safe swimming spots, providing a refreshing dip in one of the most pristine settings imaginable. King Cascades is as much about the journey as the destination — travelling through the wild and protected landscapes of the Kimberley makes arriving at the falls even more rewarding.

Molly Springs

For something intimate and tranquil, head to Molly Springs, a hidden gem about 30 kilometres from Kununurra in the Ngamoowalem Conservation Park. Unlike the towering waterfalls elsewhere, Molly Springs is a small but permanent spring-fed pool, shaded by native vegetation and fed by a gentle cascade.

It’s a local favourite for cooling off on hot days, with picnic tables, a barbecue, and simple facilities making it an easy stop. Wildlife is part of the charm: fish dart in the clear waters, while birds and goannas often appear nearby. Its year-round flow ensures that even in the dry season, you can count on a refreshing dip in this peaceful oasis.